Music: An Adventure for One

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ONCE UPON A MICROPHONE, a somewhat shy Marsha Ambrosius dreamed of solo success. Then some personal and Industry obstacles derailed that dream.

"I was like, 'A solo career? Oh, no. That's not for me. ... Let me put all my focus on writing and production for other people,'" said Ambrosius.

While writing and producing, and also singing on the local circuit, she met spoken-word artist Natalie Stewart. That's how Ambrosius became the high-pitched half of soul- and R&B-laced duo Floetry.

"Floetry came about because we were cool. We weren't trying to put a group together; we were just doing poetry gigs together. It so happened that we got a deal out of it when we came over to the States," she explained.

When Ambrosius and Stewart went their seperate ways, the dream this songbird wrote off — that of flying solo — became a reality. Ambrosius says there couldn't be a better time for it.

"[Producer Dr.] Dre approaching at the time he did was ideal for me, because it really was my next move," she said. "I would never have guessed he would approach me to do a solo project."

That solo venture hits streets early next year. Until then, the siren is touring with exclusive tracks courtesy of "[herself] and Dr. Dre." She's also putting her stamp on projects from Mario and Alicia Keys.

And if you must know: "[Floetry] just bottom line outgrew each other."

Cramton Auditorium, 2455 6th St. NW; with Avant, Sat., 8 p.m., $35, $25 students; 800-551-7328.

Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images