Bear with me as I start this short story about Nashville singer-songwriter Molly Parden with some tangentially related local music news: In case you missed it, McMenamins Old St. Francis School in Bend is hosting a show by the great Canadian singer-songwriter Andy Shauf on May 8. Unlike the vast majority of shows at McMenamins, it is not free; like the Hiss Golden Messenger last March, you must buy a ticket to attend, which you can do at mcmenamins.com.

Now, what does this have to do with Parden, who will visit Bend’s Volcanic Theatre Pub Thursday night? Her music very much reminds me of Shauf’s glowing, mellow, exquisitely crafted folk-pop music. This is not to compare the two, but simply to give you a potential frame of reference because Shauf is more widely known. (If you don’t know either, then check them both out!)

Parden is from Georgia but has lived in Nashville for 10 years, where she made a living as a singer contributing to other people’s projects. Her original music, however, deserves to be heard. Her new album “Sacramented” is a collection of understated, entrancingly beautiful songs that juxtapose a downcast, after-hours vibe with arrangements that aren’t “lush” but maybe low-key lush, as the kids might say? The point is, they are not showy, but they sound amazing, especially on headphones.

The centerpiece of Parden’s songs, though, are her voice, her melodies and her uncommon way of singing about the ups and downs and even more downs of life. She is an exceptional talent just beginning to really bloom.

Molly Parden, with Shane T.: 8 p.m. Saturday, doors open 7 p.m., $15, Volcanic Theatre Pub, 70 SW Century Drive, Bend, volcanictheatre.com.