It takes a focused, talented person to pull off a one-person-band operation. Dick Van Dyke’s street musician character in the 1964 classic Mary Poppins does it with an accordian, a drum, a trumpet, a triangle, and some other odds and ends. But sometimes, just being human can feel that way; the everyday operation of managing work with relationships and creativity with responsibilities often borders on impossible. Cruzie Beaux knows it, but has developed a unique way of dealing with it.

Cruzie, a former member of local electronic group Drop Electric and lifelong District resident, has been juggling the tasks of writing and performing as a solo artist for about a year. Combining the vocal talent she honed in that group (in addition to a lifetime of playing in other bands), with her guitar skills and interest in electronic production, she’s created something that sounds nothing like Van Dyke’s street musician—but is just as challenging. “My music tends to come out really angsty, and I like that,” she says. “I want to bring rawness and loudness back into fun music.”

To overcome the stress and nerves of her solo endeavor, she often reminds herself of that film scene as a means of humorous encouragement. Listen to “Mrs. Dick Van Dyke,” a noisy work of guitar and percussion colored by girl power. “I’m a fan of the female artist who isn’t afraid to be in your face,” Cruzie explains—and that she certainly pulls off.

Cruzie Beaux performs Saturday, May 30th at DC9, assisted by Jay Nemeyer (of Color Palette). DJ Ayes Cold, Me and Karen, and Chomp Chomp. Tickets are $8, only available at the door.