A brother battles lymphoma and survives. An airplane disaster kills all the occupants, but people living near the crash site find hope and meaning in the horrid aftermath.
These are the real-life events that inspire Nicky Mehta, a 29-year-old singer-songwriter making a name for herself in Winnipeg's folk music scene. On her debut album Weather Vane, she turns dark subject matter on its head.

"My song-writing deals with finding hope and happiness in difficult circumstances," says the 29-year-old Mehta, who sang in a handful of local rock bands  before turning to folk in her mid -20s.

As an accompanist for singer-songwriters Rick Unruh and Sam Baardman, the vocalist quickly realized the kinder, gentler world of folk was more in line with her personality than fickle, image-conscious rock 'n roll.

"The music scene in Winnipeg is pretty supportive, but the folk community is particularly great, "she says. "I've had a lot of support from a lot of great people over the last few years."

That support continues tonight, when Mehta is joined by a top-notch cast of local musicians at the Gas Station Theatre. The $5 show is a CD release party for the independently produced Weather Vane.

The disc goes on sale next week at McNally Robinson Booksellers and other stores. After that, Mehta has gigs lined up at the Winnipeg Folk Festival and the Brandon Folk and Art Festival in July.

Part of the proceeds from her debut album will be donated to inner-city teen centre The Graffiti Gallery. Mehta has first-hand experience with the sort of kids who benefit from the gallery - her day job involves teaching anger management strategies to teens.