About halfway through "Runaway Mind," Nancy Parent declares, "This is who I am," a line she must have relished singing. That's because Parent is a lot of things - a mother of two with a doctorate in anthropology who plays keys and pedal steel in local folk-rock band the Rivergods, fronted by her husband, Ben.

But this time, Parent is out on her own with her solo debut, "Visions of Angels," recorded with Hugh Birdsall (Reducers, Dogbite) in the past year.

The album, which often recalls the more midtempo moments from mid-'80s efforts by 10,000 Maniacs and Syd Straw, is augmented by tasteful strings and occasional backing vocals from Rachael Akins.

Parent will celebrate the release of "Visions of Angels" with a show at the Friday Night Folk Series at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. Dogbite will open.

- STEVE CHUPASKA

Nancy Parent, Dogbite, 7:30 p.m. Friday, All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 19 Jay St., New London; $10 suggested donation; (860) 443-0316, fridaynightfolk.org.