To the casual listener Minnesota’s Brenda Weiler may be easy to categorize. She is, after all, another in a long line of singing and songwriting females. Her folk style lends itself to comparisons to Lilith Fair counterparts, and it has taken a lot of hard work for Weiler to distinguish herself as a major artist in her own right.

Hard work translates into a relentless touring schedule and four albums in four years. Her schedule and fourth album bring Weiler to the Maintenance Shop Saturday night, where she will support her latest release, “Brenda Weiler Live.”

The record is a collection of live solo acoustic versions of songs on all three of her previous albums, as well as songs never before released.

“My main motive behind the live record was to contrast my third album,” Weiler says. “That album is much different than me live; it’s very produced and I wanted to bring back the songs to how I heard and wrote them. Also the fans have been asking about a live record for a while now.”

Weiler’s performances on campus have quickly become a nM-Shop staple over the past four years, and M-Shop Coordinator Eric Yarwood says he’s excited for Weiler to return.

“Brenda’s great,” Yarwood says. “She sells out every time and always keeps trying new things. Plus, you just can’t believe the size of the voice that comes out of that little body.”

Weiler’s feeling for the M-Shop is mutual.

“I love playing that place,” she says. “I just love the vibe there. They have a nice set-up, comfortable surroundings, great sound people and I dig the stained glass. Plus, people always turn up for it.”

The live album features electric guitar work from another Minnesota musician who goes by the moniker Kid Dakota. Dakota’s work on the album will be recognizable to those who attended Weiler’s M-Shop show last spring, where he joined her on stage for a few songs.

“We both hang out within a certain circle of people,” Weiler says, on how the two musicians began performing with one another. “He can add so much.”

Although most of Weiler’s shows are just her and a guitar, Weiler also has a complete backing band in her repertoire.

“It varies. I prefer playing solo, but it’s limiting,” she says. “I can hear things in my head sometimes and have no way to play it myself. It’s nice to have the band there for that.”

Regardless of who may be sharing the stage with her Saturday night, Weiler’s undeniable natural talents and devoted work ethic are a safe bet to turn even the most casual listener into a fan.