Nothing suits summer like the sound of a metal-bodied guitar strummed by one of the best. After a well-received performance with Steve James as part of last year’s concert series, Del Rey returns to Key City Playhouse on Sunday, Aug. 31 for the third Cabaret Concert produced by Key City Public Theatre and George Rezendes/Toolshed Sound Lab.

At age 4, Del Rey was already learning the guitar, and at 13, her interest was piqued when she heard Tom Waits play for 20 people at a record store in San Diego. Lou Curtiss, who owned that store and served as the artistic director for the San Diego Folk Festival, opened Rey up to a wider variety of musical styles, especially the music of Memphis Minnie. Hanging around the record store, she became immersed in the world of jazz, country blues, boogie and stride piano.

Rey’s resonating metal-bodied guitar and ukulele create mellifluous musical sounds as she finger-picks and sings unique jazz, blues and ragtime tunes that keep feet tapping.

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Key City Playhouse, 419 Washington St. Tickets, $20, are available by calling 385-KCPT (5278), in person at the playhouse box office or online at keycitypublictheatre.org.