Race: while wood-elf has the most potential, for your first bard, I would play either human or half-elf/half-drow; iron vuln + bash will make you fodder in early ranks; and 23 chr vs 22 chr actually does make a difference (especially when healing).

Repertoire: comedic or tragic; though I would recommend comedic - better healing, easier echoes, still good damage, but HORRIBLE fiend.

Edges: swashbuckler + the one that makes tune a 1 round lag

Gear mostly for HP at first; you'll find the right balance later. You'll want a cursed weapon (exotic or sword) in main hand.

Anyway, Zannon and I have probably played the most bards here, feel free to PM with specific questions. THERE IS A LOT OF MIS-INFO on bards.