Everybody Knows Sarah Jarosz (is going to be big, really big)

Sarah Jarosz jumps to number 1 on the Americana Music Charts with her just released album, Build Me Up From Bones ending Jason Isbell's rein at number one with his great effort, Southeastern. Just wanted to say I told you so. Here is a re-post of my review of Sarah's concerts I have seen.  I missed Jason Isbell when he was in Raleigh, but I surly won't next time.  Both artists are at the top of their game and the top of the charts. http://www.americanaradio.org/ama/displaychart_beforetracks.asp?mode=lw&dtkey=

Sarah Jarosz’s first album received great reviews by No Depression magazine.  I downloaded and fell in love with the voice and the music.  http://sarahjarosz.com/

In 2010 we attended a sold out concert at Jammin’ Java coffee.  Sold out at Jammin’ Java means about 60 people.  The ticket surcharge fees almost cost as much as the tickets.   A wonderful evening unfolded at this venerable venue in Vienna Virginia (how’s that for alliteration, my 10^th grade English teacher would be impressed, thank you Mr. Shaw).  http://jamminjava.com/

Sarah Jarosz on Austin Stage, Merlefest 2011

At Merlefest 2011 I made it mission to at least see one of Sarah Jarosz’s performances.  Since I volunteer Merlefest, I had to slip away from my post and catch her at the Austin stage.  A good crowd also had heard the buzz and was there.  Sarah seemed a little intimidated.  She was not as powerful as her recorded music or as her Jamin’ Java Performance.  So I say a young artist who will become a big artist as she grows to play to large audiences was my take on the Merlefest performance.  Sarah, who is only 20, was growing and learning at Merlefest.

Then Friday happened.  About 700 people had heard the buzz and it standing room only in Saxapahaw.  The show opened with Lizzy Ross doing a solo performance.  She sang her heart out and won the crowd over.  “Hi, I’m Lizzy Ross from Chapel Hill, I usually perform with the Lizzy Ross Band.”  (Make a mental note, find time to see the Lizzy Ross Band).  http://lizzy.net/

Sarah Jarosz at Hall
River Ball Room

Sarah followed and only had her violinist with her as the cello player was playing a gig in SC.  He missed out big, but was not missed.  Sarah had a great show, although in this venue I think some raucous foot-stomping music would have made many in the crowd more pleased on a Friday night in the country.  Tom Legard has built a great performance hall.  It has beautiful floors, acoustics and lights.  But the music of the evening really called for something less distracting than a standing crowd.  I hope to see Sarah again when I can pay a little more and enjoy a seated listening of her intimate Americana music and voice.  I hope to go back to the Haw River Ball Room to see a big loud band, or play in a big loud band there.  http://www.hawriverballroom.com/

There two other great venues in Saxapahaw that should not be missed- the Saxapahaw General Store and the Eddy Bar.  I will plan to post on these later.