Zee Avi

When Malaysian-born Zee Avi walked out onto the stage, I was a little confused. The short girl who walked out didnt seem like she would have the power or experience to really shine, but, boy, was I incredibly wrong. Zee Avi's songs are cute, acoustic based solemn ballads, but they writhe in heartbreak and sadness.

"Honey Bee", "Concrete Wall" and "Rainbow Connection" were all beautifully and softly played on her ukulele.

Her voice is chilling and compelling, drawing me further and further into her words, and her haunting, ethereal folky voice. I felt like her melodies had existed inside of my head for my whole life, and I had only recently started to remember them as she sang.

Once the rest of the band joined her on stage, the songs began to shape up even more, sounding like Vashti Bunyan and Regina Spektor, the ethereal singing melded perfectly with the bluegrass inspired jamming that supported the elegant songwriting. I felt like I was in a whimsical, nostalgic, child-like dream, and I didnt want to leave anytime soon.

The songs ventured further and further into a dreamy, hazy old world, Appalachian feel and the singer's voice continued to comfort me, and soothe my emotions. I left the show feeling so content with the way life works. I was truly struck on a deep level by this band's performance, and I really do recommend them to anyone