By Ben Richards

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Sarah Jarosz grace the SPACE stage for an intimate evening in Evanston for only her third Chicago-area appearance. Jarosz, a 20-year-old prodigy from Texas, is bypassing the major-touring circuit to attend the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

Jarosz was quite pleased to mention that she just completed her third year at the school. She played acoustic guitars, a frailing-style banjo, and the instrument she is most known for -- the mandolin. She was accompanied during most songs by cellist Nathaniel "Old Smitty" Smith and Alex Hargreaves on fiddle/violin. The three formed seamless harmonies between their instruments and Jarosz's voice. She has a vocal range from soft and sweet to powerful, heartfelt belting. She can overcome any PA system with her vocal strength. Yet, she contains her power like a seasoned vet.

The night was full of wonderful arrangements that included many songs from her two solo albums with a healthy amount of covers. Jarosz and Smith did Bob Dylan's "Simple Twist of Fate" with just her vocals and Smith plucking his cello. It was nothing short of heart-melting. Other covers such as "Shankill Butchers," a Decemberist song from her first album, and two scores by fiddle great Tim O'Brien showed Jarosz's versatility. The trio had moments where it transitioned from one song to another via an interweaving segue. Jarosz's song "Annabell Lee," an adaptation of an Edgar Allen Poe poem, closed the set.

None one the performers were old enough to drink, but they quenched any thirst for music. They are truly gifted musicians. This was a very satisfying night of music. I am anxious to see where Jarosz's career goes after the Conservatory. I can't emphasize enough to see her now in her formative years while you can. Jarosz will definitely have a long and prosperous career.

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