Greg Laswell & Ingrid Michaelson - New York, NY - Town Hall - 12/18/08

I had recently seen Ingrid last month in Philly, so I was interested in the "Holiday Pop" version in New York City. I can't comment on the opening act, Greg Laswell because we arrived just as he performed his last song. Now, there were two guys trying to give the audience some holiday laughter with some silly and lightly witty comments. They helped pass the time while we were waiting for Ingrid to take the stage...yet, she couldn't go on soon enough. In the spirit of Christmakuh, the Yule Logs, (elliot jacobson, bess rogers, ingrid michaelson, allie moss, and chris kuffner) a group from "Pensecola, Fla." performed some funny holiday cheer to start off the show.

Dressed in Christmas spirit with colors of red and green stockings, Ingrid took the stage with her witty and sarcastic monologues, and a voice so distinctive I can't compare it. Being the last show of a long year of touring, I'm hoping for a bang! As "Breakable" filled the room, I felt at home once again. Her lyrics and voice intertwine, as I can relate to "Giving Up" and the show starts taking on its personality. The Town Hall is a seated venue, which changes the dynamics of a concert. My friend Brian, who is my partner in crime when it comes to live music, thought it was a little mellow.

So what would a Holiday Pop concert be without holiday cheer? "Mele Kalikimaka" makes you want to hula, how fun?! Other covers performed were "Creep" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" with Ingrid's distinctive whisper-rock style. There's nothing like seeing an artist perform live - sometimes you get to know them a little bit better, and in Ingrid's case you really do. She will make you laugh and do double takes... "Did she just instruct us on when to start and stop clapping, and then say that there's always that one drunk girl who will mess it up?" or tell the audience that they don't have to yell, 'woohoo' because she can hear us just fine? Yes, she does.

I am once again blessed to be able to see another artist play in her hometown. Ingrid's mother and father seemed to be secretly hidden in the audience as she sang her father's Christmas song. Additions of cellos and chorus singers completed the show. I am looking forward to what's in store for us next year!

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