Sharon Van Etten with Shearwater

"A beautifully formed, sonically engaging work.… The result is something universal…eminently listenable, and awash with memorable lines, songs, emotion."–Drowned in Sound on Van Etten's epi

The Columbus debut of soulful Tennessee-born, Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten was one of the standout shows of last season's Next @ Wex series. She knocked everyone out with fantastic songs from her CDs Because I Was in Love and epic. Now she's back to perform new material from her next album, Tramp, which is scheduled for release one week before our Valentine's Day show.

Here's Pitchfork's take on the rising star: "Singer and songwriter Sharon Van Etten is possessed of a remarkable, arresting voice. Emotive without being naïve, Sharon's music, like her personality, is wise beyond its years. Her songs strike a balance between American and English folk and rock music, and her down-to-earth approach is refreshing after the onslaught of ethereal folkies in the last decade. More Anne Briggs than Vashti Bunyan, Van Etten's extraordinary talents bode well for our ears."

Austin indie band Shearwater, who recently signed with the Sub Pop label, open the evening with a set from their recently recorded album, which they hint will push their rock-out parameters.

Join us before the show or for a drink in the café lobby. A cash bar, serving beer and wine, will be available from 6:30 PM until Sharon Van Etten goes on stage.

This is a standing-only style show with very limited seating. Water and soft drinks will be available for purchase during the show.