Jingle Ball

Jingle Ball 2009, a Star 94.1 fundraiser concert for women's shelter Becky's House, was an acoustic triple bill featuring Ingrid Michaelson, Uncle Kracker, and Michelle Branch. The three artists played in that order and provided a serene and intimate acoustic experience.

Of the three performers, Ingrid Michaelson stole the show with a flawless and uplifting performance. Playing ukulele and piano, accompanied only by a 12-string acoustic guitarist/back-up singer, Michaelson performed a variety of songs that energized the audience, including her hits "Be OK" and "The Way I Am." Her intelligent, if somewhat nerdy, self-deprecating humor warmed the crowd. She solicited audience participation for "Mountain and the Sea" and then cast a solemn spell on the audience with her slower, methodical moody songs. At one point, Michaelson turned to the audience all smiles and played a solo ukulele rendition of the Hawaiian Christmas song "Mele Kalikimaka." She also played a parody song about loving to eat Mexican food on her tour bus. Watching her onstage, it's not hard to believe that this indie folkster is a rising star in the music industry. Michaelson's songs have been played on network television shows and commercials. The up-and-comer was much obliged to sign autographs after the show and pose with adoring fans.

In contrast, Uncle Kracker played like he was at a backyard barbeque, drinking a beer throughout his performance and wiping his nose while looking very sleepy while he was on stage. Michelle Branch sounded and looked fabulous but lacked a dynamic stage presence, standing in place at the microphone throughout her set.

To top off the evening, a group of pot-smoking revelers greeted departing patrons outside Anthology in their giant menorah mobile.

• Concert: Jingle Ball 2009
• Show date: December 13, 2009
• Venue: Anthology
• Seats: Floor, center