Elizabeth Lorrey at Cafe Verde

Last night I made the drive up to Cafe Verde in Lawrence, MA to see Elizabeth Lorrey's first show of the new year. And as I knew it would be, it was totally worth the trip.

I met Erik at the cafe around 7:30, and Brian & Nikki and her friend Caitlin walked in right behind me. We got a table near the performer's windowfront area (behind a couple of strategically placed couches), and then I went over to talk to Elizabeth for a little while. After sweetly greeting me like an old friend she told me that in addition to all the great songs on her album "Awakening", she was going to perform a few new tunes, with a handful of covers mixed in. And on a cool side note, she threw her hat into the ring for the 2nd Annual Wyman's Pond Music Fest, and gave me some leads for 'new blood' to add to this year's lakeside day of music.

Her performance was full of energy and humor, and hearing her songs live again (but this time indoors and with a sound system) was amazing. The show was two hours of music, from 9 pm 'til 11 or so, with a short break after the first hour. She spread out her album songs over the two sets, and included a magical version of "Frozen", an emotionally-charged "She", and a raucous run-through of "Blood on the Statehouse Floor". As promised, she debuted several new songs, such as the fantastic "Invisible", "Eleanor", and "Bittersweet", which should all appear in some form on her new EP, coming in March or April. And blended throughout, she bestowed upon the thoroughly engaged crowd a whole slew of covers, including:

• "You're So Vain" - Carly Simon
• "Back on the Chain Gang" - The Pretenders
• "I'm a Believer" - The Monkees
• "Closer to Fine" - Indigo Girls
• "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) - Eurythmics
• Love is a Battlefield" - Pat Benetar

She also played songs by U2, Janis Ian, Coldplay, and several more (I lost count). So much for 'just a few covers mixed in'! Her energy was off the charts, she had the crowd singing along (especially Caitlin and Nikki, they seemed to know the words to every cover Elizabeth threw out at us), and even when she couldn't quite see a few lyrics on the page, she bluffed her way through with great humor, to no one's disappointment. She is so versatile! I swear I felt Aimee Mann in the house during her powerful rendition of 'Til Tuesday's "Welcome Home". What a phenomenal show.

The staff at Cafe Verde was fantastic too. The beer was good (I had 2 bottles of Harpoon UFO), everyone enjoyed their salads and sandwiches, and the waiter willingly made several 'adjustments' to Nikki's martini-esque drink with good humor. Add in an amused and patient cashier when we needed the tab split in four (no one brought cash except me) and an immaculate rest room, and it was a great experience all around. If you ever find yourself on Essex Street in Lawrence, I highly recommend this hip and homey place.

So: if you get a chance, don't wait until July to see Elizabeth Lorrey live. She already has a few shows booked in February and March. We always post them here at the top of our page, but check out her website and join her mailing list. You won't regret it!