Sarah Harmer
Gordon Best Theatre
June 11, 2010

Intimate shows are a real treat for fans, especially when they happen as a warm-up to a bigger tour. It's a sneak peak which affords fans the chance to see new songs performed, old songs rekindled and personal connections to be formed between artist and fan.

Last night, Canadian roots-rocker Sarah Harmer took the stage with a full band for the first of two live shows at the Gordon Best Theatre, just days before the release of her new album Oh Little Fire. Since this was Harmer's first live gig in a while, the night was a chance for presenting all her new songs in a live setting. And I can tell you, the new songs didn't sound the least bit unpolished.

The lively lead single from the new album, "Captive", was very well received. Other new songs of note from last night's show included the brooding "The Marble In Your Eye" and the self-confessed most political new track on the collection, "Washington".

New songs might have been the order of the day, but it was the older songs generously peppered throughout the two-hour long set that garnered the best response from the enthusiastic crowd.

Harmer opened the show with "The Hideout," a gem of a song culled from her early album You Were Here. Others which seemed to pull people from their seats included the bluegrass flavoured "I'm A Mountain" and fan favourite "Basement Apartment".

The closing of the main set had the entire centre portion of the floor filled with couples sashaying to the lovely and lilting song "Open Window". It was a summertime moment to behold and one I will cherish.

Harmer wasn't going to go out so sweetly though. A bang was in order. Responding to what had to be the most requested song of the night, Harmer and her band launched into a smoldering take of her classic track "Lodestar", finishing the show in real rock and roll style.

—Jeffrey Macklin, PtboCanada contributor

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