CONCERT REVIEW
by Jared Curtis
Pennyhawk, Skye Carrasco and Amber Rubarth
Dec. 16, Vaudeville Mews 8
The Vaudeville Mews attracted an intimate crowd last week, and female empowerment took over the bill with three folky acts gracing the stage. Pennyhawk, who impressed during last month’s Little Big Fest, played a set of soothing tunes, perfect for a rainy Sunday morning. A haunting performance of “Oysters” had an extra boom as percussionist/trumpet player Nate Logsdon gonged out beats on a giant piece of metal. Their set soared during a cover of Dolly Parton/Porter Wagoner’s “The Fog Has Lifted.” Kate Kennedy (vocals/guitar/accordion) finished the set by strapping on the squeezebox for “Seeds.” Skye Carrasco, from Iowa City, took the stage with violin in hand. Reminiscent to Anni Rossi’s sound, Carrasco furiously saws her violin, covering a wide spectrum with her songs. Although her violin skills shine, it’s her voice that is the real star and you can feel the emotion. Amber Rubarth finished the night with her first performance in Des Moines. Rubarth has the perfect mixture of God-given talent and shy, girl-next-door demeanor that convinces audience members to fall head over heels for her. An amazing cover of Tom Waits “Ol’ 55” had the crowd singing along. Her own songs had me, along with everyone else, smiling from start to finish. My favorite was “You Will Love This Song,” which she wrote for a guy she liked and included all of his favorite things and guitar chords. It didn’t work out, so I don’t know what’s wrong with that guy — I was in love from her first strum. CV — Jared Curtis
 Damon Dotson at People’s Court Photo by Hallie Hammer |
 Pennyhawk at The Vaudeville Mews Photo by Jared Curtis |
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