I stood outside the Montage with some fellow stragglers tonight, waiting for people to leave so that we could replace their body space with our own. Patience paid off, as we slowly worked our way into the bar area. Then there were ropes blocking off the main room. I could hear Carolyn Wonderland, but couldn't see her. I did catch tiny glimpses of red hair, and every once in awhile fingers sliding up and down a guitar (this through a sliver of space created by a red curtain and a balding man's head). A kind, tall stranger invited me to stand in front of him, to see a bit better; soon, we made it in, within actual eyesight of the stage.

And man, am I glad we did. This girl packs a punch like I couldn't believe. She embodies her songs fully. She throws her long hair around and belts out each word like it was her last. She was inside her song "Walk On" so completely, that when she traded instruments (namely, guitar for horn and back again) it came off as effortless. The crowd was pulled right in with her, stamping and clapping its appreciation.

Every time she thanked the audience -- and this happened a lot -- Wonderland's dimples showed, her grin almost sheepish as she said, "Thanks for taking a chance on us." It's the other way around, Ms. Wonderland. Thank god you play again Saturday, because this audience had a hard time letting go.