It was November 5. As I walked into the World Café Live, the atmosphere immediately got me excited for the concert. I heard an open mic night going on as I ate dinner, and then I made my way down the steps. Downstairs was where all the action was.

As I got downstairs, my ticket was checked, I was given a wristband, and I began making my way to the stage, front and center. In a few short minutes, 3 of my favorite artists were going to be right in front of me. As the room filled up, everyone became increasingly thrilled. Then suddenly, the lights went down, and Sarah Miles walked on the stage. With nothing but her acoustic guitar and an amplifier, she blew the crowd away. As the opening act, most were either unfamiliar with her or had known very little of her music; however, when she walked off the stage at the end of her set, EVERYONE was cheering. She definitely made a name for herself by performing some of her newer and older songs such as “One,” “Middle of Nowhere,” and “Take the Lead,” which was sung with fellow artist, Matt Duke.

“You have a new fan in me” was heard throughout the crowd for the rest of the night.

While Miles was selling merchandise after her set, I got the opportunity to ask about upcoming music and how she likes performing. “Most of the music I played tonight will be on my album that will be coming up soon, sometime near December.”

“I love performing in Philadelphia. I think it’s you guys.” She pointed to the crowd. Although most people say that about everyplace they perform, I don’t believe they’re lying, and Sarah Miles definitely was not lying. She seemed to enjoy herself more than the crowd was enjoying the show, which seemed near impossible.

Next up was Matt Duke. Duke has 3 albums out as of right now: Winter Child, Kingdom Underground, and One Day Die. I had high expectations for Matt Duke as I walked into that room on Monday night; I was not even close to disappointed. For nearly six years now, I have listened to and fallen in love with Matt Duke’s music. With his singer/songwriter mix of rock and blues, it’s impossible not to love his music and the lyrics he writes. I never go into a concert expecting the artist to be better live than on their album, but Duke’s stage presence made the entire crowd laugh and dance and sing along. With new songs such as “The Eyes” and older music such as “I’ve Got Atrophy on the Brain,” “Needle and Thread,” and “Sex and Reruns” (with the help of Tony Lucca), he definitely did not disappoint. He then joked “I know you are all waiting for Tony Lucca, and I promise he will not disappoint. We talked about it.” The crowd laughed as he began his next song, and soon his set was over. There was some downtime between his set and Tony Lucca so I once again made my way out to the lobby area to talk to Sarah Miles and Matt Duke. Duke was really approachable and constantly joked around. So not only did I love both artists’ music, but they were both incredibly humble.

Up next was Tony Lucca. The crowd went crazy! Season two of the hit TV show The Voice gave tony Lucca the exposure he needed. He performed songs from the show such as “Trouble,” “Yesterday” (with Matt Duke), and “99 Problems,” but he also performed his music, also new and old. During songs such as “Foxy Jane,” “Like Love” and “Close Enough,” and “Pretty Things” (with the help of Matt Duke) I could hear the crowd singing, or screaming, the lyrics.

The show was, by far, one of the best I’ve seen in a really long time. It almost felt like a private event, being there with that room full. Matt Duke’s parents were even there, and everyone sticking around to hang out after made it feel more like a hang out or small party than an actual concert. Both Matt Duke and Sarah Miles have new music coming out in December, but for now, go check out their older music! You won’t be disappointed!

Sarah Miles’ EPs can be found on I-Tunes under the name Sarah Jane Wilson.
“Middle of Nowhere”
“Catch The Light”
“Exposed”

Matt Duke’s albums also on I-Tunes
“Winter Child”
“Kingdom Underground”
“One Day Die”

And Tony Lucca
“Rendezvous With the Angels”
“Come Around Again”
“Canyon Songs”
“Solo”
“Under the Influence”
And all of his music from The Voice: Season 2 is still on I-Tunes.