Hence, her pleasing 110-minute performance would have played better in a theater than a hockey palace. Her well-crafted songs were nicely set up by introductions explaining what inspired them (in the case of her new album – her first in six years – it was mostly the 2016 election).īut her songs are small. Her band, which included a cellist and violinist, was tasteful and precise. But the increase in her popularity from “Waitress” dictates that she performs in the bowl end of arenas, which was the case in front of maybe 6,000 people at the X.īareilles, 39, showed a splendid soprano with a hint of sweetness and a hint of soulfulness. It was a moment that illustrated the awkwardness of the situation.īareilles writes intimate pop songs for graceful records, not big pop songs for sports coliseums. The singer remained at the keyboard, closed her eyes, took a deep breath and soaked it all in.

Paul responded with a loud, long standing ovation.

Sara Bareilles had just finished singing a solo piano version of “She Used to Be Mine” from her popular Broadway musical “Waitress.” The crowd Wednesday at Xcel Energy Center in St.

Brave sara bareilles in concert