by Roy Scopazzi
The Swedish American Hall is two staircases away from the Café Du Nord and yet they feel like completely different worlds. Seeing Hannah Frances play in both feels like it shouldn’t make too much of a difference and yet those two staircases separate her from a vibe shift that I was happy to see take place. The Café itself isn’t a bad venue but Hannah’s whole set, consisting of lovely folk ballads interspersed with nature sounds, fit the pastoral ambience of the Swedish so much better it felt weird thinking she would play anywhere else. The room transports you to a calm cabin in the middle of a quaint Swedish town, even if Market Street is right outside. It’s here that I was pleased as punch to be transported there along with Hannah’s impeccable songwriting and musicianship.
Marika Christine opened the show and her own brand of folk also fit perfectly. I had given her latest album a few spins and I cannot wait until she is headlining venues like the Swedish.
