Tucked away just outside New Haven, Connecticut in the town of Hamden, The Space was host to no more than 75 people Monday evening for the first stop on My Brightest Diamond and Clare and the Reasons’ cross country tour. The Space had a cozy feel, like a bunch of friends gathered together in someone’s basement, with additional amenities such as a cafe (with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and homemade baked goods) and a consignment shop.

Utilizing the same string trio (Olivier Manchon on violin, saw and bass; Marla Hansen on viola; Maria Jeffers on cello and each with a dash of other instruments), Clare Muldaur Manchon and Shara Worden's (also known as My Brightest Diamond) performances were personal and engaging. The show started late as part of the band was rushing up from a Conan O'Brien taping, so Shara took the time to sell her handmade scarves and pouches while talking to fans. And despite the revelation that she was feeling ill, no one would have noticed anything wrong with Clare's pleasing voice. 

Clare opened with the sweet sounds of “Alphabet City” and played a couple of newer songs, including a rendition of “Over the Rainbow” with all the lyrics changed to “Obama.” For “Pluton,” the band hoped to use blinking lights to mimic stars but no one turned off the stage lights. It didn’t harm the effect, though, as the saw and strings provided the spacey sounds. Clare and the Reasons ended with a woeful song about her car: its passenger door not opening, the steering wheel catching fire as she asked the audience, "Can your car do that?"

Before taking the stage, Shara Worden sprightly darted through the audience sprinkling glitter. The string trio emerged with an outfit change -- from solid red with Clare to elegant black and white. My Brightest Diamond played songs such as, “If I were a Queen,” “From the Top of the World” and “Black and Costaud” from the new album A Thousand Shark’s Teeth. On “Black and Costaud” (with lyrics adapted from a Ravel opera), Shara posed her arms as a handle and spout while she sang about a teapot fighting with an abusive child.

 Her set had additional theatrical flourishes, including a bit of magic from Olivier (his disappearing handkerchief) and, towards the end, a showcase with puppets, sailboats, and stars. With her grand voice, Shara also covered Prince's “When Doves Cry,”encouraging the seated audience to get their necks moving. With two exciting performances in such an intimate venue, how could one refuse?

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