I can't admit to being a "huge" Jewel fan. And, if anything, I prefered her early work to her later pop and country oriented music. But after covering her live concert at the Mississippi Moon Bar at the Diamond Jo Casino last night, I have to say, I was very impressed!

There is something so rustic and real about experiencing something as simple as a singer - and a very, very capable one at that - and their guitar. So much music today, in every genre, relies so heavily on technilogical "tweaking" or distracting glitz and glamour that mask an artists true ability and musicianship ... or lack thereof. It was refreshing to get back to basics with Jewel's solo acoustic concert.

The concert venue lent itself well to the event, also ... very storytellers-esq with a hint of "House of Blues." Although, I can't decide how I feel about the bar aspect yet. For me, it might be bordering on a little too casual for what I am used to in a concert venue. Being a musician myself, I tend to like to take in an event in its full capacity ... no distractions, no interuptions. After awhile, talking and the clanking of glasses could be heard in between and during songs, which, for the concert-goer, could either be taking away from the main draw or ideal if what they are looking for is a more casual and low-key night out, enjoying top entertainment in the mix ... without concert-venue snobs like myself demanding quiet. LOL :)

An interesting experience all around. I will be interested in checking out other performances there in the future!