Room 5 Show on March 11: Were you lucky enough to be there?

On Tuesday night at Room 5, a near-full-house of music enthusiasts quieted and leaned forward in their chairs as a series of uniquely talented artists graced the stage with their voices, guitars, piano, bass, accordion and xylophone.

David Hopkins, accompanied by Brett Simons, opened with layered tales of love and freedom: the losing, the winning and the sweet battles in between which confirm repeatedly that "love is all you need." After proving his talent on the guitar, Hopkins stepped stage right to gift a few wistful and lyrically-driven songs from the piano; carrying the engaged audience through dreamy melodies to the final dense chord.

Laura Jansen, who re-welcomed Brett Simons on bass, beamed throughout her entire set of playful, jazzy and soberingly touching tunes. With a voice that ranges from tickling to stunning, Jansen's highest and rawest note might sound, to a close-eyed listener, like a singing violin. A graceful performer, Jansen embraces the simplest ideas and refuses to shy away from the deep or challenging. Charming lyrics such as those of "Bells," which tell of waking in a heart-shaped world, are balanced with the chilling stories of "Pretty Me," which catalog Jansen's struggles as she spins from needing to be truly seen to truly seeing herself.

During the set, one could not help but feel as though instead of watching a show, one were watching an intimate dialogue between Jansen and the piano. And often, perhaps unintentionally, the singer would gently lower her head at a song's end, as if to honor the element which helped her tell her life's story, or to help the audience bow to the echo of the last note.

As the third major performer of the night, Joey Ryan greeted a warmed audience with the news that his ode to California, appropriately titled "California," will be featured on the upcoming regionally-aired commercial for Unicef's Tap Project, a nationwide campaign aiming to share the privilege of clean drinking water with children throughout the world. Additionally, all profits from the download of "California" during March 16-22 will be donated to the program. (So, if you don't already own this wonderful ballad, please wait three more days to purchase it!)

Joey Ryan's wholesome sound is reminiscent of an artist who could be comfortable strumming a guitar and telling stories to venues ranging from packed stadium seating to a bench of admirers on the beach; he certainly does not take his craft or his fans for granted. A truth-telling lyricist, Ryan's words are, at times, simple enough to beg for a sing-along, and at other times, candid enough to produce scornful looks towards audience members who dare to speak mid-song. Among the most memorable were from a love song which proclaimed "beautiful world...beautiful girl, let the rain forever battle with the sun, we've already won." Another song told of the Ryan's father's illness and near-death experience when the performer was only 7; the father's presence at the front table confirmed the song's hopeful conclusion.

Although this night of promising talent ended with all artists meeting their fans and expressing gratitude, I have a slightly different conclusion to offer. While I cannot speak for every Room 5 attendee, I can say that for me, the night continued for many hours, playing in my head and waking me the next morning with the urge to hum several newfound favorite melodies.

Review by Bre GoldsmithCheck out these artists at www.myspace.com/davidhopkinsmusic, www.myspace.com/laurajansenmusic and www.myspace.com/joeyryanband.