Sharon Van Etten captivates an ever-widening crowd

Sharon Van Etten has come a long way in the past three years, releasing three albums in that time, and gathering attention that’s taken her from indie-anonymity to widespread acclaim and a legion of feverish fans. Her newest record, Tramp, is her first for Jagjaguwar, the notable Bloomington, IN-based label, operated by former Charlottesvillian Darius Van Arman.

During her appearance at the Tea Bazaar on her last tour, the diminutive Van Etten bowled us over with her solid songs, striking confidence, and killer backing band. On Friday, April 20th she’ll play for a much larger audience at the Jefferson Theater. Flock of Dimes (a side-project for Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak) and local rock duo the Cinnamon Band will open the show; tickets are $12 advance, and $14 at the door.

Watch the kaleidoscopic video for Sharon Van Etten’s new single “Leonard”: