The first time I saw Annie Clark was in New York in a little Mexican restaurant, though I wasn’t aware of her musical ability till months later. It’s pretty rare having her play in L.A., so as soon as I found out she was coming, I knew I had to go. Don’t let her sweet, innocent presence fool you–she can handle a guitar with such grace that she makes even insane chords look like a piece of cake. She began her set with “Now Now,” the first track off Marry Me. She turned that song into something much more, giving it attitude as she maneuvered every piece of her guitar. And you could honestly feel what she was singing just by watching her perform–ask the girl in back of me who cried after she finish playing “Marry Me.” Annie’s three wise band mates even created little intros between each song, adding to the never-ending music festival. I’m planning on going to New York again this summer. Hopefully this time, if I run into her again, I’ll remember to thank her for being such a talented sweetheart.

— Sugriel Reyes