As Christmas draws ever closer and the year winds down, there’s still time to fit in one last concert and there is no venue more fitting for a final jamboree than the Hug and Pint. Decked out in lights, fresh pizza, and dangerously affordable champagne the loveable pub is as welcome as a perfectly decorated tree and Sara Rae is the star on top.

The night begins with support by the charming Katya Mansell who manages to fill the intimidatingly intimate space with soulful tunes, important messages, and divisive questions like “what is the ultimate sandwich filing?” – powerful questions for these difficult times. Despite the slight division between team ham and…the others, Katya’s engaging personality creates a welcoming atmosphere in the room that carries on as Sara Rae takes to the stage, and the singer does everything she can to make sure it never leaves.

Gifted with an easy, local charm that makes her feel like an old friend just having a surprisingly good go, and backed up by an equally charming supporting band, Rae makes light work of gaining the audience’s support. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the music is great, too. Switching between ear-throbbing rock, soulful melodies, and the occasional in-between, Rae never allows you a moment to lose interest. Each song seems to line up for a personal anecdote about her life, furthering that kinship shared between the singer and the audience. The overwhelming support is perhaps most keenly felt during ‘Catriohna’ – a song penned for her new wife and member of the band – where the strength of emotion displayed is enough to bring tears to Rae’s eyes and damn near every person listening.

It can’t be denied that the evening has its share of mistakes, like frequent tuning issues and the occasional chord confusion, but Rae’s open acknowledgement of these moments, and the obvious camaraderie amongst the band members help define the evening’s unpolished charm. The unavoidable happiness and warmth in the room make the whole event feel like a particularly cheesy Christmas special. Though Rae tries her best to remind the room of her disdain for Christmas songs, the mood is right and the spirits are up.

There aren’t too many singers with enough charm to make a Thursday night gig feel like an evening out with friends. I suspect some of the warmth in the room was helped on by the beckoning Christmas holidays and the ever-flowing champagne, but nonetheless Sara Rae’s obvious wit and talents cannot be denied. If you can find the time amidst the seasonal chaos and twixmas confusion, I strongly encourage you to check out her music and maybe have a glass or two at the Hug and Pint. With all that I have nothing else to note but that I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!