A large crowd gathered to watch Sara Watkins perform at Roots ‘N’ Blues Saturday night, and the numbers stayed strong throughout the act.

Sara Watkins is a singer and fiddler and is known from the band Nickel Creek. She performed her own music, including many songs from her new record that was released in May as well as music from other musicians during her hour and a half performance. Accompanying her on stage were Tyler Chester and her brother, Sean Watkins. The instruments included the violin, guitar and bass, and Sara Watkins also sang.

Sara Watkins’ beautiful, mournful voice set a romantic tone during many of the slow songs, such as her song “Too Much”. Couples both young and old wrapped their arms around each other, inspired by both the music and the chilly night air. During the more upbeat numbers, such as her song “The Foothills”, heads and bodies bobbed to the beat of the music. During another lively number, a little girl in a black and white polka dot coat spun and twirled to the music.

While some members of the crowd held food and drinks in their hands, most were content to simply stand and watch the performance at Peace Park. Between songs, Sara Watkins commented about what a great town festival Roots ‘N’ Blues is or gave background information about the songs in the set. Her brother also performed his song “21st of May”, which was inspired by last year’s rumored rapture. The crowd clapped at the end of each song, and after the last number everyone applauded and cheered.