Suzanne Vega, City Hall, Salisbury

DESPITE the sweltering heat, City Hall was packed with fans of the New York-based songstress for her return visit to Salisbury.

The show proved that not only does Ms Vega have a stunning voice, but a fantastic stage presence as well.

She seemed so comfortable in front of the audience that it was as if we were watching her sing a few ditties in her living room.

She chatted with the audience as if we were all old friends, even pausing when someone sneezed during Tom's Diner to say "bless you".

Ms Vega pleased the audience by playing a mixture of well-loved classics such as Left of Centre and Luka and new tracks from her forthcoming album.

She also read from her book, The Passionate Eye, but avoided charges of self-indulgence by sticking to one short essay.

The audience was so impressed with Ms Vega's performance that they brought her back on stage three times with encores, giving her an opportunity to perform a few request numbers.

The only disappointment was that the encores couldn't go on all night.