The power of a piano playing woman is quite remarkable. Fiona, Tori, Sarah even Nellie—they each have their own cult-like following, sustaining their careers through fights with labels, concept albums and ill-advised haircuts. Judging by Tuesday night’s performance, Regina Spektor can now officially be added to this list of keyboard icons.

With the early 6 p.m. show, the 9:30 Club had the most popular happy hour in the city. The sold-out crowd cheered vigorously at every silence that may possibly have indicated the entrance of their queen. When the lights cast the stage in a dreamy blue, the shouts were almost deafening. Regina Spektor took the stage dressed in a black top, red circle skirt and red suede boots. Smiling shyly she launched, a capella, into “One of these Mornings.” Using only her voice and a rhythmic tapping of the microphone, Spektor quieted the previously rambunctious audience which regarded her with reverence — and a little awe.