This isn’t the first time that Thao Nguyen has sold out the Black Cat. It’s actually become an expectation, like death and taxes, that the young guitarist from Falls Church, VA and her awkwardly named band will bring the crowds and start a party. Party seems an unlikely description of a show by a band who specializes in rather harsh tunes about heartbreak and loss. But Thao’s feisty presence and quickness to invite others onstage elicited a celebratory homecoming atmosphere.

The Portland Cello Project gave an interesting prelude to the festivities. The collective of five cellists sat in a round and performed everything from original folk-laden compositions and classical numbers to renditions of songs by Pantera and Britney Spears. They even brought additional musicians onstage, like guitarist Justin Power (who also contributed to the Portland Cello Project album) and delved into audience participation. Adam Thompson of the Get Down Stay Down judged the audience on how well they sang along to PCP’s rendition of “Hey Ya!”. Using the Pitchfork scoring system, Thompson decided that the audience got a 7.1, which probably eliminates D.C. from “Best New Audience” consideration.