Nick Cave’s headlining set at the Music Center at Strathmore last night might’ve been the loudest gig the striking venue, best suited to delicate music like that proffered by opener Sharon Van Etten, has ever hosted.

Armed with some outstanding new material, and having grown into a more confident and capable live performer than she was her previous local appearances, Sharon Van Etten enthralled a capacity crowd at the Black Cat on Saturday night, showcasing the vocal gifts and evocative songcraft that have made her one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters in independent music.

It is a rare crowd that will shush themselves when a performer takes the stage, but Sharon Van Etten’s faithful did at the Red Palace last night, supporting the singer-songwriter through the final night of an eight-week tour.