“This was the best way to spend a sleepy Sunday evening,” said a friend as she was leaving the Clifton Center last night after singer-songwriter Dar Williams and opener Katie Herzig played to a near-full crowd at the Clifton Center’s First Capital Bank Live series. Herzig’s opening set was just a bit more livelier and punchier than Williams’. Herzig is touring to promote her latest release, Apple Tree, which you can download for free on her website. Accompanying Herzig was a cellist and a multi-instrumentalist from Nashville.

Although appearing somewhat disheveled, Williams combined her always-witty banter and songwriting process with her solidly crafted lyrics. My favorite of the night was “The Babysitter’s Here,” where she intermingled singing with speaking about her real-life experience with the best babysitter she ever had. Williams is touring in support of her new release, Promised Land.

Both acts promised they’d be back to Louisville soon. —Sara Havens