september 9

Sometimes, I say to myself, Jim, just shut up, let these other people do the talking. So, I will re: Maia Sharp, the daughter of country songwriter Randy Sharp, who plays the Performing Arts Center in Natick Sept. 9. Bonnie Raitt: " Maia is making some of the most innovative and soulful music around with songs that are head and shoulders above the rest … She has become one of my favorite artists." The Dixie Chicks cover one of her songs, "A Home." So does, Cher, "Don't Come Around Tonight.'' Carole King: "Maia's CD is absolutely wonderful. I'm so glad I got to write with her. Maia is an old soul and a new friend." Art Garfunkel: "In the tradition of great female artists, Karla Bonoff, Bonnie Raitt, Christine McVie, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan … now enter Maia Sharp.'' She's supporting a new spare, acoustic disc, "Eve and the Red Delicious.'' She's released four albums before this one with more instrumentation, and has gained a fan base through AAA radio. This one, calls an "in-between CD that's more reflective of the live show.'' A more fleshed-out disc is due next year, but you can sample Sharp unadorned on "Eve'' and in Natick. John Cate opens the 8 p.m., $18 show.

14 Summer St., Natick, 508-647-0097 natickarts.org