With a sly smile and a little wink, Bill Leebens suggested that I check out Amber Rubarth’s Saturday afternoon set. “She’s stunning,” he said, or something like that. When Bill makes a suggestion, it’s a good idea to follow it, so there I was at 4pm, listening as Rubarth joked that she can only write when she’s sad, and then made us all smile as she sang about happiness and love.

When Bill Leebens saw me sneak into the room, he motioned for me to come near. “Didn’t I tell you?” he whispered.

“That’s why I’m here,” I said.

Of course, Bill was right. Amber Rubarth was charming, and the song I heard, with lovely accompaniment by cellist Dave Eggar, was equally memorable. The set, along with those of Valerie Joyce and Louise Rogers, was presented by Chesky Records, and word on the street is that Amber Rubarth's next release will come from the Chesky label.