Sarah VonderHaar leaves the catwalk for the concert stage in Chicago

September 17, 2009, at Goose Island

By Selena Fragassi
Published: September 19th, 2009 | 5:00pm

Although she first entertained us as a picturesque, girl-next-door contestant who had better luck behind the camera than in front of it on America’s Next Top Model, Chicago native Sarah VonderHaar has strutted her stuff on a new catwalk as of late — the live music stage. While VonderHaar still models and dabbles in studio photography, her recent hometown show proved that her real artistic calling might best be amplified in song.

Deftly opening the night with new single, “All Mine,” VonderHaar wowed the slow growing crowd with a vivacious and powerhouse voice that seemed misplaced coming from the pin-thin blonde. With a politely raspy tickle that could spin her octave range into gold records, VonderHaar’s saintly presence quickly vetoed the theory that there were years of downing bourbon and chain smoking in her past. Even more insightful was her choice of Arizona Green Iced Tea over malted drafts that, according to VonderHaar, has become a frequent companion in her solo shows.

The night proved memorable if not just because it was VonderHaar’s 23^rd birthday at the stroke of midnight, but also for the comfortable ease both she and her music presented, even though it was tempting to wonder what “fierce”-ness she could muster beyond the pretty singer-songwriter pose. Although VonderHaar compiled considerable range in the subject matter of her lyrics — “Sing Me to Sleep” about growing up; “Why I Love” a note about passionate relationships; “Are You Listening Now?” inspired by losing a loved one; and “Everything I’ll Be” offered as a future Grammy speech for her mom — VonderHaar would have completely sealed the deal had she taken more risks than what sometimes came off as math class notebook scribblings.

There were two defining moments in VonderHaar’s set when she threw off her cautious cape for a wedding-appropriate cover of the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and a groovy new track, “I Do” which saddled up a becoming bluesy rockabilly attitude that inspired endless possibilities for her upcoming sophomore release.

It’s no doubt VonderHaar’s modeling past has given her an edge over other up-and-coming talents with a glowing confidence in her showmanship and a theatrical wisdom for wearing her heart on her face with a strong connection to the emotions she sings about. With a voice like hers, VonderHaar just needs a little more life experience and artistic breakthrough to make her America’s next sweetheart.

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