Kate Voegele shines during stop in R.I.

By: Libby Segal

Posted: 2/27/08

02/27/08 - Kate Voegele may play the shy Mia on "One Tree Hill," but her live set is anything but shy.

On Saturday, Voegele played at the Wheel House in Narragansett. Before taking the stage though, two opening acts played. Matt Hartke opened the show wearing ripped jeans and a trucker hat. He brought a soothing, smooth sound to the show as he delivered a Jack Johnson-type performance. He got the crowd involved by playing an acoustic version of "Fresh Prince of Bel Air."

Following Hartke was the band The Whitest Light, which treated the stage as if it was a second home. The upbeat band moved flawlessly across the stage, causing the crowd to dance around the floor. The Whitest Light joked about how they searched for seafood in Rhode Island, and they ended up at an IHOP.

Then Voegele took the stage.

On "One Tree Hill," Voegele's character plays the background singer for Kevin Federline's character, Jason. After one episode as the background singer, Mia becomes the lead of the show, and it is easy to understand why-Voegele is an amazing performer from start to finish.

The crowd ranged from teenagers to people in their twenties - most of whom were "One Tree Hill" fans.

Dressed in a comfortable tank, jeans and boots, Voegele entered the stage with her band and began singing "One Way or Another." Music on "One Tree Hill" highlights Voegele as both a solo artist and head of a band. At the Wheel House, Voegele performed with a full backup band.

She seemed cool and confident with the band behind her as she rocked out with her guitar.

As the song came to an end, fans yelled, "I love you Kate."

Kate continued to keep the mood light and fluffy as she joked, "I broke my g-string" (on her guitar of course). She then broke into the songs "Chicago" and "I Get It."

Again Kate kept the crowd laughing as she mentioned that one of her songs is used in the background of the Oprah giveaways. "Maybe I will get some free stuff from Oprah," she joked.

Kate then sang "Wish You Were" and "Top of the World" off her recent album, Don't Look Away.

"You're amazing," the crowd yelled. "You guys are amazing," she yelled back, and then started a string of songs including "No Good," "I Won't Disagree," and "Devil In Me." During "Devil In Me," Voegele took an intermission and left the stage while the band rocked out, keeping the audience on their feet.

When Voegele reemerged, the audience was off the wall. She and the band finished "Devil In Me," and the band left the stage.

Voegele went on with the show with just her keyboardist. She mentioned that the next song she was going to sing, "Kindly Unspoken," was one of her favorites.

It was one of the crowd's favorites as well, as they recognized it from Voegele's debut on "One Tree Hill" in the episode "It's Alright Ma, I am Only Bleeding." Voegele's vocals on "Kindly Unspoken" were immensely enjoyed by the crowd as she hit each note flawlessly.

As the song came to an end, the band came back on stage for the song "Might Have Been," before Voegele closed out with her single "Only Fooling Myself." It felt like the most upbeat song, as the audience members flung their hips and sang along.

Voegele's night didn't end with "Only Fooling Myself" though, as she headed over to the merchandise table. Immediately a line began to form, and fans were getting autographs and pictures taken with the star.

University of Rhode Island junior Jess DeRoche asked, "How do you like being on 'One Tree Hill?'"

"I love it," Voegele answered.

That's probably a good thing, because her fans definitely love her.