Thurs, Aug 25, Sara Bareilles

Here’s a chicken-or-the-egg argument: Was it exposure from being a free download of the week on iTunes, or the fact that “Love Song”—which would become her first hit single—gave iTunes something great to work with that led to Sara Bareilles’ rise in fame in 2007? Either way, Bareilles has spent the last few years turning stomping piano rock into an art form. Highlighted by empowerment-tinged lyrics that avoid stereotypical man-hating angst, and confident Fiona Apple-esque vocals that range from rich and epic to vulnerable and lilting, Bareilles is touring in support of her latest release, 2010’s funky and engaging Kaleidoscope Heart. 400 Ballpark Drive in West Sacramento, www.sarabmusic.com.