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Led by singer/guitarist Christa DeCicco (who does not wear a suit, but usually a vintage dress), the band is a four-piece with a plethora of instruments, but usually centering around drums, upright bass, and mandolin. Occasionally, the ubiquitous Phil Pollard steps in with the band to play vibraphone (or other instruments) even though he’s not a full-fledged member of the band. He’s the Young to their Crosby, Stills and Nash.

Their genre is questionable, being referred to as folk, jazz, swing, an Appalachian by various publications around town. Their sound encompasses more swing and folk than anything else, but the fiddle and mandolin definitely add an Appalachian vibe at times. But strangely, they were voted one of the runners-up for best jazz act by the readers of the Metro Pulse, despite showing few jazz characteristics. Well, maybe the upright bass.

Regardless of their genre, they’re not an act to miss, especially May 10th at Sundown in the City opening up for the Brazilian Girls.

With their softer, calmer, soothing sound, they’re appropriate for smaller, more intimate venues, which is the exact opposite of Sundown. But the band plays together tightly, and Christa is known for her vocal control. Her voice is powerful, but not overbearing. It never seems like she’s straining too hard, nor does it sound like it. In fact, it’s entertaining to see how little effort Christa seems to be exerting given the full-sound of her voice.

They’ve been known to throw in a few covers, as well. They may have redefined the art of cover songs. When I saw them at the Laurel Theatre, they performed their own rendition of “Blue Moon” which was phenomenal to see. With a good cover song, you really need to make the song your own, and you need to be selective. A good cover song is a song everyone knows and hasn’t thought about in ages. As such, I was blown away by their choice to cover “Blue Moon.” And they also have a creative remake of “Roxanne,” which apparently they’re well-known for—I’ve heard many people mention it around town.

And last time I saw them, Phil Pollard contributed a breathtaking kazoo solo which moved me to tears. The man can make a kazoo sound as if a trumpet fanfare were blaring from the sky, welcoming you to Heaven. One can only hope tonight’s performance will feature such a cameo.

Christabel and the Jons hit the Market Square stage around 6:30. Remember to wear your dancing shoes.