However, my fears were put to rest when she joined the band for a set that was filled with energy and verve.

On this tour Fiona is truly a "special guest", not an opening act.

On the songs that Fiona sang, Nickel Creek did a bang up job of supporting her, even on a host of tracks from Extraordinary Machine that must have taken a great deal of work to transcribe. The blending of NC and Fiona is without a doubt, what makes this tour a must see event, even if Nickel Creek are never to perform again as a band.

The high energy, stage banter and song selection (including a cover of Gillian Welch's "I Want To Sing That Rock & Roll", Ella Fitzgerald's  "When I Get Low, I Get High, and a stunning version of Fiona's "Limp") made for a memorable night.

Although everything was first-class in regards to the performances it was Fiona Apple who stole the show.

This is a woman possessed by her art. She's taken the brunt of critics who could not spot a visionary if one were dropped in their lap. But when you watch Fiona Apple perform, hear her words, and feel what she pours forth, you understand that you're watching something special. This cathartic presence and connection is what live music is all about. And on this night it was available in spades.

If this performance is any foreshadowing of what to expect from Fiona Apple's next album (which she begins recording after this tour with Nickel Creek) than I'll be one of the first in line to get a copy.

I put together some video clips that I recorded on my digital camera during the show. You can view it at YouTube. But I would highly recommend that you see one of these shows in person.