Sharon Little opens for Robert Plant & Alison Krauss on Friday, July 18. Guest blogger for the show, Anne Sabatino, talks about the upcoming show and an opening act you shouldn’t miss.

Let’s face facts: an opener is an opener for a reason. Sometimes the act is barely so-so, put out there to be promo-d; trotted out to the captive, helpless viewing and listening audience eagerly awaiting the start of the “real show.” (These are the ones we always try to identify and skip, coming in fashionably late)

Sometimes it’s a fledgling group or act looking for a foothold or a chance. They aren’t that bad, after all, but they’re still kind of getting it together. (These are the ones that you lament not timing the late-ness quite right, but may be pleasantly surprised by the time it’s all said and done)

Then there is my favorite, the crown jewel of concert openers, the person who is surprising, the act that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something, the artist who jolts you with her versatility, lyrics and soul. (This is the one you don’t want to miss and I’m giving you the advance tip—she’ll be opening for Robert Plant and Allison Krauss on Friday, and her name is Sharon Little)

When I was first asked to share my thoughts on this blog for the Plant and Krauss show, I started brainstorming reflections on the groundbreaking collaboration and the melding of genres and how it played out live on the stage. I hardly expected the first thing I was so blown away by to be the headliners’ selection of “warmer.”

But Little surprises at every turn of her “Perfect Time for a Breakdown” album. She moves freely between blues-y rock rhythms and sweet ballads; big, soulful motown and R&B-influenced vocals and other times calls on a whispering, lilting, dream-like voice.

She evokes greats like Diana Ross (think Supremes) as well as contemporaries like Norah Jones. I was able to capture some clips on her site at SharonLittle.com. The Philadelphia artist can also be found on productions by public radio favorite, “The World Café” via WXPN. Check it out and make sure to get tickets for the Plant and Krauss show, of course, but don’t be late for Little.