Hest

Hest also requested everyone sing along on his song "Trouble," about a good guy gone bad.

Ari Hest takes it down a lot at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

And for those who knew Hest had ditched his major record label several years ago to self-release albums, the lyrics were especially intriguing: "I've been working for the man/Growing restless since the job began/Getting sick of his demands/And tired of trying to give a damn."

Ari Hest takes it down a lot at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

Hest banked on the fact that the majority of people who trekked out to the venue were familiar with his story.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

Hest, 31, possesses a rich, smoky voice that makes it impossible to truly lose an audience.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

But as the minutes wore on, and Hest switched between guitar and keyboard, the songs all started to run together.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

And Hest knew his audience – besides proclaiming the Wolf Trap his “favorite place,” it took him only 45 minutes to entertain the Washington-area crowd with a political song about the current state of healthcare.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

Hest said he tried the same stunt at a New York show, but the only person who volunteered was his mother.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

Hest also requested everyone sing along on his song “Trouble,” about a good guy gone bad.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

Accompanied by a drummer and guitar player on stage, Hest did attempt to engage the crowd at moments.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011

Instead of capitalizing on the crowd energy, Hest – who has gained a following over the last decade with his acoustic guitar and powerful baritone – spent the majority of the show playing slow, sleepy songs, and some unknown tunes from his upcoming album.

In concert: Ari Hest at the Barns at Wolf Trap Emily Yahr 2011