The Shapiro Campus Center had its grand musical opening with the Acoustic Caf last Wednesday night. A few dozen people from Brandeis and beyond came to hear the vocal talents of Ari Hest, a name that has become more and more familiar in the college scene with the current boom of John Mayer and Howie Day. The event was opened by Jonah, a Brown University junior, originally from Syracuse, N.Y. He performed six original songs, including "Flashback," which started with the chorus of Usher's "U Remind Me" and "Overdue," which ended with the famous words from Go West's "King of Wishful Thinking." His music seemed to emulate the styles of James Taylor and B. B. King and he did a commendable job of lulling the audience into the mood. His breathy singing voice, that was undeniably reminiscent of Dave Matthews, provided a smooth transition into Hest's performance.

Hest, a 22-year-old New Yorker, started off as your usual music-loving college student performing as a hobby who suddenly found his vocation as a full-time musician. The son of a college music professor and a professional singer, he has a natural gift for songwriting and singing. He recorded his first album, "Incomplete," while a sophomore at Ithaca. The songs that he played at the Acoustic Caf, however, were extracted from his second album, "Come Home," and his upcoming album, which is due to be released in November. With a voice suggesting a crossover between Dave Matthews, Jeff Buckley and Michael Stipe, his next album is surely to be acknowledged by a broader audience.

"Terms and Conditions" was the first song of the night. From this starting point, he amazed the audience with his unwavering voice and stunning falsetto. Following the song, Hest jokingly said, "I was told I would earn points if I said my mom was a cantor," which could have been true, considering his beautiful and clairvoyant voice.

Although songs like "Come Home," "Caught Up In Your Love" and "Don't Leave Me High" dealt with the usual college dilemma of relationships and heartbreak, he performed many other songs that also demonstrated a social consciousness. "Prism" was about media codes and formulaic art, and "Didn't Want To Say Goodbye," a song dedicated to a personal friend after the events of Sept. 11, showed Hest exploring darker and more complex themes.

Hest maintained a captivating live experience by playing a wide variety of sounds. He switched midway through his act from the six-string guitar to the 12-string. "This Fight" was a standout, having the qualities of a slow ballad and drawing on his romantic side.

Hest acknowledged his musical ancestors by performing some spectacular cover songs. He did a reprise of "Big Time," with a voice that sounded astoundingly similar to the actual Peter Gabriel. His renditions of Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" and Radiohead's "No Surprises" were powerful and personal, establishing Hest as a multitalented genius.

After the release of his third album, Hest will be return to Boston to perform at the House of Blues on Dec. 9. Needless to say, this is someone on whom you should keep an eye. Don't be surprised if you tune into the local soft-rock station and hear him getting more requests than John Mayer.