Awhile back, while perusing certain social media sites, advertisements for “Master Classes” would pop up on my feed, promising that I’d learn how to play guitar, or act, or become a writer if I enrolled. I’d simply scroll past because, honestly, who has time to sit in front of a screen to learn how to act? Ah, but attending a master class in person makes all the difference. When Grace Potter recently performed at her sold-out Bellingham, Washington show, I realized I was witnessing a master give a class on songwriting, performing, dancing, and the power of rock and roll at the Mt. Baker Theatre.

In the midst of a national tour to support her latest album, Mother Road (Fantasy Records), Grace (or Gracie as she is affectionately known) delivered a performance that encompassed everything a rock concert should be, from stellar musicianship and dramatic pacing to an imaginative stage setup and lighting.

But what defined the evening for me was Gracie’s generosity of spirit — toward her backing musicians, opening act Brittney Spencer, and the adoring audience.