Three sets of low stadium seats and a giant window encircle the stage space in The Studio, the Segal Centre's concert venue. When the lights are off, and the music is going, the back window reflects the whole room to you, and offers glimpses of the street outside. The effect is refreshing, beautiful.

On Thursday night an almost full house filled in The Studio's hemp seats - one of the Centre's newest claims to fame. Everyone was happy, smiling as new arrivals entered the room, lounging comfortably, and anticipating the performances of Annabelle Chvostek and Lake of Stew.

Greeted by two of the Centre's staff, who bestowed gifts of soap to a fortunate few, only minutes after the scheduled start time, we were reminded that that evening's show was a special one; CBC was on site to record live the second edition of Routes Montreal, a four-part music series that nurtures local songwriters. Enjoy the music, enjoy the room, and clap when appropriate, please.

It's been about a year since the Segal Centre debuted as a music venue, opening last year with the first season of the Power Jazz Series. Since then, organizers have concentrated on building The Studio into a friendly space for emerging artists, collaborating with Routes and UdeM's Faculty of Music. The number of concerts have tripled in the past year, and The Studio has welcomed a more diverse audience since hosting Routes Montreal.

Dressed tonight in blue and red glow the room was warm and comfortable, the most relaxed show I have been to in Montreal. An invitation from the Centre to join staff and performers for drinks and quiche in a downstairs lounge made the night feel like a visit to a friend's.

The Studio withholds the anonymity, beer, and sweaty crowd that most Montreal shows feature, inviting comfort and camaraderie in their place. I didn't have to stamp accidentally on my neighbour's feet to feel close with her. The room took care of that for us. Even Annabelle noticed. "It's a great room, hey?" she asked. We all agreed.

It helped that Annabelle and the members of Lake of Stew were buddies and seemed like they wanted to be ours, too. Annabelle told us a little about each song - "It's about love. Yay love! It's a good thing. You'll see." - before singing, and the four Lake of Stewers sprinkled themselves throughout the audience post-performance. At one point Annabelle's mic went quiet leaving her rich, sweet voice dangling in the air. She started over. At another, she blanked on lyrics. We cheered for another go. The show wasn't a flop, but something we worked through and enjoyed together.

I didn't stay for quiche, but on my way to check out the Centre's new cinema I saw that many did. A man who won soap was talking up Annabelle, and Lake of Stew was hanging outside the theatre. Everyone was happy still, and friendly to boot. The Segal Centre, it seems, is on to something good.