The only thing better than one great show is two great shows, and that is exactly what Watsonville Patio brought to Ames last Saturday and Monday nights.

Saturday night, California-based band Watsonville Patio headlined a phenomenal show at the Maintenance Shop with Des Moines band Brother Trucker opening.

The crowd of 50 to 60 was, for the most part, new to the edgy, melodic force of Watsonville Patio’s music.

The show opened with the catchy “Hymn of a Hummingbird,” off of Watsonville’s second album, “Hotel Roselynn.”

Immediately striking was the beauty and power of Janice Grube’s vocals. One would be tempted to draw comparisons to Natalie Merchant in terms of vocal style. Grube, however, delivers her vocals with a passion and immediacy all her own.

In addition to Grube’s vocals, one could not help but be stunned by the guitar work of Dylan Brock. At times, Brock slithered and shook across the stage as if he were one with his instrument. His ability to transition smoothly from a clean melody to visceral noise provided a rich texture to Watsonville’s sound.

Perhaps one of the best compliments to Watsonville Patio is that it is difficult to accurately compare its sound to other bands. Listeners definitely hear hints of R.E.M. melodies as well as the pop sensibility of Liz Phair.

But members of Watsonville Patio attack their music with an energy that makes it distinctly their own.

One highlight of the Saturday night show was when Watsonville Patio turned R.E.M.’s droning “Me In Honey” into a full-force rocker.

After a show at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis on Sunday, Watsonville was scheduled to play at Gabe’s Oasis in Iowa City Monday night. Upon arrival in Iowa City, club owners told Watsonville that because of the lack of a local opener, a large crowd wasn’t expected.

Rather than play in Iowa City, the band opted to return to Ames and put on a free show at Boheme.

Watsonville arrived in Ames only a few hours before the band went on at Boheme, so getting the word out was a major priority. Band members plugged the show on KURE and posted fliers around Campustown.

When Watsonville Patio eventually took the stage around 10:30 p.m., about 30 people had gathered for the show.

Attendees of Monday night’s show who had seen Saturday’s show had made the transition from curious newcomers to enthusiastic fans.

The sudden changes of plans, the hastily-set up show and the wear-and-tear of the road didn’t phase the band, who put on a show at Boheme that rocked every bit as much as the band’s show two nights before.

After a shorter set, the show ended due to the request of the Ames Police, who had received a report that the music was too loud.

The windows were closed at Boheme, which caused the temperature to soar but muffled the sound enough to allow for two more songs, including an extended jam on “A .45 to Pay the Rent.”

Those who were able to catch Watsonville Patio either night were treated to one of the best shows to come through Ames in a long time.