Acclaimed singer-songwriter Toby Lightman, a 2000 grad of UW-Madison, played at open-mic sessions in the Memorial Union's Rathskeller while studying communications. She didn't stop performing after moving to New York and her career skyrocketed.

In 2004, Atlantic Records released her soulful debut album. Billboard magazine touted her as a "rising star" on its cover. She appeared on the late-night TV circuit.

Then she couldn't get a hit single. The delightful "Devils and Angels" nudged near the Top 40 then disappeared. Atlantic then released Lightman's cool cover of Mary J. Blige's "Real Love" and that didn't connect. Serving as an opening act for Prince to Howie Day, she promoted her debut, "Little Things" and the 2006 album "Bird on a Wire," but both struggled to sell.

Still, Lightman, now 29, didn't leave show business.

She just changed the way she did business.

Her new album, "Let Go," is on her own independent label — usually a tough way to attract listeners but Lightman has been able to get heard in an unlikely fashion. Her title song is being used this summer in Home Shopping Network (HSN) commercials. Lightman also appeared on HSN — a first for an independent artist — to sell the new album.

Another variation of the song, called "Let's Go Racing Boys," is being used on Fox's telecasts of NASCAR. (Granted, it's unlikely she will develop a huge audience of NASCAR faithful, but it's another coup.)

She toured recently as the opening act for Marc Cohn — and singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, who plays at the Barrymore Theatre on Nov. 18, proved that an indie performer can find a sizable audience.

Her current tour includes only shows in New York, where she lives. Go to www.myspace.com/tobylightman to hear her latest material. The album "Let Go" is available on her site www.tobylightman.com and on iTunes.

Book fest expands

About 150 guests are slated to appear at the Wisconsin Book Festival Oct. 15-19. Thirty names (from Ann Beattie to Judy Blume to Marilynne Robinson) were announced several weeks ago. Now virtually the entire lineup is on the fest's site at www.wisconsinbookfestival.com.

Among the highlights: Linda Barry, Tom Perrotta ("Election" and "Little Children"), Wisconsinite Michael Perry and stellar national sportswriter Dave Zirin.

N.Y. loves 'Favre'

A comic-drama play about an obsessed Brett Favre fan enjoyed a successful run during the prestigious New York Fringe Fest recently. "I Love You, Petty, and Favre" received the Village Voice's Audience Favorite Award.

Writer-producer David Scott sent an e-mail with the good news. There are no plans for another run "but that could change soon," Scott wrote.

Henkes returns with 'Bear'

Madison's well-known children's author and young adult novelist, Kevin Henkes, has a new book out: "Old Bear," a picture book for the 5-and-under crowd. He'll promote the book at University Book Store in Hilldale Shopping Center, 702 N. Midvale Blvd., at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Return each Sunday to A&E for more news and opinion by Tom Alesia, talesia@madison.com. Until then, go to www.madison.com/wsj/home/entertainment for more local entertainment news and Madison's most complete guide to upcoming shows in Coming Attractions.