As Ani DiFranco gracefully steps onto the stage to a sold-out crowd at 9:30 Club, she is smiling from ear to ear. The anxious crowd gives her the warmest welcome one could imagine. She pauses for a brief second to take it all in, then quickly she nods to the drummer to kick off “Which Side Are You On.”
Seeing a legend like DiFranco perform is amazing, and it is obvious that she is having a great time playing for her fans. Her smile is constant, and she just radiates positively. She clearly belongs on the stage.
I originally wanted another writer for this article. I wanted someone who could take on the responsibility of telling you a little bit about Ani DiFranco and why she is so important. I wanted someone who could hypnotize you with their extensive knowledge of this artist and tell her entire story. I wanted someone who could take you on a journey with her past accomplishments and also share her current endeavors, such as being a mom. Despite the best efforts by my editor and myself, we couldn’t schedule a writer to see her show. In no way is this a reflection on Ms. DiFranco, nor am I implying that no one had the desire to see her play and write about it; it was just a schedule thing.
So here I am, writing an article that should have been handed to seasoned writer. This is a job that no man like me can really do. I am a photographer, not a writer. Don’t get me wrong, I do write. I write in my personal life, creatively and sparingly, and there are occasions when the written word meets the visual landscape of my photography assignments, but not in regards to someone like Ani DiFranco.
That being said, what can someone say about an artist such as Ani DiFranco?
She is a poet, a street performer crowned with stardom, and a legend in a genre that she practically created. Above anything else that can be said about her, she is an undoubtedly a modern music icon.
Since she broke on to the music scene more then 20 years ago, DiFranco has not only been the queen of Indie Folk music, she has defined the genre. She was howling out to audiences with her own unique brand of songwriting and lyrical style when indie music was in its infancy. She was gracing stages everywhere with her subtle, happy hippie freedom dances before Dave Matthews was even heard of. In the process, she was bringing her folk-influenced style to a whole new group of music fans.
She is adored by generation after generation of music-goers. She has 21 studio albums under her belt, she has her own record label (Righteous Babe Records), and she has been more successful as an independent musician than most musicians who are on major labels in their entire careers. With her irresistible, incredibly strong vocal style and individualistic persona, there is no one quite like Ani DiFranco.
Her fans come out to her shows in droves, and they seem to be one big happy family. This was definitely one of those shows where you can feel the love everywhere. Everyone was clearly at the 9:30 Club this night to sing and dance along as Ani smiled and played her guitar on stage. Her set list included “Which Side Are You On,” “You Had Time,” “Manhole,” “Nicotine,” and “Promiscuity.”
Photos by Richie Downs
