Ani sez: Don't forget to have a good time

To put it mildly, I’m not a person who goes “valley girl” all that often. But there was no holding back the “oh….my….god” reaction when Ani DiFranco and company took the stage at Town Hall on Sunday. Somehow I found myself in the front row and as much as I try and play down the fandom thing… yeah there was no chance. Sometimes music just grabs you and fills you up ‘til you want to explode. Maybe that’s just me (without excessive woo-ing though, I promise) but the response of the crowd – and Ani herself – spoke otherwise, loudly.

For anyone still caught up on the “angry folksinger” label, there was a serious dose of happiness to contend with. Buoyancy even. Now being Mama DiFranco clearly has something to do with that. But on the flip side, the righteous baby has her extra sensitive to the ways of the world, and newly inspired to take them on. It’s an odd balance to describe, but I think that this time – with the anger and frustration – comes hope.

So the songs to come live both here…

Human beings are a cross

Between monkeys and ants.

You can see us from your spaceship

Melting the polar ice caps with our arrogance.

Summon a congress of angels

Dressed in riot gear.

We’ve got a serious problem down here.

(”The Atom”)

and here:

So I’m beginning to see some problems

With the ongoing work of my mind.

I’ve got myself a new mantra

It says, “Don’t forget to have a good time.”

Don’t let the sellers of stuff power enough

To rob you of your grace.

Love is all over the place.

(”Present/Infant”)

Aside from baby, hope and happiness came through a big ol’ group of friends helping her out. Alli Miller on drums and Todd Sickafoose on bass – SO much more than a rhythm section. Mike Dillon added some flavor on vibes and a whole sprawl of percussion. Gail Ann Dorsey (proud ‘FUV member btw) jumped in on vocals and guitar during the encore, along with opening poet Buddy Wakefield (see him if you can, listen if not) and……. Dennis Kucinich. Yep. Held his own with a little shaker egg type thing, and also spoke before Ani’s set.

I wont get into the politics of it all, but even if you slept through the whole show you’d wake up getting two main messages: 1) Think. 2) Vote.

And for me there was a third: Ain’t nothin’ wrong with being a fan.