Ani Difranco ~ November 14, 2008 ~ Landmark Theatre ~ Syracuse, N.Y.

Words and Photos by Joe Koch

I have seen Ani in all kinds of venues, from clubs with 50 people to auditoriums packed with 2,000 screaming fans. What keeps me coming back is the unexpected. You never know what you're going to get with her. Ani has gone through so many changes in her life and her music has evolved equally. You may not always agree with how outspoken she is or her musical direction, but one thing is for sure. Ani will provoke your mind.
She opened her show in Syracuse with "Little Plastic Castle," a song that boasts the lyrics "people talk about my image like I come in two dimensions — like lipstick is a sign of my declining mind — like what I happen to be wearing the day that someone takes a picture is my new statement for all of womankind." It is her way of saying that she won't be pigeon-holed into a one-dimensional character, and opening with something familiar instantly set the mood for the crowd.

With her first chance to address the crowd, Ani uttered the words "everything sounds different since Nov. 5th," referring to Barack Obama's victory. You could see a glimmer of hope in her eyes; she has always been involved in the political arena.

On stage, Ani was surrounded by familiar faces, with Todd Sickafoose (stand-up bass,) and Allison Miller (drums). This time around she added also Mike Dillion (vibraphone and all other percussion) to the tour. For the most part, the core of the set consisted of songs from her newest release, Red Letter Year.

The highlight came when the band exited the stage and Ani stood, center, as she has done a million times before. "This song is about Nov. 5. But, first I want to thank Alice from Rochester, New York for going to Ohio to help with the campaign." Apparently she had been communicating with Ani throughout the campaign. Then, Ani joyously sang "We prayed you were coming and now you're here. President Obama it's an honor just to say it." This statement inspired dancing in the aisles, but security was quick to keep everyone contained to their seats.

Ani also spoke of her lyrical discord with the media. "For some reason all of these interviews that I have been doing, they all ask the same question or assumption. They don't think that mom and edgy can fit into the same box. They think that all moms are soft. This next song, 'The Atom,' is fucking deep with political shit!"

Ani also dedicated two new songs to her nanny for allowing her to be able to write them. Next, she performed "Landing Gear," a song that she wrote about her daughter, Peta, before she was born: "For someone who ain't even here yet, look how much the world loves you."

Her frenetically charged guitar quickly brought her legion of fans to their feet as they sensed a climax. The song "Shameless" once again brought fans to their feet and dancing in the aisles. By now you could see security pondering giving up. Ani left the stage for a brief moment before starting her encore.

The song "Evolve" ignited the crowd to rush the stage, leaping the barrier and ignoring security's request to return to their seats. I think this caught Ani off guard, as she stated her approval of the overzealous crowd. The Elvis-like reaction quickly dissipated as she ended the set with "Joyful Girl," a mellow number compared to the previous two songs. I almost thought that she was going to give us one more.

For more info go to: www.righteousbabe.com/ani