The prolific recording artist from Buffalo, NY has accrued an enviable following of devotees, regularly playing to packed theater-size houses of fans who appreciate the emotional honesty, and passionately unflinching point of view, that infuses both her music and her public persona.
What's more, she's maintained her long-playing career by working completely outside the music-industry mainstream — having established her own successful record imprint (Righteous Babe) as early as her debut release in 1989. At the same time, she's built her fanbase via college appearances, social media and even good old word-of-mouth, long before the major-label suits were blindsided by the twenty-first century.
Even if this multiple Grammy nominee's one trophy was awarded for "Best Album Package," it still speaks to Ani DiFranco's multi-faceted standing as musician, author, promoter of talent, award-winning feminist, mom, social activist, and crafter of smart, incisive, often funny perspectives on human intimacy, big-picture issues and that always uneasy crossroads of Art and Commerce.
It's a set of qualities that are very much in evidence on DiFranco's seventeenth and most recent Righteous Babe release Which Side Are You On?, a collection that finds the artist (who's made intriguing music with everyone from Dar Williams and Cyndi Lauper to funkmaster Maceo Parker and Prince) joining the legendary Pete Seeger for an electrified take on his titular folk anthem — while addressing themes of life, death, innocence and "Promiscuity" with her signature love of language, and a stripped-down alt-punk energy that delightfully defies any and all attempt at pigeonholing this Icon of Indie.
As to the question of what to expect when you're expecting a concert by Ani DiFranco — suffice to say that "the expected" has seldom been part of the toolbox for this artist that continues to run circles around the arbitrary categories and cliché formats of an increasingly fragmented music scene. When Ani comes to Monmouth, she's sure to find happy harbor at this place that's embraced appearances by Robert Pinsky and many more of the world's leading poetic voices — and a sea of happy listeners here in what's become one of the region's top theater venues for intimate music events.
Tickets for the November 8 Ani DiFranco concert are priced at $75/50/40 and can be reserved through the Monmouth University Performing Arts Box Office at 732-263-6889, or online at www.monmouth.edu/arts. Tickets for other upcoming events in the 2013-2014 Performing Arts series at Monmouth University — including Josh Ritter (November 22) and Matisyahu (Dec 5) are on sale now.
About Monmouth University
Monmouth University is a leading private institution that offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University provides students with a highly personalized education that builds the knowledge and confidence of tomorrow's leaders. Located in West Long Branch, New Jersey, Monmouth University's magnificent and historic campus is approximately one hour from both New York City and Philadelphia and is within walking distance of the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Monmouth University is listed in U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" and the Princeton Review's The Best 377 Colleges, and is recognized by the latter as one of the country's top "green" colleges. To learn more, visit us at www.monmouth.edu.
