Ani DiFranco in Concert

Ani DiFranco has written hundreds of songs, played thousands of shows, captured the imaginations of legions of followers, and jammed with folkies, orchestras, rappers, rock-and-roll hall-of-famers, jazz musicians, poets, pop superstars, storytellers, and a martial arts legend. She's "fixed up a few old buildings" and minimized her carbon footprint before it was trendy - from installing a geothermal heating and cooling system in the renovated church that her label calls home to using organic inks on all the t-shirts she sells.

DiFranco was born in Buffalo, New York. She started her musical career at an early age, beginning by playing Beatles' covers at local bars. In 1989, she created her own record company, Righteous Records (renamed Righteous Babe Records in 1994), and her self-titled debut album was issued on the label in the winter of 1990. Later, she relocated to New York City, where she took poetry classes at The New School and toured vigorously.

Since DiFranco bucked the major label system in the early '90's by opting to release her music on her own terms, the self-described Little Folksinger has been the subject of all kinds of hyperbole. She's been called "fiercely independent" (Rolling Stone,) "inspirational" (All Music Guide,) and "the ultimate do-it-yourself songwriter" (The New York Times.).

Conceived, sculpted, and refined over the course of two years, her new album, Red Letter Year. is an impeccably crafted, multi-layered sonic achievement. And while the extra time spent crafting this album is a big reason for Red Letter Year's captivating musical depths, the people in DiFranco's life play an even bigger part - people like her partner and co-producer, Mike Napolitano and her one-year-old daughter, Petah Lucia. Love, family and home are three of the album's most prominent muses, resulting in a doze songs that exude warmth and renewed vigor.

DiFranco will be playing at the Bing Crosby Theater on Friday, April 15th. Doors open at 7:00 and the concert begins at 8:00. Tickets are available through TicketsWest. The cost is $37 advancea dn $39 at the door. As of today, there are still a few festival passes left that include an Ani ticket for $60!