ANI !!!!!!!

Woa.
Rachele and I just returned from an Ani concert. Ben, I am now a devoted Ani fan.... whatever tactics you've tried in the past to get me to listen to her, nothing would have worked better than a live show. I'm officially hooked. She performed in the Rex Theater on E. Carson St. in the Southside. The venue was relatively small, and personable. We were about halfway back and maybe 30' from the stage. The old converted movie theater had sloped floors so viewing was much easier. This could also be due to the fact that there were much more women at this show; tending to be shorter than men, it was easier to see. Considering Ani's height, this increased our experience.
A comment on the crowd... I've never been to a show with an audience as respectful and attentive. They were deathly quite at some parts, and screaming "Fuck You (and you're untouchable face)" at others. Whatever mood Ani created, the audience responded appropriately. There was no smoking, and I don't feel like I needed a shower immediately afterwards... oh wait, I did sprint a quarter of a mile in a torrential downpour to the car. Hmm, maybe that has something to do with it. I'm also counting that as my run for the day...
Overall, the concert kicked ass- no one was pushing, shoving, crammed in to small uncomfortable place (like the back of a Volkswagen), or obnoxiously drunk. Her stage presence was another thing that amazed me. She was indeed a performer, lyricist, and storyteller. Her movements, facial expressions, and demeanor reflected her passion and sincerity she has for her profession.