And slim was on a diet.
I entered the Murat Temple, an island of melodic chaos amidst a sea of vibrant souls. Amidst the kaleidoscope of colors and swaying bodies, I couldn’t shake the feeling of being a lonesome man out of his element. The air crackled with an undeniable energy, pulsating with unapologetic expressions of love and self-acceptance. Ani DiFranco’s siren call filled the air, summoning the faithful. Ani unites divided hearts.
Having embarked on this musical pilgrimage alone, I relied on the mercy of public transportation, a decision that had come back to haunt me. As the final notes of the concert echoed through the temple, reality hit me with the force of a freight train—I had missed the last bus. An uncomfortable chill crawled up my spine, reminding me that the night had just taken an unexpected turn.
However, fortune seemed to smile upon me in this sea of exuberance. A group of strangers emerged, like guardian angels in leather jackets and rainbows. Their outstretched hands offered respite from my nocturnal predicament. Skepticism tinged my gratitude as I hesitantly joined their makeshift convoy. Who were these eclectic souls? Were they my saviors or mere wanderers with a penchant for rescuing stranded musicians?
As our motley crew set off into the night, laughter became our fuel, and conversation danced along the rhythm of the road. Each individual shared pieces of their lives, their struggles, their triumphs. As their stories intertwined, I found myself enveloped in a camaraderie I hadn’t anticipated. We may have hailed from different walks of life, but for that fleeting moment, we were united by the strings of Ani’s guitar, harmonizing as one.
When we finally arrived at my destination, the realization washed over me like a wave crashing against a distant shore. The generosity and inclusiveness of these newfound friends had left an indelible mark on my weary soul. “Thank you,” I said, my voice infused with a blend of gratitude and wonder. “Tonight, you’ve revealed a world where music transcends boundaries, where labels dissipate like morning mist. I may have been an outsider in your vibrant community, but you’ve embraced me with open arms, and for that, I am forever indebted.”
As their car departed, leaving me alone in the dimly lit street, I couldn’t help but be moved by the profound impact of chance encounters. The spirit of Ani, the unifying force of music, had brought us together in an unforgettable symphony of acceptance. With a renewed sense of purpose, I strode towards my doorstep, determined to spread the message of love and harmony beyond the boundaries of that fateful night.
In the end, the melodies lingered in the air, and the laughter echoed in my heart. I had been touched by the hand of fate, whisked away on a Hemingway like journey, a night touching and being touched . And as I closed the door behind me, I carried with me the memories of that extraordinary night—the night I discovered the power of music and the extraordinary capacity of strangers to transform a solitary existence into a vibrant tapestry of humanity.
For more: Alan Pedder published an amazing interview on The Line of Best Fit, Ani DiFranco reflects on the 25th anniversary of her defining 90s album, Little Plastic Castle. She discusses how the album humorously critiqued fame and mentions its emotional depth. DiFranco also talks about her career, which includes founding Righteous Babe Records at 19, and her shift towards a more experimental musical style. Additionally, she shares her anticipation for her next studio album and her recently published children’s book, The Knowing. There will be some friends amazed I didn’t do a thing about Samantha Fish first but I do have all Ani’s albums and this is based on a very true story.
Pedder, A. (2023, June 26). Ani DiFranco’s best songs, as chosen by her. The Line of Best Fit. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/ani-difranco-personal-best