Ani DiFranco Santa Cruz Rio 10-13-09 Lifeboat

This clip features Lifeboat. Shot hand held, above shoulder level, about 20 feet from the stage with the Sanyo Xacti HD camcorder. Afro guy and tall guy in front made for some interesting challenges. Could have got closer but then I'd be more conspicuous. Even if no one stopped me it would feel a bit weird pointing a camera at Ani's face the whole time.

You can see some old Ani concert photos of mine from 1998-2001 here: http://www.picslive.com/ani-di-franco-concert-photos-and-pics/

Ani DiFranco at the Rio in Santa Cruz October 13th, 2009. Weird format. They removed the first 15 rows of chairs to create a pit. The rest was seats. Problem is that the Rio has a gentle slope so the standing folks blocked the sitters. This created this weird effect where there was a tight standing group in front of the stage, then some emptly space, then people scattered in seats. Kind of a continuity breaker. I had to shoot over the tops of peoples heads so instead of tucking the video camera tight into my chest area, I had to keep the camera elevated above shoulder level. When you see the camera start to shake, this is the shoulder fatigue setting in. At one point my heartbeat was making it shake because I was so tired. My shoulders are still killing me today even after some ice, herbal patches and ibuprofin. But hey, no pain, no gain. I shot 9 songs. I'll be posting them all, just takes along time. Enjoy.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ani difranco
• santa cruz
• lifeboat
• 2009
• rio

[jephthah007]

I knew of her, never heard her songs. Checked out a few youtube vids. Interesting arrangements, guitar sounds great. Disturbed soul, though. I pray she finds peace.

[claybutler]

Actually she's just the opposite. She's happy and got it together. That's a common misperception in the arts, people confuse the exploration of uncomfortable, intense or controversial subjects with the artist expressing it.

[claybutler]

I know this from my own experience. My artwork was often seen as disturbing when growing up but I was actually the most normal and grounded person you'd ever find. Some people thought that because I did drawings of exploding heads, skulls and distorted bodies that I actually wanted to do those things when in truth I just found it interesting from an aesthetic point of view.

[Ralajer]

Is "Lifeboat" the official name of the song? I heard her perform it live in July but it didn't have a name then.

[claybutler]

That's what she wrote on her set list so I assume it's the official title.

[mrmasland]

@jephthah007 She's found peace. How lovely that someone who questions everything, acknowledges insecurity and celebrates life is called a "disturbed soul." One thing I love about Ani shows is that it is a beautiful mix of people and no one is judged. Can't say the same about youtube. Ani is the voice of the strange, the wonderful, the voice of those lost and I think has helped a lot of people through hard times, just like the folk singers should. This song is amazing.

[righteousbabebg]

Wonderful Wonderful, Still uncompareable after all these years.

[MzHibou]

@GahImMelting : You are clearly not a good reader since you don't get what I wrote. I actually wrote exactly the same as you did in different words. This reminds me why one should not discuss shit over internet.

[GahImMelting]

@MzHibou

Aww, man, you've got plenty of more music to listen to, lyrics to read, interviews to listen to/read...

One of Ani's main philosophies is independence from big label-suits narrowing down your artistic freedom. And besides, most big record labels are all about the money and income; not the process of making and sharing music itself.

[littlescarybugs]

i love this song somuch.!thank youu <3

[guitarmom52]

not saying that she would prefer to be signed to a major label to "be loved more" I think she does a great job on her own being huge, her shows sell out almost everywhere she goes, and her fans respect her privacy. I think that's another thing is she has gained a ton of respect from people doing things her way. she's doing fine, she's allowed to feel sad and lonely like us all at times. How much more can we identify with a major star who is signed to a big label. Peace

[guitarmom52]

MzHibou-

the song "swim" is about her husband and herself...and with art and in her case owning her own label she has the freedom to change her mind about what she wants according to how she feels each day...