Northern VA and Ani DiFranco at the Wolf Trap! July 8, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Concerts & Events, Environment, Lifestyle, Music.trackback
I made it to my mom’s house in Northern Virginia – she lives about 20 miles from Washington D.C. The energy here is very different from all of the places I’ve been so far this summer. First off, it’s more urban and that means lots of people, cars, and just overall madness. Everyone here is connected to the government in some way, and there is a refreshing racial diversity among the upper middle-class. Northern Virginia is the part of the Commonwealth that has made it a political swing state in national elections. As a political junkie, I feel so comfortable in this part of the country.
Last night, my mom and step-dad surprised me with tickets to see Ani DiFranco at Wolf Trap. I’d heard so much about this outdoor venue and was excited to finally go. It’s the only National Park dedicated to live performing arts. Park Rangers were among our ushers! A lady by the name of Catherine Shouse founded Wolf Trap through a donation of 100 acres of her Vienna, Virginia farmland to the U.S. Government. She also donated funds for construction of a 6,800-seat indoor/outdoor theater. The gift was accepted by an Act of Congress in 1966. (wolftrap.org)
Coupled with the amazing venue was the live performance of Ms. DiFranco. Needless to say, her blunt political lyrics were a perfect match for the location. I had never seen her live before, and was completely impressed. She didn’t stop for one minute of the 90 she was on stage. She had about four different guitars that she rotated depending on the song she was doing. One of her band members was even a xylophone player! The crowd was full of hippies, lesbians, and a was a general cross-section of people who probably didn’t fit in very well in high school. It was great.
There is something about seeing live music that makes me feel like I’ve just received an injection of an intense spirit. Since last night, I’ve felt creative, free and full of love for the world. I wish I could see live music every day of my life.
Ani DiFranco
Wolf Trap inside and then the view from the lawn seats.
That is such a cool looking venue! What a great surprise! That is awesome. I am glad you got your live music injection!
When I was 22 I saw Ani DiFranco at UC Berkeley’s outdoor arena. It is like an ancient Roman theater with stone seats and stage, plenty of grass and not a bad seat in the house. I know exactly what you mean about the crowd at an Ani concert – definitely one of a kind!
Wow — Wolf Trap! Awesome! I’ve heard so much about it and have seen it on TV of course. I definitely hear ya when you mean when you say, “There is something about seeing live music that makes me feel like I’ve just received an injection of an intense spirit.”
I got a little tear in my eye reading your previous day blog about driving around by yourself to your old haunts… I did that when I moved back here to SLO — drove by all my college homes, frat houses (most of which are now either apartments or restaurants), etc. It was strange doing it so many years later, as an “adult.” Brought back oh-so-many memories!