The line for India Arie took up the entire block between C Street and Broadway. Arie, being a Afro-soul artist, attracted a crowd more diverse than expected. Surprisingly, their was lots of men – and not just accompanying their girlfriends – lots of whites, blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, and a wide range of age groups. Ladies in their forties seemed just as plentiful as girls in their early twenties.
And yet I couldn’t figure out why. I always loved India Arie, but I had no idea everyone else did too. That is – until I saw her live. Arie is beautiful in so many ways. When she initially came out, she smiled at the crowd, thanked us for coming and like no other artist I’ve ever seen – began the show with a prayer. Her prayer, put to melodious, soft acoustic playing, was uniting. At once, the over-filled room packed with annoying strangers became a full house of pleasant friends and family. Once the prayer commenced the start of the show, she set off the night with “Video” making every fan jump for joy at hearing their first taste of Arie relived.
After finishing, she talked to us. Just talked. She talked about her woes, the inspirations behind some of her lyrics, and her thoughts on life, making the concert, and her, very personal for all of us.
Her newest album, Love and Politics, was about just that. Socially conscious while describing one of our favorite emotions, the message encapsulated the heart and mind of this generation. Some of words will make you want to go out and change the world instantly. At one point Arie grabbed a yellow scarf, wrapped it around her head and body, as the stage fans turned on. As the scarf blew in the wind, she morphed into a Rwandan princess, songfully describing the sad state of Africa. It was incredible!
Arie is wonderfully poetic and every single song was astoundingly beautiful. Not only that, but musically, Arie is as talented as they come. She went from acoustic to electric guitar, then to piano, then flute – all the while singing in perfect tune identical to the voice on her album.
The show got better and better with every song, and with the HOB security in full force, I dared not take out my camera, which should explain my lack of pictures. She ended up playing an hour and a half set, but it flew by and could have easily lasted longer unnoticed.
Throughout the entire show, the crowd sang along with her every song, and by the end, screamed and begged for an encore. I have to admit I was one of them, and was sad to see it end. Yet, by the end, I was left feeling euphoric, positive, and thankful. She has a way of doing that to you.
Arie gives an amazing show that every music lover should devote time to experience.