review of 5/24/97 concert, ann arbor, michigan

[contributed by Evan Feibusch]

Wow!! Just got back from the Allen Ginsberg memorial show [Jewel Heart Benefit] here in Ann Arbor. The memorial was interesting. It included some wonderful poetry readings (Ann Waldman, Bob Rosenthal, and another...name escapes me). Also, a nice 3-song solo set from Natalie Merchant. The Patti set was acoustic as well. The band was present (Lenny, Jay Dee, Tony, and Oliver). The set was way too short, but set the stage for the post-concert event....

1. Poem to Ginsberg on his deathbed (reading)
2. So Lonesome I Could Cry
3. Beneath the Southern Cross
4. Wicked Messenger
5. Reading of Ginsberg poem ('Holy, Holy, Holy...')

While at the show, word got around that Patti was going to be at local coffehouse following the event. It was a really intimate setting. About 75-100 folks were there. Patti arrived about 1 hour after the memorial, and then proceeded to do an absolutely smoking 1-hour set with the band.

So Lonesome I Could Cry
Wicked Messenger
People Have the Power
Beneath the Southern Cross
Because the Night (with Natalie Merchant doing back-up vocals)

Then Natalie Merchant did, get this, the Velvet's "I'll Be Your Mirror" combined with the Carpenter's "Leaving on a Jet Plane"! Patti lead the crowd in the chorus. It was a blast.

Patti then picked up the set again with:

Gone Again
Dancing Barefoot
Who Do You Love

She was her usual hysterically funny self. The intimate setting was absolutely fantastic.

Copyright © Evan Feibusch 1997



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