Singer/songwriter/guitarist Ani DiFranco, an early proponent of the indie label movement, began her buoyant career 1989, created her Righteous Babe label in 1990, and without the benefit of the airwaves, built a huge, politically savvy fan base, while producing more than twenty albums, largely on her own.

It’s 10:27 pm at The 8th Annual Festy Experience and I am sitting under the stage, directly beneath Mike Cooley’s feet (of Drive-By Truckers), hacking away at my typewriter. The rain is falling, not strong but steady, and I need somewhere dry to write. The music is flowing through me, his boot bottoms stomping out a beat inches from my head.

Ani DiFranco is a badass. Since early in her life she has chosen to be a leader against the conventional. At fifteen she legally chose to live on her own. At nineteen she began her own record label—Righteous Babe Records—in order to avoid the grasp of mainstream companies. And throughout her career, she has been at the forefront of multiple rallies fighting for women’s rights, encouraging people to vote, and just expressing what she truly believes. In short, DiFranco is not someone who can easily be ignored.

As I said, I had gone back to camp earlier to make sure things were as secured as possible and to attach the tent to the car just in case I needed to sleep in there that night. Good thing I had.  I awoke about 4 a.m. to raging winds and wicked rain.  I seemed securely attached…for now. The wind was blowing so hard that my tent was beginning to lean sideways.

Today, the sixth annual Langerado Music Festival announces its initial artist lineup. The 2008 event takes place March 6–9, and will host R.E.M., Beastie Boys, Phil Lesh & Friends, 311, Matisyahu, Ani DiFranco, Ben Folds, The Roots, Thievery Corporation, Les Claypool, G.

Seventeen years ago, Ani DiFranco released her first album.  Since then, she has established herself as one of the most influential and inspirational artists of her generation.  DiFranco wears many hats including singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer.  Her empowering spirit is evident through her songs that tackle barbed political and sexual issues with uncommon insight and compassion.  On September 11, Righteous Babe Records will release 'Canon,' the first