Eight Gigs: Ani DiFranco

Folksinger extraordinaire Ani DiFranco is not afraid to change. Or maybe fear of change is what propels her to dive right into it, embrace it and challenge her listeners to do the same. Her prolific work manages to explore the full spectrum of musical genres (like jazz, electronic and even marching band) while stubbornly holding onto folk music as her nugget of truth. Her lyrics are personal, both for her and her listeners—a defiant quest for what is both bitter and beautiful, and to bring forth what she finds out into the light. Her fans respect her for her incredible musical chops and extroverted introspection. 314 West Main Street in Grass Valley, www.righteousbabe.com.