Folk singer DiFranco to perform at Buskirk-Chumley

Folk singer Ani DiFranco will perform at 8 p.m. today at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

DiFranco has made an impact on fellow musicians, activists and “indie-minded” people all around the world, according to her record label’s website.

Her repertoire encompasses folk, soul, funk, jazz and the spoken word. Because of this, DiFranco has encountered and influenced artists ranging from Prince to Bruce Springsteen to Cyndi Lauper.

Considered a feminist icon, DiFranco has released more than 20 albums. She released her most recent album, “¿Which side are you on?,” in January.

Danielle McClelland, executive director for the theater, said she highly anticipates the sold-out performance.

“I personally have been a huge fan of Ani all of our mutual lives...We’re thrilled to be bringing her here at just the right size venue,” McClelland said.

DiFranco created her own record company, Righteous Records, in 1989 and released her self-titled debut album in 1990.

Later renamed Righteous Babe Records, the company allows DiFranco to remain an independent artist.

However, her fans come to her shows not for her stance on how she manages her career, but how she presents herself musically, according to her website.

A singer and songwriter, DiFranco has said the lyrics she creates and performs “come straight from her own experience.”

Along with the theater, notable performances include singing at Madison Square Garden in 2009 for folk singer Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday.

She also performed at the Beacon Theater in 2011 for Wavy Gravy’s 75th birthday.

DiFranco has performed at the IU Auditorium three times — in 1999, 2001 and 2008. 

“She’s only been here a few times, so we’re really excited to have her here again,” McClelland said.

- Olivia Williams