There was an exciting energy exuding from the Center for the Arts Atrium Sunday night, as a purple glow radiated to the sky through the glass ceiling. Whether by car or by foot, anyone who was on their way to the venue had an idea they were in for a rare treat.
Feeding a passionate mass of die-hard fans from all across the area, folk-rockers the Indigo Girls made a rare area appearance March 3. Amy Ray and Emily Saliers brought new definition to what "rock 'n' roll" means with an evening of now classic anthems and brand new songs off their March 12 release, "Become You."
Born and raised in the music industry at a time when grunge was in and intelligible lyrics were out, Ray and Saliers were on the cusp of the "Lilith" revolution of female singer-songwriters. Releasing four platinum-selling albums and raking in six Grammy nominations in the mix of things, the Indigo Girls were well on their way to making a big splash with their delectable melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
The CFA crowd leapt to their feet at the first sight of the denim-wearing pair, who opened with one of their most loved classics, "Least Complicated." Chanting the testimonial lyrics urging individuals to live life to the fullest, the fans followed the hearts and minds of Ray and Saliers with avid enthusiasm.
The audience seemed less interested in the duo's new songs, frequently shouting requests for their classic tunes.
Spreading a movement of humanity and honesty in life, and celebration of a life worth living, the Indigo Girls have set in motion a perpetual respect machine, making the rock in their roll feel soft as a feather.
"It was great to see a lot of college-aged people get behind something like the Indigo Girls," said Jason Napieralski, a UB sociology student, at the show.
Even though Saliers was "a tad tired," the show gained momentum quickly with one of a handful of notable songs in their career, "Shame on You." Rocking with the agility of Melissa Etheridge, but with an energy more accessible than most rock songs, this classic got the entire audience to their feet, dancing in the aisles with the let-your-hair-down kind of fun the evening was intended to create.
"Galileo" proved to be the evening's biggest pleaser, with its engaging and entangled harmonies. The Indigo Girls slowed to allow the audience a moment to sing the words they knew by heart, testifying to the group's love for their fans.
"You guys are awesome to play for," the women said at the close of the show and announced they hoped to come back during their summer tour.
However short the evening seemed to be cut, the Indigo Girls' message was clear and more profound than other rock groups trying to make it big with sex and violence.
"Put down your weapons and love your neighbors as yourself," they sang in the last song before a small encore set, encapsulating their "golden rule" stance of love and respect.
Opening the show was Toronto duo The Cash Brothers. Playing a more tame and light emotional set of songs, they added a witty and comic interlude to every tune while priming the crowd for the main event.
"You probably figured out we aren't the Indigo Girls," said one Cash Brother.
