Janis Ian

Janis Ian was superb musically, but, for this show, she was also very open, involved, and such a joy. Devoted fans love her. Newer fans become more devoted. She's a legend and so deserving. Have her back again and again! We love her!!

I'm a longtime Tom Paxton fan and after seeing him perform with Janis Ian, I am now a Janis fan as well! Friends for over 40 years, the two have never performed together before, but Tom's folk style and Janis' blues and country meld beautifully. They spend most of the time on stage together, harmonizing and often singing each others' songs. If one of them does a solo, the other will relax at the back of the stage, enjoying it. They were accompanied by Robin Bullock, the talented "Celtic Guitar God," and audience and performers all had a wonderful time. It was good marketing, too, because the cross-pollination I'm sure helped them sell books and CDs for each other! I saw them together in Philly, Owings Mills, and Elmer, NJ, the first three concerts of their association, and I could see them "selttling in" to what I hope will be a long and wonderful run.

Long story short, I have been a huge fan of Janis Ian's for a long time but have never seen her perform live. While most of her songs are very depressing, they tap into common experiences most of us go through at one point or another. I can't think of one bad thing to say about the show other than to say that I wish she would of played a couple songs that I would of enjoyed hearing like "Getting Over You" or "Shadow" from her Hunger CD. That said, if you enjoy a totally raw setting, acoustic guitar, an amazing voice, and timeless songs, this is the one to catch. Well done Janis, I thank you for giving me my moneys worth and then some more.

Janis Ian's voice was as clear as ever, which I had hoped would be the case. But it was her soulful guitar playing that took me by surprise.

It's always a pleasure to watch a performance by artists that truely enjoy what they are doing. When Janice sang Societies Child her emotion showed as if see was singing it for the first time.

What a great way to spend an evening! The music was fun and full of memories as well as Natalia Zukerkman was unbelievable! A great addition to the program.

A really great evening with Janis Ian and Tom Paxton. Personable performers both, lots of memorable songs between them. Great rapport with the audience, they both seemed to be having fun on stage. Just a nice, enjoyable performance from two legends.

Was a good concert. Would of wanted more songs from Janis Ian

Natalia Zukerman opened the show as a solo acoustic. Within 30 seconds I could tell she was an excellent guitar player and singer song writer. Her presence on stage was terrific and the material and execution was impeccable. Jan Ian must have felt the same. When she took the stage she jokingly remarked, "I kinda wish she wasn't SO good." Janis was fantastic. She is truly one of the voices of a generation and has kept her place among the great singers of our time. Her story-telling between songs was enthralling. She told of her trials and tribulations and her triumphs and her personal life as it is today. I was particularly struck by her discussion of the privileges and responsibilities of being in her position as an artist and an icon. This was more than just lip service. It was obvious the she takes this very seriously. She ended her encore with by stepping away from the microphone and up to the first row of seats. She began singing "Jesse" a cappella and then added her guitar. Even though it too was unamplified, the result was electrifying. Never before had I seen a artist willing to expose themselves to only the room's acoustics. But, as a friend said afterward, Janis Ian has displayed that sort of courage all of her life.

Really enjoyed her music and her personality on stage. Was a great show! It would be nice that if you are 5'10" or taller that you should have to report that and sit behind the short people. A big 6'2" guy is hard to see through or over or around. But overall a great time!

I have heard Janis Ian in concert before, but this was the best! Her performance of " Jesse" was the most beautiful I have heard it sung- ever, by anyone. Pairing up with Tom Paxton was just extra icing on the cake. They are very different, stylistically but they performed together and individually with musicality and passion. I loved the performance!

Both artists were on their game, vocally and instrumentally. The entire evening consisted of great music, poignant recollections, and a lot of humor. I went in figuring I'd know only one or two songs, but I recognized at least 8 and enjoyed them all. This show was a 'find.'

Janis put on her usual proffessional show, sounds as good as ever and nimble fingered on her guitar.harmonies were good with Tom., and she was a lot more upbeat than when I saw her in Wilmington, Delaware.

What an intimate, perfect setting it was to experience Janis Ian live at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix. Packed house. We have always loved her song-writing and her singing. She mainly plays in larger venues so we were blessed to see her in this small night club. Her singing is a s crisp as ever and we enjoyed her story telling and humor. She has had quite a life! Obviously Janis Ian is a believer in a liberal agenda politically & socially ....and we are of a more traditional, conservative bent .....but that does not (nor should it) detract from anyone's enjoyment of her talent & artistry! We loved her show and would go and see her again when she is back in Phoenix - large or small venue. Thank you Janis for sharing the talent God gave you with us all.

This was a wonderful show - not a dry eye in the house going into the intermission. Her voice was strong and her stories were really nice.

It was a delightful surprise to see a now mature musician with such accomplishments to her credit. A wonderful engaging conversationalist, moving and in tune with the audiences' lives, always keying into the social layers of our society. She brought out the old songs we once knew, and sprinkled in beautiful new ones...and if she never would have spoken or sang, her mastery of the guitar was phenomenal. The best woman guitar player I have ever heard...and where are the others? Joni Michell comes to mind, but Janis brings her audience right up on stage with her... her warm friendly smile assures you that this child of 60 plus is still thinking just like you....the battles are still raging...from the 60's of our youth, she assures you, are still living within us all...and her beautiful songs trace the outlines of our history...past and future. She sang to the heart of us all.

What can I say. The audience (which was definitely a thinking, respectful group) at times was listening so intently that there was NO SOUND from the audience. This is an incredibly rare situation! One point I noticed was that Janis seems to have held true to some of her 60s convictions -- sharing information, avoiding systematic controls, not over focusing on money. All without looking her own brand of self-absorption. A wonderful night.

She put on a great show...great story-telling and history of her songs. Didn't know what a great guitarist she was.

Janice Ian puts on an extremely entertaining and heartfelt show. Her voice, writing, wit and amazingly accomplished guitar performance makes it an experience that I highly recommend. It was my first time seeing her but remembered her from her hits when she was a teen way back in the sixties. I applaud the ARK for bringing her. The acoustics at the ARK are outstanding. WHAT A TREASURE WE HAVE IN THE ARK! IT IS MY FAVORITE ENTERTAINMENT VENUE. My date and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it was well worth the travel from Ohio.

On the second from last night of her world tour, Ian was her usual "autobiographical" self, sharing stories and songs from nearly 43 years of entertaining audiences. Yes....43 years. Sharing her life, as much as singing, Ian held the audience rapt as she told tales of her mom and her mom's struggle with MS, her getting married to her partner in Toronto and then coming back to the States where their union is not recognized, the back story behind Society's Child, the woes of being an opening act (getting Coke bottles thrown at her, opening for America (that rowdy crowd!), and other details of her life in and out of the spotlight. Far from humble, Ian knew her audience would eat up her stories, but the self-centerdness was a bit much. As well, she seemed a bit tired/giddy that she was near the end of a long year of touring, and I would have liked to have heard much more of her voice (superb) and a lot more from her recent catalogue, including the title track from this decade's earlier release "Folk is the New Black". Her guitar playing, minimalist and sparse, at times, could have been more expansive. In other words, fewer words about herself and more music and lyrics (maybe even an instrumental), would have made this show a bit more successful. No complaints however, really. At 58, soon to be 59, Janis does not have to apologize to anyone, let alone this fan. More initmate fans like my wife, thought Janis was incredible. She was, but I wanted a bit more, to have been fully entertained. Fianlly, her opening act Gretchen_____ (Sorry), and piano/accordianist/bell-playing partner were a fine table setting for Janis Ian, even coming out on stage later in the show. There was no intermission, which was a welcome change to most shows these days. Us 50 and 60 year olds have to go to bed early. The Ark, as usual, was an exquisite place to hear a concert.

. I grew up with Janis Ian. At the concert I discovered that was really true. We are the same age. Her songs always touched my heart. And at the concert she also touched my funny bone. She was so funny! She sang all my favorites plus a couple I hadn't heard before. She is my "new" favorite artist!

This was the best performance I've seen in many many years. Her songs are profound and beautiful. And she talks a lot between songs - she's very funny and very sincere about her life. I was captivated the entire time.

I took my mom to go see her as a Christmas present, so it was both our first time seeing her live. Her voice is just a beautiful as it is on her records released in the 70s, and she has a stage presence that is unparalleled. We were pleasantly surprised at how funny she is! We laughed and cried, we learned that Janis is not just an amazing song-writer but an incredible story-teller (and guitar player). It was wonderful to see her and watch her interact & connect with the audience. A real boost that my family needed during these difficult times.

As I closed my eyes and listened to Janis Ian I felt like I was back in my youthful years as a teenager listening to her and identifying with her message. Her voice is better than ever. Her concert was fantastic and captivating. We loved the stories she shared. Before we knew it the evening was over and we felt like we were saying goodnight to an old friend. This is a concert you shouldn't miss!

A great show, more of an intimate evening with a great artist. The show featured some of Janis's newer material as well as some of her older songs. It took me nearly 30 years to get a chance to see Janis, and was definitely worth the wait. Her smooth eloquent vocals, the mesmerizing lyrics and soulful insight along with her sharp wit an repartee made the evening magically warm and wonderful.

We were very pleased with both performers and left the theatre in much higher spirits than when we entered it. Janice even did an awesome blues guitar solo. We really enjoyed her comments on the political state of our country. We recommend this show very highly!

Susan Werner is an amazing Performer . As a former guitarist in the 1970,s I am always amazed at the amount of different ways a guitar can be played. Her use of guitar dynamics and her tremendous voice were a pleasure to behold. Susan your comfort in front of an audience was evident the first few seconds you stepped on stage. It is not often that you see someone that makes their choice in life s work perfectly. Thank you for a wonderful evening!

Fantastic, but I would expect no less from Janis Have seen her hundreds of times and still the best show ever

Susan Werner and Janis Ian performing at Cain Park provided one of the most incredible music of I have ever experienced. Susan was absurdly engaging, ridiculously talented, and downright mesmerizing. Janis was an earth goddess incarnate, with more than a bit of spunk to spare. The wind blowing through the trees at this unbelievably designed outdoor venue created a backdrop that made this a magical evening. I am so appreciative for this night.

I have seen and followed her for years, She is always marveloous, very talented, I love her music and her witty repartee is always very entertaining. I hope she never retires.

This was a great show! Her voice is just as good as it was years ago. However the best part were her stories which could fill an evening by themselves.

Really enjoyed the Janis Ian concert! She was fabulous--still wonderful voice and songs, and she's so funny and irreverent. Really had a great time. Nice venue, comfortable seats, easy access in and out of the parking lot.

Loved Janis Ian since the 60's/70's (Forgot exactly when.....then it was the 60's) yet never saw her live till now. Comfortable, humorous, at ease with herself, many classics and some new stuff. Just a joy to hear/see. What more can you say about such an accomplished artist/musician. Check out her audio readings (Beauty & the Beast among others). Diana Jones opened with a beautifully lyrical set. Her voice alone is mystically wonderfully and she is an accomplished writer/musician. We asked how we missed her coming around before. Local media needs to take note.

Janis Ian's command of her music and the quality of her voice were astonishing after all of these years of performing. A must see for anyone who appreciates lyrics, quality guitar playing and who has a heart for the depth of a professional performer who gives her all to the audience. There is something for everyone in each of her songs and for those over 40, there is a grand journey down a road of bittersweet memories.

The turnout was great, the place was standing room only. Janis gave a performance out of this world, her beautiful lyrics,voice, and fantastic guitar playing!!! What a super musician and wonderful, intimate person.

The quality and artistry of Janis Ian made a wonderful show. The managers of the venue were kind and polite when I had a complaint. I bought my tickets way in advance but was not advised that to ensure a seat, arrive early. Therefore, we arrived abot 1/2 hour before the 8:00 starting time. We had to stand for the entire performance which was not easy or fun. I suggest that the tickets arrive with that information: "does not guarantee a seat unless you arrive early"

Like a very fine wine she just gets better with age.This show had to have been better than the last time she was here,or maybe I am just prejudice. Her playing and singing were Etheral,especially that Blues guitar number, and her commentary that she interjected here and there combined, was like a Mellow roller-coaster ride.The place was packed,standing room only,everybody waiting,getting mildly blitzed,she comes out and starts her set,and some un-couth idiot comes in and sits down right in front of the stage with a box of Pizza and calzones.They start to un-wrap the food and are whispering to each other making alot of noise.I knew and felt that my mouth was wide open in utter amazment,I looked at my friend Monica and she had that same look! Everybody near us had that look.We looked up just in time to see Janis tell them that she could wait till they were done,really your noise is distracting me.Now they had that look of dis-believe! They soon got up and walked out only to come back later and ask the people that had sat down in their chairs that they wanted them back.Janis is just shaking her head at all of this as she is playing without missing a beat! The Rhythm Room is a large intimate bar that you just don't do this kind of stupid stunt in.On behalf of all of us in Arizona please don't let this be the reason you might not want to come back to us .

this show took me right back to the 70's and seeing janis ian at celebrity. her voice is a joy and her interaction with the crowd was strong and protective of our expectations. even so much as to mid-song dressing down to front row rudeness.

I have listened to Janis Ian for about as long as she has been singing and love her music. The venue was small and cozy and she stays to meet people at the end. It was fabulous.

Seeing Janis Ian in a jukebox-sized venue like the Rhythm Room was wonderful and made the event even more special. It goes without saying that Ian is incredibly talented songwriter and recording artist, but also is a great live performer. Her warmth, intelligence and humor came through, especially in such a small venue. Her patience was sorely tested by three boors sitting in the front row who appeared to be stoned (that's the most charitable explanation) and willfully oblivious to the distraction they were creating by answering phones, eating pizza and talking throughout the first half. But Ian handled even that rudeness with aplomb and humor so the night was not ruined. She performed many of her hits, Society's Child, At Seventeen, etc., but also several new, winning songs that she haven't yet recorded. An incredible evening. It was a sold-out show and we were lucky to have been able to snag the tickets to be there. One of the best concerts I've seen in the last couple of years.

Concert was great....Janis was awesome. I love the smaller venue of The Rhythm Room.

The talent Janis Ian possesses in song writing, performing, and her wonderful humor are on full display in the intimate Rhythm Room experience. Janis has an extensive wealth of life experience not equaled by many. I would highly recommend her show to anyone.

FIRST, I WAS A LITTLE SURPRISED BY HER APPEARANCE. SHE LOOKED LIKE A LITTLE SHORT, STOCKY, WHITED-HAIRED GRANDMA, DRESSED IN SORT OF A MOO-MOO. OF COUSE IT DID NOT BOTHER ME A BIT, JUST WASN'T EXPECTING IT. SHE SAID THIS WAS HER FIRST CONCERT EVER IN MISSISSIPPI AND THAT IT WAS THE LAST OF THE 50 STATES THAT SHE HAD NEVER PERFORMED IN. THE VENUE IS VERY INTIMATE, BUT NICE. HER SONGS WERE BEAUTIFULLY POETIC AND HER GUITAR PLAYING WAS MAGNIFICENT. SHE COULD REALLY MAKE HER ACCOUSTIC GUITARS TALK. HEARD SOUNDS I HAVE NEVER HEARD FROM A GUITAR. BY THE WAY, SHE WAS SOLO. MUSIC WAS GREAT AND SHE TOLD LOTS OF FUNNY AND INTERESTING ANECDOTES. COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT THE POLITICAL BANTER, THOUGH.

Absolutely top notch show. Janis has amazing skills.

Janis Ian managed to meld entertaining from a stage, and talking with a group of friends at her Cain Park concert. The venue was perfect for this, as Cain Park is a very intimate, yet open setting. Janis thrilled with both her voice and some interesting guitar work. But the personal stories that put this show over the top. The stories were heartfelt and funny, and an interesting glimpse into her professional and private life. Janis stayed afterward to sign autographs and talk with her fans, revealing herself as not only the incredible singer/songwriter that we all knew her to be, but a very down to earth and caring person as well.

She was AMAZING!!!!! Her voice, her guitar, her story telling, her personality.

What a delightful evening in the gorgeous, lush green surroundings of Cain Park. I have always loved Janis Ian, but seeing her in perform live in this relaxed, intimate setting allowed me to better appreciate what a truly gifted musician and artist she is.....and also what a charming performer she is. Thank you, Janis and thank you, Cain Park!!

Janis' voice was great! Love her and her songwriting. I think she gave up too much of her time to Tom because when I booked the event I really thought it would mostly be her concert, and I really bought the ticket to hear Janis, not Tom. Natalia is clearly a good songwriter herself and she is very skilled on the instruments - a pleasant surprise. Acoustics in the venue were really good.

All performers were wonderful and talented. Enjoyed the humor & the history. It seemed as if they too were really enjoying themselves. I would go again in a heart beat! Janis Ian still has an incredible voice and her guitar skills which you don't get to realize on cd's are phenomenal! Tom Paxton was great, can't wait for his song about Michelle Bachman! The respect given to the new kid on the block by Ian & Paxton was refreshing. Ms zuckerman was tremendous.

This music experience was beyond words!!! Unbelievably warm and wonderful experience!! For me seeing Janis Ian live was a dream come true. Natalia Zukerman was a great addition to the performance! Hope to see more of her in the futre!! Tom Paxton was a perfect match with these wonderful musicians. The entire evening was such a FINE experience. Will carry it with me for years to come. THANK YOU to ALL!!

They are so inspirational! What a night. I only wish I could have made it last forever.

I was completely blown away. I've been a fan of Janis since I was a little kid and I was not disappointed in the least in finally getting to see her live

Love Janis Ian songs - would like to have heard more of them.

This show was nothing short of perfect. We enjoyed every minute of it. The only thing we could ask for was more.

Very intimate, clear, and relaxing evening. Also at times it was thought provoking. The guitar playing was outstanding by the ladies. All three were amazing musical storytellers.