India.ArieGets By With a Little Help From Her Friends
Early into her show at McFarlin Auditorium, India.Arie warned her audience that the show was not preordained. "I want to pray because I'm not sure what's going to happen tonight," she said. "I'm never sure what's going to happen."
What followed was an unusual two and half performance, where India.Arie philosophized in between every song and when the music began she turned the spotlight off herself and on band members, guests, audience members and her road manager. But the crowd was totally enthralled at her unique approach and her ability to immerse herself emotionally into the performance. Arie was in the forgiving mood and even defended public enemy Michael Vick.
Highlights were Dallas gospel legend Kirk Franklin performing and reggae singer Gramps Morgan sweet voice capturing the hearts of the audience. Things got freaky when the road manager started playing her guitar but that was the vibe of the night. Audience participation hit new heights when a male from the front row stepped up to help her sing the encore, “Ready for Love”.
Her new album “Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics” was almost entirely performed with the help of all, to a crowd witnessing a special night by a highly talented, giving, heart warming and thought provocative artist.
