http://m.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... ate=wapartEtheridge alone but full of life
By Gwenn Friss
gfriss@capecodonline.com August 30, 2009 - 2:46 AM
HYANNIS – Winds buffeted the Cape Cod Melody Tent last night, but drew little notice from the crowd inside that spent more than two hours wrapped in the embrace of Melissa Etheridge’s “Alive and Alone Tour.”
Etheridge was magic.
There was a magnetism between her and the full house, as she sang about love, loss, the victory of beating cancer and the importance of speaking out – be it for peace, to save the planet, or to ensure equal rights for everyone, including gay and lesbian people.
This tour is exciting because, with only her playing guitar, piano or harmonica, you can hear every word of the poetic lyrics. Her guitar solos – if you can solo when accompanying yourself – are kick-butt and the piano is gorgeous. Plus, since she’s working alone she can change up the set list so you never really know what you’ll get out of her 21 years of recording. She includes a cover or two from a different artist at each show on the tour. Last night, in a nod to Tropical Storm Danny, it was Elton John’s “Daniel” and “Tiny Dancer.”
Etheridge is working on songs now for a new CD. But on this tour, the familiar ones she sang reflect her life: coming out as a lesbian in 1993, battling cancer in 2004, and a 2007 Academy Award for “I Need To Wake Up,” the song she wrote for Al Gore’s film on global warming, “An Inconvenient Truth.” Etheridge gives an amazing amount of herself on stage, talking about everything from beating cancer to her politics.
The crowd’s cheering could likely be heard in nearby Hyannisport when Etheridge lauded Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s 45 years of leadership, looked skyward and dedicated “All the Way to Heaven” to the powerful Democrat who died late Tuesday at his Hyannisport home and whose funeral was held yesterday.
Etheridge is mesmerizing not only to listen to but to watch. Her voice ranges from a she-wolf’s deep reverberating growl to a sweet and tender vulnerability. Her face registers the words she is singing, whether she’s impishly rolling her eyes or staring out with determination as her voice registers the final, quiet line of “Testify” about the need to keep the dream of equality alive.“
I Run for Life,” the moving and rousing song about working to help others beat breast cancer, was an emotional tour de force and drew a solid two minutes of cheering. She stood, arms thrown out and head back as if to take it all in.
Afterwards, she enthused, “Have I told you guys lately how much I love you?”
From many performers, that kind of thing would induce a collective cringe. But somehow, this politically active mother of four pulls it off. That kind of intimacy doesn’t sound phony coming from someone who wears so much of her heart on her sleeve.
Etheridge sang a score of songs in two solid hours on stage. With no opening act, she truly is “Alive and Alone,” but she still came back when the crowd clapped and stomped for more.
Thank you very much ((Angie)) 
it couldn't hurt ...providing they're good one of course 
Just spreadin the love and sharing the joy. 
for the videos!!!
Binghamton didn't even come close to the performance Saturday!!!! I'm so glad I got to go to this concert because this was what my 1st concert experience was supp2 feel like!!! 
