Dar Williams
Dar Williams’ lyrics contain bouquets of optimism, delivered on melodies alternating between beguiling lightness and understated gravity. Williams strongly believes that all of us possess our own power and ability to achieve, and she rejects the exceptionalism that encourages us to “admire that yonder star,” while making us feel small and insignificant; unworthy of shining on our own but hoping to catch enough distant light to inspire some tiny accomplishment. Williams has always been very interested in how to control our future and this album has to do with the fact that at some point, you just can’t.
Like everyone else, Williams spent 2020 in that state of non-control. She and longtime producer Stewart Lerman tracked most of the album, her 12th studio recording, in November of 2019. In late February of 2020, she cut the title tune in Woodstock with bassist Gail Ann Dorsey and Larry Campbell, who produced the track and played guitars, pedal steel and twangy baritone guitar. When told they had to postpone a mid-March mixing date, Campbell said he wasn’t feeling well anyway. Turns out he’d contracted a serious case of COVID-19. That was a clear sign that at some point, you have to meet life where it meets you …the common thread throughout that these songs, the willingness to meet life as it arrives.
Dar Williams was always in the right place at the right time for the success she’s had over a 25+-year career. She rose out of the vibrant mid-90’s Boston scene, inspired by the eclectic influences of alt-rockers, Berklee jazz musicians, slam poets, and folk artists, like Patty Griffith, Melissa Ferrick, the Throwing Muses, Vance Gilbert, and Jonatha Brooke. After a year of touring non-stop with her first album, The Honesty Room, in 1994, she was invited by Joan Baez to tour in Europe and The United States.
“Good and bad things happen, and it’s not necessarily a reward or indictment. I’ve just got to meet it.” Williams observes. “Like, I’m bringing my whole life to this moment; it will surprise me, challenge me, show me where I was wrong, even make a fool out of me, but my job is to show up and not take adversity personally. Real happiness doesn’t have to feel like Snoopy dancing with Woodstock; it can just be knowing you have the resilience to meet whatever comes to you. I will call that a good life.”
Antigone Rising
For over two decades, Antigone Rising has earned a reputation as one of America’s hardest-working bands, driven by their unwavering instincts. The all-female group from New York has garnered the long-term devotion of fans through their captivating live performances, while their passionate social conscience shines through in their tireless activism.
In 2014, the band launched the ambitious nonprofit organization Girls Rising. This initiative embodies the same fervent belief that fuels their music, partnering with local school districts and youth centers to create programming designed to inspire and empower young girls and LGBTQ youth through live performances, presentations, and workshops.
The inception of Girls Rising was set in motion when Antigone Rising was invited by the US State Department to serve as cultural ambassadors across the Middle East. Following their Middle Eastern tour, the band traveled to Asia, Europe, Mexico, and the United States, bringing the Girls Rising program to schools, refugee camps, and community centers, spreading a message of inclusion.
Antigone Rising’s activism is prominently reflected in their latest work, “True Joy.” Highlights include the song “Avalanche,” a powerful anthem of female empowerment; “Right There with You,” a southern rock blues ballad; and “Badlands,” co-written with Grammy award-winning songwriter Lori McKenna, showcasing the band’s harmonies in the spirit of Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Fees always apply to purchase. Tickets can be purchased in person or over the phone Tuesday through Friday 3pm to 6pm. Tickets can also be purchased online at any time for no additional cost/fee. All Sales are final. If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact the box office at boxoffice@aomtheatre.com or (413) 584-9032 X105.
Show Date/Time:
Saturday, September 13th at 8:00 pm
Doors at 7:30 pm
Ticket Prices:
$35.00 – $55.00 ($44.42 – $66.44 after fees)
Where/ How Tickets Can be Purchased:
Purchase online using the button on the top or bottom of the page. You can also visit or call our box office at 413-584-9032 ext.105.
Box Office Hours are 3pm – 6pm, Tuesday – Friday. Service fees always apply with purchase.