The Red and Black

Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: Out & About

Media Credit: Courtesy The Indigo Girls After more than a decade without playing in Athens, the Indigo Girls play The Classic Center tonight. [Click to enlarge]

What is the element that validates your everyday bar band? Is it surviving a night without getting beer all over your shoes? Perhaps the assurance that your equipment isn't damaged or stolen?

Maybe it's hoping someone will sing along to one of your songs that night.

In the instance of the Indigo Girls, it'd probably have to be its Grammy awards, ever-growing catalog and signature brand of earth-toned girl power that's been sweeping the nation over generations of listeners since its start in the mid '80s.

"But really," Emily Saliers insisted, "we're just a bar band. At the root of it all, we want people to have a good time at the show."

And a good time Athenians will have, as Saliers and songwriting partner Amy Ray take the stage tonight at the Classic Center. The show, supported by Brandi Carlile, marks the group's first performance in the area in almost a decade - a rarity considering its early and exceedingly strong ties to the Classic City.

"We are totally excited to be back in Athens," Saliers said.

With respect to her band's blossoming start in Decatur, she feels as if Athens is a sister city.

"We recorded our first independent album there and then eventually 'Strange Fire' at [local producer] John Keane's studio," she said.

"We had lots of support from Michael Stipe and R.E.M. and have very fond memories of Love Tractor, the B-52's and old establishments like The Uptown Lounge. It was such a creative and supportive time and community."

The show tonight kicks off Indigo Girls' final tour behind 2006's "Despite Our Differences."

"This is a great time of the year and we're ready for a new record," Saliers said.

"It feels refreshing to tie up the season and start a new chapter."

Continued...

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