Spring Break
Namoli Brennet Rocks The Rainbow Center
Tina Forbes
Issue date: 3/2/07 Section: Focus
Namoli Brennet, singer/songwriter from Tucson, Ariz, performed last night to a modest yet enthusiastic crowd in the Student Union Rainbow Center.
"It was very laid back," said Greg Wyche, a 10th-semester environmental geo-science major.
Brennet's show was a part of this semester's OutLoud music series. Although the crowd could be considered small, it seemed perfect for the cozy, friendly atmosphere of the show.
"Booking shows is kind of like going on a blind date," Brennet said, as a pretext for one of her songs. "They might not like you, but you have to stick around for an hour and a half anyway."
She began many of her songs with anecdotes, so the audience had an opportunity to further identify with her music. They also served to accentuate the casual ambiance of her performance.
However, Brennet reminded the audience that the bad experiences served their purpose as well, saying, "Don't piss off a songwriter, you might end up on her next CD."
Her music was essentially what one would expect from her association with the other big-name female folk singers such as Ani DiFranco and Mellissa Ferrick, both of whom she previously toured with.
Although Brennet is transgendered, she doesn't confine her music to that genre of experience; she also touched upon issues ranging from immigration and addictions to lottery tickets and the meaning of existence.
Her lyrics were engaging and the music seemed enjoyable for the entire audience.
"I liked it," said Wyche after the show. "It was a nice little vacation from school … the music was soulful - but not soul."
"Aw jeez … it was great," said Katie Lloyd, a 6th-semester art history major.
"She sounds like Ani DiFranco," said Dawn England, a 6th-semester animal science major, adding that DiFranco signed Brennet's guitar."
A significant part of the quality of Brennet's performance was her quirky personality which was prevalent throughout the evening. One of the first things she said to the audience was her motto, "Music without listeners is like French fries without gravy." It was also a reference to her time spent living in Canada, where that is a popular food.
She was also very open with her music and inspiration, discussing past experiences as a transgender music director working in a church during the time she changed genders.
"They came to love me," she said. "But then someone at the big church found out and I had to get fired. But, I always wanted to be a traveling musician."
Through her poetic music, stories and dialogue with the audience, Brennet appeared to make a genuine effort to connect with her listeners, creating an experience similar to an intimate poetry reading with friends rather than a school-organized concert.
Brennet currently has several CDs out for sale, and she is also performing at additional venues in the state.
"It was very laid back," said Greg Wyche, a 10th-semester environmental geo-science major.
Brennet's show was a part of this semester's OutLoud music series. Although the crowd could be considered small, it seemed perfect for the cozy, friendly atmosphere of the show.
"Booking shows is kind of like going on a blind date," Brennet said, as a pretext for one of her songs. "They might not like you, but you have to stick around for an hour and a half anyway."
She began many of her songs with anecdotes, so the audience had an opportunity to further identify with her music. They also served to accentuate the casual ambiance of her performance.
However, Brennet reminded the audience that the bad experiences served their purpose as well, saying, "Don't piss off a songwriter, you might end up on her next CD."
Her music was essentially what one would expect from her association with the other big-name female folk singers such as Ani DiFranco and Mellissa Ferrick, both of whom she previously toured with.
Although Brennet is transgendered, she doesn't confine her music to that genre of experience; she also touched upon issues ranging from immigration and addictions to lottery tickets and the meaning of existence.
Her lyrics were engaging and the music seemed enjoyable for the entire audience.
"I liked it," said Wyche after the show. "It was a nice little vacation from school … the music was soulful - but not soul."
"Aw jeez … it was great," said Katie Lloyd, a 6th-semester art history major.
"She sounds like Ani DiFranco," said Dawn England, a 6th-semester animal science major, adding that DiFranco signed Brennet's guitar."
A significant part of the quality of Brennet's performance was her quirky personality which was prevalent throughout the evening. One of the first things she said to the audience was her motto, "Music without listeners is like French fries without gravy." It was also a reference to her time spent living in Canada, where that is a popular food.
She was also very open with her music and inspiration, discussing past experiences as a transgender music director working in a church during the time she changed genders.
"They came to love me," she said. "But then someone at the big church found out and I had to get fired. But, I always wanted to be a traveling musician."
Through her poetic music, stories and dialogue with the audience, Brennet appeared to make a genuine effort to connect with her listeners, creating an experience similar to an intimate poetry reading with friends rather than a school-organized concert.
Brennet currently has several CDs out for sale, and she is also performing at additional venues in the state.
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