Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
The Power Of Change
Iconic duo adds new musical dimensions, keeps same political passion
When you’ve been performing with the same group for more than three decades, bold and new discoveries in your music can feel few and far between. For folk rock icons the Indigo Girls, a different type of band provided a refreshing new perspective for both their music and the live show.
“Just when you think you’ve done it all, you add [the experience] of an orchestral collaboration. It’s exciting to offer fans something new,” shares one half of the duo, Emily Saliers, from her home in Georgia.
Saliers is referring to the pair’s June 29 release, “Indigo Girls Live With the University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra.” Recorded throughout rehearsals, as well as during a sold-out performance in Boulder, Colo., the live album grew out of the Girls playing with symphonies across the country over the past five years. It brought in new fans, too, Saliers says, as supporters of the orchestra and classical music were drawn to the show, making for a fresh experience both on stage and among the audiences.
“Orchestras just make everything more expansive and sweeping, cinematic,” Saliers says. “There’s a richness to the sound. These are songs we know like the back of our hand, and having the orchestra playing it just keeps you on your toes.”
Unfortunately, Saliers and her musical partner Amy Ray won’t have an orchestra backing them when they perform Oct. 2 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, but the pair will be joined by Lucy Wainwright Roche, who provides some lovely harmonies, Saliers assures. And though the pair are known for their social, political and environmental activism — passions they have carried through their whole careers — Saliers says when they get on the stage, the performances are focused on the music.
“We’ll sing, you’ll sing, and it’ll be a great time,” Saliers promises of their return to Arkansas.
However, Saliers was speaking by phone and not from a stage. And, in fact, was speaking to What’s Up! on National Voter Registration Day ahead of a benefit performance in Nashville, Tenn., for the occasion. She’ll try to leave the politics off the stage, but ends the conversation by imploring fans and readers to go vote.
“The response I’ve seen [with marches and social movements] — from women and Black Lives Matter and queers and children — makes me a lot more hopeful than I was at the beginning. It makes me realize the power of the vote. People have gotten lazy or don’t get to the polls, or whatever the reason, and we have to use our power to vote.”