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Phenomenal Woman: India.Arie
GirlSite Contributer, Reena De Asis, shares her experience of seeing India.Arie in concert and why she is an amazing woman.

By Reena De Asis, GirlSite Contributer

In her late 20’s, this Denver-born artist has no boundaries when it comes to spreading her positive message about life, growth, love and “The Little Things,” a song that won Best Urban/Alternative Performance from Voyage to India, as well as Best R&B album from the Grammys in 2003.

To witness a live performance by India.Arie is to bask in her light and that is exactly what she delivered on a memorable evening at the Grove of Anaheim in late January.

She graced the stage emanating radiance with her smile. Arie wore a long white dress embroidered with the om symbol, representing the beginning and end of everything or the merging of the physical being with the spiritual. Her opening act was fellow Atlanta-based neo-soul artist Donnie who is related to Marvin Gaye and was showcasing his debut album The Colored Section.

When the lights went dim, the crowd lit up to India.Arie’s return to Southern California after previously performing at the Universal Amphitheatre, a state of the art indoor venue with excellent acoustics in November of last year. Nestled between two young girls and their mothers, both parents were ecstatic that their teenage daughter could witness a role model/artist who utilized her platform to spread empowering and optimistic messages through the power of words. It was a “feel good” show and in the sea of faces, one fan’s husky voice echoed in the Amphitheatre, professing his undying love for India.Arie. She remained humble in her composure, laughing and graciously thanking everyone for their support.

At the Grove of Anaheim, with its sophisticated ambiance and elegance, Arie played her sunflower-painted guitar to a more intimate audience that greeted her with warm cheers.

It was a festive night with a carefree and cool ambiance, hosted by Hot 92 Jamz DJ’s. In the front row, a couple in their mid 30’s snuggled with each other the whole duration of the show, until Arie’s alluring chorus of “Video,” had inspired all the women to rise from their seats, chanting “I’m not the average girl from your video, and I ain’t built like a supermodel, but I learned to love myself unconditionally, because I am a Queen.”

Arie’s genuine art is her music. She is not swept away by the glitter and gold, as displayed in her successful 2001 debut album Acoustic Soul, reaching double-platinum status with hit songs like “Video,” “Brown Skin,” and “Strength, Courage and Wisdom.” She is genuine and speaks her truth, even admitting she is shy in the spotlight. This is coming from an artist whose two Motown albums have garnered multiple Grammy nominations and sold millions of copies each.

Arie does not use extravagant props or a fancy light show. Her presence alone simply commands all of your attention. A talented band and back-up singer, and a simple vase of flowers that match the white daisy pressed behind her ear highlight Arie’s presence. She opened with “Headed in the Right Direction,” and played an array of songs from her albums, as well as some cover songs, in tribute to Sade whom she toured with in 2001 for the Lovers Rock tour. Arie even played the flute with lightheartedness to Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors, ” the crowd was mesmerized.

She was also gracious in recognizing her musical influences, including Stevie Wonder, James Taylor and Donny Hathaway. She ended her performance with a beautiful affirmation; eyes closed and sang, “Ready for Love.” Arie then handed out flowers from her vase to a few beaming faces that were dancing next to the stage.

“She was genuine, spiritual and it came across in her music,” said Brigitte Taylor, who drove from San Diego for her first “priceless” performance. Maisha Clark, a local resident, enjoyed the surprise guests such as Leroy Osbourne, who does vocals, guitar and flute for Sade, and Drew Ramsey, guitar player and programmer, who had previously collaborated with Arie on her latest album.

Arie is a breath of fresh air, soulful in every way. She is an artist who takes the words right out of your mouth and reaffirms the beauty of living your truth, amidst life struggles.

Arie delightfully shares her wisdom like a lotus flower in bloom. In her opening prelude "Growth," in Voyage to India, she eloquently sets the mood singing, “The only thing constant in the world is change...” As you set sail in the ocean of life with your heart as your compass, India.Arie reminds you to slow down, exude love and live out your truth with gratitude. Are you on board?