TORONTO -- The last time I saw an Ani DiFranco show, she came out and performed a song with her opening act. Now, normally a headliner would stay hidden until show time to help build the anticipation and excitement being created by their fans. Not Ani. More than ever her shows are a celebration of music and a raw, selfless need to communicate with her fans. Last night was no exception.

After not having been in Toronto since 2003, DiFranco played the Hummingbird Centre last night to a packed house of her loyal fans.

The show was opened by Righteous Babe Records artist Hamell on Trial, which is composed of New York native Ed Hammell. His 25-minute set was full of his usual abrasive, loud and in-your-face material, which makes him the epitome of the perfect opening act. His ability to converse with the crowd and his funny yet smart lyrics did the impossible, it made the crowd forget, for a few minutes at least, that they were waiting to see Ani take the stage.

After a short wait, DiFranco ran on stage, threw one of her many guitars over her shoulder and got right down to business.

"Thank you Toronto! It is super fine to be back!"

Her energy and effort were flawless throughout the 90-minute set in which she mostly played new material, with a few oldies in between.

DiFranco is currently on tour promoting her latest studio release "Knuckle Down." Over the span of her 15-year career, Difranco has been vigilant about releasing at least one album per year.

On a bare stage flanked only by bass player Todd Sickafoose, DiFranco wowed the audience with her lightening fast fingers and compelling lyrics. DiFranco, who is known for her left wing political views, also performed her latest spoken word piece, "Reprieve," which is rich with 9/11 and pro-choice themes.

The only down part of the show came during a break between songs when fans began yelling out song requests. "Play Both Hands!" someone shouted from the back.

"I've been playing for 20 years with no gadgets or gizmos, but I think I have fallen down a Carpal Tunnel, and it hurts to play some of those older songs," DiFranco responded.

After watching her perform, and witnessing the speed and accuracy it requires for her to play her songs properly and effectively it comes as no surprise that she may not be able to play everything she used to.

The highlight of the show came during a group rendition of "32 Flavors," in which people flooded the aisles and began to dance in front of the stage. In a matter of seconds the theatre had turned from a performance into a celebration.

And what a celebration it was.

JAM! RATING: 4.5 out of 5

Set List:

Knuckle Down
Little Plastic Castle
Swim
Untitled
Studying Stones
Lagtime
Sunday Morning
Modulation
Manhole
Napoleon
IQ
Gravel
Untitled
Reprieve
Millennium Theatre
Recoil
Shameless

Encore:

Evolve
32 Flavors

DiFranco will be appearing on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on May 3.