I had the pleasure of seeing Ani DiFranco perform live, many years ago, at Jazz Fest, in New Orleans. I maneuvered my way to the second row, behind a number of other girl-fans thrilled to be that close to Ani, and swooned over her blend of honest, soulful, funky music. And then the woman in front of me turned around, smiled, and pushed me into the front row. Suddenly, I loved her as much as I did the musician playing onstage. Ani DiFranco has definitely been one of my biggest inspirations as a musician, and her music has carried me through all kinds of turbulent times in my life. So…