After
15 years of non-stop touring, often performing over 100 gigs per year,
Ani DiFranco will take a hiatus from live performance, after the current
July tour ends, until summer 2006.
Over the past few months, Ani has suffered from an inflammation of
the nerves and tendons in both her wrists and hands. After having
received a diagnosis of tendonitis in late spring, Ani’s doctor
instructed her to follow a regimen of relative rest, restriction of hand
use to critical times, non-steroidal medications, and splinting.
Unfortunately, after having taken almost three months off from touring
earlier this year to treat her condition, Ani’s problems have not
decreased in severity. If she were to continue to perform at this time,
she would risk permanent nerve damage to her hands. Therefore, the
decision was made to cancel upcoming tours, starting with the West Coast
tour planned for late August and early September 2005, and provide Ani
with a sufficient amount of time to make a full recovery.
For those who already have tickets to one of the cancelled
performances, please check with the people you purchased the tickets
from for instructions on receiving a refund.
Although the Little Folksinger will be off the road, naturally she
will not be quiet. Several new recording projects with longtime friends
are in the works, along with a new album from Ani anticipated for 2006.
She will also still participate as a featured speaker in the New
Yorker Festival on September 24 in New York City.
We are deeply grateful for the understanding and concern from all of
you who have supported Ani’s touring career over these many years. We
know that great things are coming on the horizon, and we look forward to
sharing them with you in the coming months.
