Anya Skidan: 01-24-12

by David Holland

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in my house working on station business. While doing so, I decided to browse my usual venue spots & see who was playing. I was browsing Piano’s website when I noticed a familiar name was playing the upstairs lounge. The name that caught my eye was Anya Skidan.

I first met Anya last summer on a train station platform in Brooklyn. I was with Carolyn & we were heading back to Manhattan when I saw a beautiful woman with an acoustic guitar. So I immediately introduced myself as I don’t pass up opportunities for potential networking. My reward for doing so was being serenaded with a beautiful song.

It should come as no surprise that the song she sang for me is my personal favorite. I was so happy to hear it played at her most recent show in NYC at the upstairs lounge inside Piano’s. The song titled Be Here Now was just one of 9 magical songs played that night. Some other highlights included Shine The Brightest, Summer Is Gone, Spiritual & a great cover of the Neil Young classic Out On The Weekend.

This was my second time seeing her play since that fateful summer night although this would be the first with a bassist & drummer along for the ride. Her distinct vocals help bring a new dimension to her spiritual folk sound which resonates with beauty through her masterful lyrics. If you ever get the chance to see her play, check her out if raw folk music with strong & unique vocals & lyrics to match is your thing. You will not be disappointed!