Keynote performer, activist, independent artist, and cultural thought leader.
Arts organizations, universities, activist groups, creative professionals, and audiences seeking thought-provoking storytelling, cultural commentary, and creative inspiration.
Ani DiFranco is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, poet, and activist whose fiercely independent career has reshaped modern music and empowered generations of artists. Known early on as the “Little Folksinger,” Ani quickly transcended labels, evolving a sound that spans folk, punk, funk, jazz, hip hop, soul, electronica, and more.
Her collaborations reflect this breadth, pairing her with visionaries such as Utah Phillips, Maceo Parker, Prince, Billy Bragg, Pete Seeger, Michael Franti, and Chuck D. Ani has shared stages with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and other cultural legends, solidifying her influence across genres and eras.
Rejecting major-label conventions, Ani founded Righteous Babe Records and built a career rooted in creative freedom and principled independence. Prince once remarked that her power came from having “no ceiling over her,” capturing the ethos that continues to define her work. Her acclaimed 2017 album Binary and her bestselling 2019 memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream reflect her evolution as both an artist and a cultural commentator.
Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani DiFranco is the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the first artists to create her own record label in 1990.
While she has been known as the “Little Folksinger,” her music has embraced punk, funk, hip hop, jazz, soul, electronica and even more distant sounds. Her collaborators have included everyone from Utah Phillips to legendary R&B saxophonist Maceo Parker to Prince.
Ani DiFranco has shared stages with Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Seeger, Kris Kristofferson, Greg Brown, Billy Bragg, Michael Franti, Chuck D., and many more. Her most recent album Binary was released in June 2017 on Righteous Babe Records and her memoir No Walls and the Recurring Dream was released in May 2019 by Viking Books.
Rejecting the major label system, Ani DiFranco has referenced her staunchly-held independence (and the accompanying creative freedom) in song more than once, including in “The Million You Never Made” (Not a Pretty Girl), which discusses the act of turning down a lucrative contract.
“The Next Big Thing” (Not So Soft), which describes an imagined meeting with a label head-hunter who evaluates the singer based on her looks, and “Napoleon” (Dilate), which sympathizes sarcastically with an unnamed friend who did sign with a label. After recording with Ani in 1999, Prince described the effects of her independence.
“We jammed for four hours and she danced the whole time. We had to quit because she wore us out. After being with her, it dawned on me why she’s like that – she’s never had a ceiling over her.”
Her lyrics are rhythmic and poetic, often autobiographical, and strongly political. “Trickle Down” discusses racism and gentrification, while “To The Teeth” speaks about the need for gun control, and “In or Out” questions society’s traditional sexuality labels.
Her 2016 single “Play God” has become a battle cry for reproductive rights. Rolling Stone said of her in 2012, “The world needs more radicals like Ani DiFranco: wry, sexy, as committed to beauty and joy as revolution.”
Over the years she’s performed at countless benefit concerts, donated songs to many charity albums, and given time and energy to many progressive causes. She has learned from and demonstrated beside Gloria Steinem, Jesse Jackson and Dennis Kucinich. In 2004, she marched in the front row of the March for Women’s Lives along with Margaret Cho, Janeane Garofalo, Whoopi Goldberg, and many others, later performing on the main stage.
Ani DiFranco has beaten the drum for voter registration and turnout with “Vote Dammit” tours in multiple presidential election years, including most recently in 2016. She’s currently on the board of Roots of Music, an organization that provides at-risk youth with support and musical education in New Orleans, and the creative council of EMILY’s List, which helps elect pro-choice Democratic women to office.
As a songwriter and social activist, she has been the inspiration for woman artists and entrepreneurs for over two decades. Featured on the covers of SPIN, Ms., Relix, High Times, and many others for her music and activism.
Ani DiFranco is the idol of empowered women who came of age in the 90s and continues to bring younger fans into her fold. From Alice Walker to Amy Schumer, Ani is respected by wordsmiths across milieux and generations.
She blazed the trail for self-directed artist careers and has been cited by musicians from Prince to Bon Iver as an inspiration to release their own art outside of the major label system.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on LinkedIn
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Our freestanding Lollipop Performer, Lyra Performance can be the perfect solution to fit in any tight area that our larger aerial rigging won’t fit. This act can be compact and also pack a powerful punch of entertainment. our free standing Lyra can be performed as a stage show, aerial champagne service, and ambiance act. Make […]
Andy Peeke, a multifaceted entertainer, has carved his niche in the realms of comedy, event hosting, auctioneering, and game show hosting. With a vibrant career spanning across various entertainment avenues, Andy brings an unparalleled zest and expertise to every stage he graces. From his humble beginnings in stand-up comedy in the bustling streets of New […]
Brandon Farbstein, a beacon of hope, resilience, and inspiration, hailing from the sun-kissed shores of San Diego, California. Brandon Farbstein isn’t just a speaker; he’s a catalyst for change, a voice for the voiceless, and a testament to the power of the human spirit. With a story that resonates with audiences of all ages and […]
Heather R Younger is the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a prominent figure in the realm of employee engagement and consulting. Renowned as a captivating keynote speaker, Heather brings forth invaluable insights garnered from over 25,000 employee experiences. With a robust background spanning decades in human resources and organizational development, Heather R Younger has […]
Country comedian Jerry Carroll harvests a bumper crop of high hilarity in his fast-paced, high-energy show about everyday life. His relatable topics crack up the most hard-to-please crowds. Jerry found comedy growing up on his family’s farm. For 20 years, he worked the farm before finally pursuing his life’s dream of entertaining people and making […]
Jack Becker, a former naval fighter pilot turned performance speaker, is one such individual. His life story is a remarkable narrative of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In this speaking profile, we will explore the incredible life and work of Jack Becker, delving into his background, his experiences as a naval fighter […]
Lolita Taub is not your typical venture capitalist. With a mission deeply rooted in community empowerment and a career spanning 15 years within the heart of Silicon Valley, she has emerged as a pivotal figure in the startup ecosystem. As a General Partner at Ganas Ventures, Lolita channels her expertise into investing in pre-seed and […]
Marcus Monroe is a New York City-based, award-winning comedian and juggler. His show is a high-energy blend of innovative juggling with in-your-face comedic banter riddled with awkwardness. This makes him one of the most sought after variety performers. Not only is Marcus giving comedy juggling a much-needed makeover, but Marcus is taking a strong lead […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
