Liz Phair put on a great set as opener for Alanis Morissette. Even if the teenyboppers in the audience there to see the more mainstream, popular, benign (and hence more boring) Morissette didn't appreciate the set, I did. I have admired her and her music for a long time. I especially enjoy her fiercely raw, brutally honest, in-your-face lyrics.
Phair is a woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind. So I found it more than just a little degrading that David Martin belittled her by making such a flippant remark about her appearance at the Gund concert in his review of the show [Livewire, February 25]. I think readers are more interested in her performance than in her cute "small red dress." She is an artist worthy of the same treatment as any male musician.
Attitudes such as this are exactly why female artists have trouble making a name for themselves. Apparently the cover of Rolling Stone just isn't enough for a woman. We have to be cute enough to be on the cover of the fashion magazines, as well. Female artists such as Morissette and Phair are accused of being "whiny," when in reality, they (and female musicians in general) are finally letting their voices be heard on issues that directly affect women, namely sexism and inequality, wherever we turn. Next time you go to a concert, try to keep your libido in check, and let us know about the music--that's why we're reading.
Diana Johnson
Columbus
Everlasting love
I was thrilled to see Everlast on the cover of the February 25 issue. He is a talented performer, and he has led an interesting life so far. He's had to endure a lot, and through it all, he's remained true to himself and to his fans. If kids look up to hip-hop stars, they should definitely look up to this one. I've followed his career from the House of Pain days, and I am consistently impressed by his energy and honesty. My only complaint is that the article wasn't nearly long enough.
Jay West
Berea
Two Tales Told by Idiots?
I usually read Keith Joseph's theater reviews, even though I often don't understand exactly what he's trying to say. But when I read his review of Picasso at the Lapin Agile ["A Tale Told by an Idiot," February 25], I was completely lost. Did he see the same production I did?
While I didn't think the play was the best thing I've ever seen grace a stage, it certainly wasn't as bad as Joseph made it out to be. I found it to be well-written, clever, and, most important, funny. Steve Martin has always had a gift for humor, and I thought his wit translated quite nicely to the stage. I hope that this unnecessarily scathing review didn't discourage people from attending a performance of this play. It is worth seeing, and we should be proud that the Play House plans to take it abroad.
Madeline Jones
Cleveland
