Brock Elsesser could tell folk artist Ani DiFranco was a little nervous at her performance Friday at Breslin Student Events Center.

“From what I understand, the audience and venue are twice the size she’s used to playing at,” the kinesiology junior said. “I’ve been impressed, and she definitely works well with the crowd.”

DiFranco treated the crowd to many hits from her latest album, “To The Teeth.” The musicians accompanying her included two brass players and a keyboard player, adding a nice dimension to the concert.

However, some concert-goers were disappointed with the volume of the band.

“I’ve seen better from her,” studio art sophomore Steven Blair said. “The music is getting louder and is drowning her out so you aren’t hearing her message, but she’s still pretty damn good.”

The unsung hero of the evening was opening band Drums and Tuba. The trio featured a tuba replacing the bass, providing an invigorating sound that was truly unique. They were phenomenal, but unfortunately their voiceless improvisations weren’t as appreciated by the crowd.

DiFranco paid a lot of attention to the audience, discussing many of her political views and even bantering about the recent controversy of the presidential election.

“I kind of like this no president thing,” DiFranco said with a chuckle. “Who knew the road to anarchy could be so television friendly?”

The crowd responded with a loud roar.

Oakland Community College student Crystal Hampton was watching DiFranco for the fifth or sixth time.

“(She says) what so much of us can’t say ourselves,” Hampton said. “The atmosphere is the biggest we’ve seen her in, and she’s performing the best I think she ever has.”

Tabitha Martin, 21, wasn’t impressed with the crowd.

“The show was all right, but everybody was sitting down,” the Reading resident said. “It’s a show, you’re supposed to be dancing, but Ani’s doing great.”

Ruby Harras, 35, drove from St. Clair Shores to check out the show.

“I like the energy of Ani,” she said. “The fact that she can boogie in those platform shoes is talent.”

Harras was slightly disappointed that the venue was as big as it was.

“I wish the show was more intimate and was hoping this place would be more like a club,” she said. “She’s really eloquent and has a great way of infusing her political and social views into her music.”

Advertising senior Brian Vaner described DiFranco’s music as a fine blend of rock and acoustic folk.

“She speaks her mind and she’s pretty political with what she says,” he said. “I was impressed with what she said to the audience.”

Stephanie Thayer, 28, has been a devoted fan since she was 20 and said DiFranco is still awesome.

“Her music covers a lot of stuff like heartbreak and love,” she said. “If you’re a girl and you’ve been screwed over, you’ll understand it.”