Singer shares intimate moments with audience

Jokes and anecdotes were the main theme for singer and songwriter Aimee Mann Monday night at The National.

Mann played 11 songs from her latest album “@#%&*! Smilers,” as well as other hits, pleasing the mostly 40-and-up crowd.

The observant Mann poked fun at late-arriving audience members. She introduced the Oscar-nominated song “Save Me,” by jeering at the tardy audience members, saying it probably would be the only song they recognized.

Mann also poked fun at fellow musician Phil Collins for beating her to the 1999 Oscar for best song.

“A bunch of years ago, I had a bunch of songs written for this movie called ‘Magnolia.’ This is the song Phil Collins stole the Oscar from,” Mann said. “It’s OK. I’m sure he deserved it . you know I really don’t care.”

Mann took multiple song requests during the night, including “The Fall of the World’s Own Optimist,” to which she charmingly could not remember the words.

The already intimate performance became more so when Mann performed a slow, stripped-down version of “Red Vines,” from the album “Bachelor No. 2.” Mann used her impeccable voice and finely honed guitar skills on this song, capturing all the attention in the room.

The solo for “How am I different” changed into a surprise rendition of “Happy Birthday” for Mann, who turned 48 that day. A lit birthday cake was brought out as the audience sang “Happy Birthday.”

As the show drew to an end, Mann – who is originally from Midlothian, Va.- – said she could play only one more song, because her parents were waiting in the audience.

Mann provided a friendly down-to-earth night for all, making audience members feel as if they were in a coffee shop–rather than in a larger music venue.