This photo was taken after a Suzanne Vega performance at the Towne Crier in Pawling NY. And now some history. When Helen was studying classical performance at Hunter College and the Mannes Conservatory, she suffered a severe hand injury that prevented her from playing for some time. During this time, she was very inspired by Suzanne Vega's music, and decided to try songwriting herself. Helen also took a poetry workshop from Audrey Lord at Hunter College, and she credits her ability to craft lyrics largely to this class. (Audrey Lord, by the way, is the subject and inspiration for Helen's song "Carrie".)
So the many of us who have been touched by Helen's songwriting and performing owe a lot to Suzanne Vega, Audrey Lord, and a hand injury! Anyway, Helen was trilled to have the chance to meet Suzanne Vega and tell her just how inspiring she was. Well, Suzanne was apparently tired after the show, had already spoken to a number of fans, and maybe just wanted to go and rest. She pretty much posed for the picture and said "next". Alas Suzanne, you missed a great opportunity.
I did read in a Suzanne Vega interview that she had no real desire to meet Bob Dylan, despite being inspired by his music. She feels his music is what is important to her, not his personality or getting to know him. That may explain how she relates to her fans as well. (Or again, maybe she was just tired. We all have our bad days.) Helen was still thrilled to meet her, is still inspired by her, and would love to hear hear live again.
Helen is always sweet to her new fans though. In fact, when a new fan wants to speak to her, she generally keeps her old fans (i.e. friends) waiting. Most performers I know don't do this. It's more natural to gravitate towards the familiar people to share the excitement of the performance. I suppose Helen does this because she never wants anyone nice enough to compliment her music to have a bad experience meeting her. I sometimes wonder if Helen's behavior and attitude towards fans was kind of indirectly inspired by Suzanne.
Helen's own homepage: www.HelenAvakian.com
The Town Crier - great acoustic nightclub and restaurant: www.Townecrier.com