Inside Out in the Hudson Valley, June 2005
The journey captured by Samantha Farinella in Left Lane, the new Alix Olson tour DVD, reveals something essential to the political tasks that we have before us. The individual can effect transformation through personal actions. By taking it to the streets, Alix gives face to the alternatives. The film follows Alix‚s performances, as well as her visits to school classrooms and radio stations. We see her as a teacher, a granddaughter, and a friend, as well as a performer. She is a road poet who comes in person to offer her vision so different than the conformist messages that bombard us from the mass media. The film also features the exceptional musicians Pamela Means, Peter Mulvey, Melissa Ferrick, Ember Swift and Lyndell Montgomery. While Left Lane is no substitute for being with her at a live performance, Alix‚s song poems resonate with righteousness. I am going to repeatedly play this DVD until I know all the words to "America For Sale" by heart.

Velvet Park Magazine, Summer Issue, 2005
"Ready for a political and cultural revolution? Well, sit back and watch Left Lane: On the Road with Folk Poet Alix Olson... Left Lane shows more than just a rebel with a cause. We see the remarkable response of her audiences, fellow artist-activists, and a voice that just won't quit. That's quite refreshing in this age of post '04 election apathy. With a sardonic smile and a twinkle in her eye, Olson takes her art through poetry, song, comedic skits and downright righteous anger. Pieces like "America's On Sale" and "Pirates" echo George Carlin, Lenny Bruce and the Beat generation.. a candid look at a woman rake(ing) issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality through the coals is definitely inspiring."

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