Fran Liebowitz Can Banter Wits with the Best

For those whose heads are in the clouds and eyes focused down on their phones, you are fodder for folly by the indefatigable, irrepressible and iconic liaison to all that makes NYC the greatest city in the world. When Fran Lebowitz speaks, pay attention.  A self-proclaimed informed opinionated observer, whose self-deprecating wit notwithstanding, will comment cunningly on whatever banter is up for discourse.  She may come off as brazen and the smartest person in the room, but that's only because she clearly is the smartest person in whatever room she's in.  Last night at the Luther Burbank Theater in Santa Rosa; an antithesis audience to the multitudes of New York City, City Slickers, Fran held court with rapid fire response to whatever querulous question (or comments) posed her way.  It's fair to say her sharp wit was never delivered with condescension or any hint of humiliation.  Rather, she happily shared her well thought out responses instantaneously with good humor.  The evening began with a short interview by a local yokel wise enough to allow Fran to orchestrate their discourse.  In short order the interviewer/interviewee turned the podium over to Ms. Lebowitz to take any and all questions from the audience sans microphones in the stands from those who raised their hands. Despite a preponderance of political questions and comments, Ms. Lebowitz was direct and succinct in all her responses.  She was quick to dispose of Trump as a joke whom she never thought would be elected. She's grateful to Biden but maintains he's too old to run for re-election.  Asked for her bucket list, Ms. Lebowitz said she doesn't have one.  It became a running joke throughout the evening.  When asked by a 17 year old for advice on becoming a writer, she replied, "I don't believe it can be taught.  Reading leads the way to becoming a writer."  The teenager replied she had read 3 books so far this year, Ms. Lebowitz congratulated her, "You've already read more than the entire Republican Party."  The Documentary "Pretend It's a City" has garnered Fran a larger, younger fan club who turned out to meet the new Netflix star who shuns all technology.  "I don't hate technology.  I just don't care about it."  To another young woman who asked her "What motto or quote do you live by?" Fran replied, "Have you been listening?"  Ms. Lebowitz said she was voted best wit in high school prior to being expelled.  "I'm no Oscar Wilde, but  there wasn't  much to contend with."  A repartee between Wilde and Lebowitz would be heavenly but it's not going to happen. However, if you happen to have a chance to hear her live, you'd be a dimwit to miss it!  Should you attend, your IQ will rise and your spirits soar.