“State trooper thinks I drive too fast/ pulled me over to tell me so/ I say out here on the prairie” were the first words Ani DiFranco sang to a sold out house Saturday night at the Ithaca State Theater, lyrics from her 1994 song “God’s Country.” It was the beginning of a performance that reflected the singer’s determination to reveal all she can — both on stage and in her lyrics.

DiFranco and opening act Anias Mitchell lit up the house with folk songs that spread through the hearts and minds of the audience — many of whom rushed to their seats an hour before the concert began.

Mitchell’s songs tell stories with sugarcoated messages but leave listeners with a twisted feeling and yearning for more meaning which they can only find themselves. Dressed in tall brown leather boots and a denim dress, a guitar was the most natural accessory for Mitchell, who played her last night on DiFranco’s tour Saturday.

As fans cheered, the atmosphere of the show became one that ensured the audience shared Mitchell’s happy vibe. Many shouted song requests and told her they enjoyed her performance in Providence, R.I., a few nights before.

The stage, designed by DiFranco and her label, Righteous Babe Records, included a white curtain hanging behind the singer and accented by blue and green lighting, adding a feeling of intimacy to the big-stage show. Her dedication to the perfect sound led to the constant switching of guitars.

DiFranco provided a cohesive blend of classic and new songs, pleasing fans of her early work as well as newcomers drawn in by her newest disc of original material, 2006’s “Reprieve.”

The band, including Mike Dillon on vibraphone and Allison Miller on drums, offered the “brand-spanking-new,” according to the “Canon” album cover, versions of old songs like “Both Hands.”

With Dillon and Miller, and DiFranco’s stalwart Todd Sickafoose on bass, classic songs like “God’s Country” and “32 Flavors” had a fresh yet mature feel. DiFranco resurrected her old sound in the middle of the set when her band left the stage and she played folk style alone.

Audience members who did not have a seat close to the stage crowded the sides of the orchestra level, singing and dancing with a sense of freedom. One audience member described her experience as reminding her of “being home.”

DiFranco frequently conversed with the audience and offered a chance for the crowd to request songs. Known for her sarcastic humor, however, she warned audience members to “never expect a request to be met the same night of the performance, but rather three days later at another show.”

Her ability to merge her blatant and abrasive humor with tales of interest to the audience revealed itself early in the night. Shortly after being on stage DiFranco launched into a story about her family, which includes her partner and — very — new daughter. “We were sick, we couldn’t breathe, and we didn’t know how to solve it. You know, all those baby germs floating around, etc. So we looked at each other, and said ‘let’s have sex,’” DiFranco told the crowd. The audience burst into laughter as she shared a naughty smirk with the front row. “It worked.”

The most engaging and energetic song of the night was “Napoleon.” Everyone in the crowd was encouraged to get up, dance and sing along as DiFranco chorused, “Everyone is a f***ing Napoleon.” The excitement was heightened by a sign language  interpreter who translated the entire show, an example of DiFranco’s progressiveness. This seemed an appropriate addition to the performance, especially in Ithaca, a city full of forward-thinking people.

DiFranco concluded her show with a crowd favorite, “32 flavors.” The energy was so strong and alive that she extended the song and said, “I am going to give you one more chance to sing.” With a genuine bow, the night ended with DiFranco and her fans wishing the show could go on.