Sufjan Stevens played Beacon Theater (night 1 pics & setlist)

November 15, 2010

With various videos and projections displayed on a backdrop behind the 11-piece band, a contingent of three back-up dancer-singers, and a slew of costume changes (mostly in the way of jackets and headgear, and yards of what appeared to be reflective tape), this show was not the Sufjan you might have expected — Sufjan himself described the performance as “Avatar meets Cats on Ice.” Sufjan stuck to the synthesizer and keyboard during most of the new songs, often joining the backup dancers. It’s a shame, however, that Sufjan’s development as a multi-media artist has scaled back the other elements that used to be staples of his performance. The best parts of “The Age of Adz,” and the best parts of the night, were when Sufjan did what he does best: guitar, vocals, banjo. Sadly, though, even during “Chicago,” Sufjan did not even touch his guitar. Perhaps as a concession to Sufjan purists and diehard fans, however, the night ended with “Casimir Pulaski Day,” “To Be Alone With You” and “John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” in succession, bringing the audience to their feet collectively amidst a shower of beach balls and balloons. -[Trust Me On This]

Sufjan Stevens played the first of his two NYC shows at Beacon Theater last night (11/14). The second, and final show on his North American tour for The Age of Adz, happens tonight, Monday, 11/15.

You can also catch Sufjan on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Friday, 11/19, either on TV or in person if you are lucky enough to win a spot on the “Band Bench”.

Soof’s tourmate, labelmate and friend, DM Stith opened the sold out show. More pictures, the Sunday setlist, and a video below…

–

DM Stith

Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens dancing @ Beacon Theatre, Nov. 14, 2010

SUFJAN STEVENS, 11/14/10 Beacon Theater Setlist(via):
Seven Swans
Too Much
Age of Adz
Heirloom
Futile Devices
Vesuvius
Now That I’m Older
Get Real Get Right
Impossible Soul
Chicago
==========
Concerning the UFO Sighting
Casimir Pulaski Day
To Be Alone With You (Sufjan solo)
John Wayne Gacy Jr. (Sufjan solo)