Concert in your area for Indie & Alt, Folk & Blues, Rock, and Pop.
Sufjan Stevens made his first foray into music whilst he was attending college, becoming a member of the folk rock act, Marzuki. The band released two full-length records before Sufjan Stevens decided to pursue a solo venture, beginning to perform as his own act in 1999. Stevens dived headfirst into his solo music, releasing his debut album, "Sun Came," in 2000. The album displayed his music talents, as well as penchant for catchy melodies. After the release, Stevens toured with the Danielson Famile, becoming regular musical partners since.
In 2001, Stevens changed tack, releasing the electronic-heavy "Enjoy Your Rabbit." Again looking to progress, 2003's "Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lake State" was a 15-track concept album, that saw the artist play over 20 instruments, creating a soundtrack for his homeland's winter experience. The album gained widespread critical acclaim and was touted as the best record of the year in several publications. Stevens followed this success with "Seven Swans" in 2004, a more spiritual, thought-provoking record.
Again focusing on North American states, 2005's "Illinoise" dealt with Illinois, again finding critical acclaim internationally for his efforts. In 2006, Stevens was absorbed with festive cheer, releasing the five-disc christmas box set, "Songs for Christmas.' Turning to instrumental music, "BQE" was released the following year, a cinematic record that captured New York City's transportation system's atmosphere. Continuing to perform regularly in various outfits, Stevens returned with new music in 2009, with "The Age of Adz." Another christmas box set appeared soon after in 2012, titled "Silver & Gold: Songs For Christmas, Vols. 6-10." Collaborative projects followed before announcing a new album for 2015.
Sufjan Stevens will give you the quintessential live musical experience. Not only is the music of an absolutely phenomenal quality (5 of his 8 albums would likely make my top 50 albums of all time list), but his live performances will never cease to amaze me. He reinvents himself with every album, and doesn't shy away from the theatrical. With his first couple of albums, Sufjan was more reserved; experimental, for sure, but theatrically not "out there." With his successive albums, he has performed with a group of backup dancers with paper wings ("Sufjan Stevens & Co. or Majesty Snowbird and the Chinese Butterfly Brigade"), with a brigade of psychedelically dressed backup singers during "Age of Adz", and a series of other incarnations. I've had the great privilege of seeing him perform during the Age of Adz tour in Philadelphia. Though this was about 3 years ago, that performance still ranks among the top three musical performances I've ever witnessed. Describing the show is difficult, as there are not many musical acts who could legitimately compare. I'm not being hyperbolic; it's just that he truly is a unique voice in music. The sound will surely be memorable, but the overall experience will be unforgettable. Seeing a creative genius such as Sufjan will forever stay with me, and I would urge you to grab any opportunity to see his performance and experience it for yourself.