(Live Music) Sufjan Stevens

Okay everyone. It's time for a mathematical equation.

1 trombone player
2 trumpet players
1 drummer
4 violinists
2 cellists
1 guitar/bass player
1 Shara Worden on chimes, tambourine, triangle, grand piano, bass, guitar and vocals.
+1 Sufjan Stevens on grand piano, banjo, acoustic guitars, bells, and sweet vocals
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If you do the math correctly, you'll get the only possible answer: music.

Sufjan Stevens is music!

I've been to my share of concerts in my time, some that I consider to be amazing. Of Montreal, Mars Volta, Blindside, and Incubus all stand out in my mind as some of the greatest shows ever! But now, they don't really seem to matter all that much. The reason is because Sufjan Stevens live is the most amazing musical experience I have ever taken part in! This isn't just because I'm a huge Sufjan fan, or that he's my absolute favorite musician ever! No, as it turns out, Sufjan Stevens live isn't just a silly show, it's an experience! It's like going to see an orchestra or an opera. It's majestic, it's beautiful, and it's entirely unforgettable!

So how did Sufjan commemorate his first real visit to the lone star state? Surprisingly, by not playing a lot of songs from "Illinois." In fact, he did 5 songs from "Seven Swans," one song from "Michigan," 4 songs from "Illinois," and two songs about birds, including one of my personal favorites "Lord God Bird." Going into the show, I definitely didn't expect any song from "Seven Swans" to be on the set list, but I'm glad I was wrong. These songs were more beautiful than they've ever been before, now with full instrumentation.

I don't think I can even begin to do this show justice. It literally was an amazing experience. All I have to say is, if you get an opportunity to see Sufjan Stevens live, do it! Even if you don't like him, do it! You will never forget it.

Key Performances:
1. "Seven Swans"
2. "Chicago"
3. "Detroit, Lift Up Your Weary Head"

5 out of 5 Stars