a string of polaroids makes the whole

the sufjan stevens concert. this past sunday, 9/11, majestic theatre. I'm a recent convert to Mr. Stevens brand of introspective, highly orchestrated newfolk music and was definitely anticipating this show. I had heard his concerts described as like a prayer meeting; perhaps that was more appropriate for his Seven Swans tour, because that album had a very spiritual theme. I don't know if that description fits this concert, but many events combined to make it a surprisingly deep and emotional experience.

It was on a Sunday. It was also on September 11th. Sufjan informed the crowd that he'd been born in the hospital that was right behind the Majestic Theatre. We saw Sufjan in the Majestic Cafe when we were eating before the show (some comments from our little group: "Is that him?" "Would he wear his own t-shirt?" "That's not him--he wouldn't wear Reeboks."). Per Sufjan's request, there was no smoking in the Majestic (imagine that). And when he sang "Sister," the lyrics carried extra weight:

"I've got a sister / Somewhere in Detroit / She has black hair and small hands."

The crowd was impressively polite; very little hollering and comments, no singing along (well, maybe quietly to oneself), and a general good attitude in spite of the oppressive heat inside. All these little details that, though not directly connected, somehow interwove to increase the emotional and spiritual level of the concert.

And then there's this picture, taken with Evan's 1970s Polaroid camera from a corner of the floor. The whole band is glowing, the crowd stands relatively still and transfixed, and this curious beam of light comes straight at the photographer. That's how it felt; this picture sums up the concert for me. It was that good.


For more polaroid shots and stories from the concert, visit Evan's site, Alissa's site, and Mary's site.