I have no clever punchline for this show which I just got back from.
As amazing as it seemed in theory to catch Jon Stewart, David Bryne, John from The Long Winters, a host of fabulously talented writers, and of course, Sufjan Stevens, the result was somewhat disappointing. Only the latter bloke seemed to shine tonight.
Jon Stewart started the evening with a half hour sketch involving his book America and a stand-in fact-checker (played by The Daily Show‘s exec producer), or as he deemed it, ‘de-fucker upper’. It had its moments but ultimately was rather dull. Also, what a shock to find out that the headliner of the evening was off stage by a quarter to nine. Whoa! Guess he had to take care of the kiddies.
The rest of the night seemed to flow rather well with all the above mentioned performers but never really picked up any steam.
Sufjan was great, however. Somehow I FORGOT MY CAMERA and had to take this shitty shot from my cameraphone. I was in the front row and this is all I managed (sorry, children).
His setlist went: Mistress/Jacksonville/Chicago/Casimir Pulaski Day/The Dress Looks Nice On You. He later got on stage to sing a song about Michigan (go figure) with David Byrne. That number closed the show around 10:45.
All in all, a good night. I’m glad all in attendance raised a great deal of cash for 826 NYC which is a lovely non-profit out to help youngsters write and express themselves.
What’d you think? Is it possible I was oblivious and someone on stage totally stole the show while I was Sufjan obsessing?
UPDATE: KATHRYN’S beautiful photos!… also more on the night over at Stereogum (including mp3 of said duet).
i enjoyed David Byrne’s set quite a bit. Sufjan was yummy, as usua, but abbreviated. I got some okay pics — go see!
And yes, I agree that the talking bits were dullish. Jon Stewart sure could have dressed better, don’t ya think?
I thought the evening was really quite nice…by no means was I blown away but I walked out leaving satisfied. Jon Stewart was nothing too great but I enjoyed him. I really liked the collage pieces that Dave Eggars was reading that the young kid makes in the workshops. As per the music John Roderick was alright…crowd was def not feeling his jokes. Sufajn played a soldi set for a benefit show…rather suprised they allowed him to play a nice 5 song set. David Byrne, well he’s alegend and he’ll do what he wants…as by him performing a country set….I was supe happy when he played “The Big Country” since that is one of my favorite talking heads songs. Overall, I thought it was nice night of comedy and music all for a great cause.