Last night marked the second of three consecutive sold-out performances of Sufjan Stevens’ latest project, The BQE. For those not native to the New York tri-state, The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is a stretch of highway, built in the 1960s, that runs from southern Brooklyn to central Queens (for a further description check here). Suf’s half-hour interpretation of the heavily trafficked road included hula hoopers, a cinematic triptych (highlighting everything from auto repair shops to carnival rides) and most importantly, a breathtaking & grandiose score. With certain pieces harboring chaos, and other portions accentuating grace, the production was nothing short of brilliant. Following a brief intermission, the Michigan native returned with his extended orchestra, yet again, for eleven of his hits. The focal points of that act included ‘The Predatory Wasp’ (and its accompanying story) off of Illinois, and a transcendent rendering of the unreleased fan-favorite, ‘Majesty Snowbird’. Truly sensational. Photos below courtesy of Metrolens.
Setlist: [Part 1] The BQE. [Part 2] Seven Swans. The UFO Sighting. The Black Hawk War. The Avalanche. Detroit. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. The Predatory Wasp. Barn Owl. Casimir Pulaski Day. Majesty Snowbird. Chicago.
one of the best concerts i’ve ever been to.
What was the story behind The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades? It is my favorite Sufjan song, and I would love to know the inspiration.