Rufus Wainwright 4 5 1 1
A most unusual performance A most unusual performance. The first half was a dark, brooding memorial to his late mother, musically challenging and with lyrics that, much of the time, just couldn't be made out, but still very moving on a visceral level. At Rufus' request, there was no applause or audible audience reaction throughout that segment, just a very respectful silence. He was garbed in a long, flowing black robe with bunched black feathers around the neck -- looking like Ichabod Crane in a bird costume. :-) There was a video backdrop showing only eyes -- lids heavily mascaraed -- floating on a plain backdrop and slowly opening and closing. Weird! The second half was vintage Rufus, with Martha joining him on a few numbers, and the crowd was suitably appreciative. He seemed very much at ease, telling jokes and making off-the-cuff comments, and his voice was in rare form. It was a magnificent concert, and the venue was excellent for it -- Strathmore is one of the most beautiful and acoustically perfect concert venues on the East Coast and usually plays host to symphony orchestras, classical music and jazz. August 17, 2010