Sufjan Stevens

Overview

Performing as part of this year's Auckland Arts Festival is American singer/songwriter Sufjan Stevens. Born in Detroit, Michigan but residing in Brooklyn, New York, Stevens paints pictures of time and place like no other with epic multi-instrumental pieces and sweeping spiritual allusions. His 2005 album Illinois is a must listen for anyone with a wandering mind.

Stevens most recent record, 2015's Carrie and Lowell follows the ups and downs of a lifetime spent with his at times seriously mentally ill mother. Pitchfork gave it a rare 9.3/10 and describe it as so, "It feels like you're hearing him for the first time again, and in his most intimate form. This record is a return to the sparse folk of Seven Swans, but with a decade's worth of honing and exploration packed into it. It already feels like his most classic and pure effort."

Stevens will perform songs from Carrie and Lowell among other selections from previous efforts. He will come in tow with an eight-piece band, and a full blown lighting and video production. Also, its at The Civic. This one is going to be a goodie.