Suzanne Vega
Aladdin Theater
05/19/2014 08:00 PM PDT
$32.00 adv/$35.00 dos
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Supporting Acts: Ari Hest
Suzanne Vega
Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant songwriters of her generation, Suzanne Vega emerged as a leading figure of the folk-music revival of the early 1980s when, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, she sang contemporary folk songs of her own creation in Greenwich Village clubs. Since the release of her self-titled, critically acclaimed 1985 debut album, she has given sold-out concerts in many of the world's best-known halls. In performances devoid of outward drama that nevertheless convey deep emotion, Vega sings in a distinctive, clear vibrato-less voice that has been described as "a cool, dry sandpaper- brushed near-whisper" and as "plaintive but disarmingly powerful."
Bearing the stamp of a masterful storyteller, Suzanne has tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real world subjects in her music. Notably succinct and understated, often cerebral but also streetwise, her lyrics invite multiple interpretations. In short, Suzanne Vega’s work is immediately recognizable, as utterly distinct and thoughtful, and as creative and musical now, as it was when her voice was first heard on the radio over 20 years ago.
With seven studio albums, a Grammy Award, and three additional nominations to her credit, Suzanne’s latest recording, Beauty & Crime is a love letter to her hometown of New York City and was hailed as "original, gritty and gorgeous as ever" by Newsweek and "lovely and literate" by People Magazine.
Suzanne Vega is so much more than her music. She hosted a public radio series about 20th Century American Composers called American Mavericks, which won a Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting; she wrote The Passionate Eye, a book of poems and essays; and she currently blogs for the New York Times. An innovative educator and founding member of the Musician’s Cooperative songwriter workshops in Greenwich Village, her unique composition, writing and performance techniques have influenced a generation of musicians.
Venue Information
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
http://www.aladdin-theater.com/