upcoming

Suzanne Vega

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CenterArts presents Suzanne Vega on Saturday, February 20th at 8 p.m. in the Van Duzer Theatre, HSU. Suzanne Vega personifies the neo-folk revival with her beautifully crafted, literate songs. She created an international sensation with her hits, “Luka,” “Tom’s Diner” and “Marlene on the Wall,” and she continues to carve out an almost singular niche. Recalling the beat poets as well as confessional singer-songwriters like Leonard Cohen, Ms. Vega’s poetic stories and exquisite melodies—accompanied by her sparse guitar playing and a crack back-up band—make for a stunning evening that inspires and moves. “…Vega is as original, gritty and gorgeous as ever,” wrote Newsweek.  Tickets are $35 general, $30 Senior/child, $25 HSU students. Tickets are available at the Works in Arcata and Eureka, University Ticket Office at HSU or at centerarts.humboldt.edu.

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 what has been labeled contemporary folk or neo-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 who “observed the world with a clinically poetic eye,” Suzanne’s songs have always tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and real world subjects. 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.

It was in 1979 when Suzanne attended a concert by Lou Reed and began to find her true artistic voice and distinctive vision for contemporary folk.  Receptionist by day, Suzanne was hanging out at the Greenwich Village Songwriter’s Exchange by night.  Soon she was playing iconic venues like The Bottom Line and Folk City.  The word was out and audiences were catching on.

At first, record companies saw little prospect of commercial success.  Suzanne’s demo tape was rejected by every major record company—and twice by the very label that eventually signed her: A&M Records. Her self-titled debut album was finally released in 1985.  The skeptical executives at A & M were expecting to sell 30,000 LP’s.  1,000,000 records later, it was clear that Suzanne’s voice was resonating around the world.  “Marlene on the Wall” was a surprise hit in the U.K.

1987’s follow up, Solitude Standing, elevated her to star status.  The album hit #2 in the UK and #11 in the States, was nominated for three Grammys including Record of the Year and went platinum.  “Luka” is a song that has entered the cultural vernacular; certainly the only hit song ever written from the perspective of an abused boy. 

The opening song on Solitude Standing was a strange little a cappella piece, “Tom’s Diner” about a non-descript restaurant near Columbia University uptown.  Without Suzanne’s permission, it was remixed by U.K. electronic dance duo “DNA” and bootlegged. Suddenly her voice on this obscure tune was showing up in the most unlikely setting of all:  the club.  Suzanne permitted an official release of the remix of “Tom’s Diner” which reached  #5 on the Billboard pop chart.

Suzanne Vega is an artist that continues to surprise.  In time for Valentine’s Day, Suzanne will release a digital-only preview of the first of a new four-part thematic acoustic album series, Suzanne Vega Close-Up, Vol 1,The Love Songs, on her own Amanuensis Productions.   Vega delves deep into her illustrious songbook for this stunning new series, and on Love Songs recreates intimate and imaginative new acoustic renderings of classics and rarities.    

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