Photos By: Rachel Frank
By: Alex Wesley
“For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.” Walt Whitman. On June 2nd, 2015, Sufjan Stevens played San Diego’s own Copley Symphony Hall. It encompassed some of the most beautiful aspects of music, art and performance. Debuting his recent album, “Carrie and Lowell” a delicate collaboration of folk songs. The lyrics about his previously deceased mother and step father, were achingly nostalgic. Before delving into his new album, Sufjan surprisingly kicked off the set list with “Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou)” from the album “Michigan.” Visually integrating home videos from his childhood paired with the cathedral-like setting were distinctly powerful. It enabled the audience to not only connect to Sufjan, but to themselves in a melancholic atmosphere.
Following “Redford,” the new album flowed and was deeply felt by all. His tribe of four other band members played harmoniously together, each playing a diversification of instruments showcasing their incredible talent. Songs like “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross” held an emotional heaviness that captivated the audience. Both talented musician and great story teller, Sufjan engaged the audience with his humorous childhood stories. He quoted Walt Whitman, and touched on his eccentric parents, an albino mouse named “Mr. Bossypants” and a king snake with a past life of Karl Marx. He kept his long time fans happy by playing many of his old tunes such as “For the Widows in Paradise” and “To be Alone With You.” A night to remember ending with famed song “Chicago.”