Over a dozen humans dressed as butterflies filled the stage at the Pabst Theater on Monday night before Sufjan Stevens hit the stage with a giant set of bird wings affixed to his back and a Mardi Gras-esque mask that recalled early Elton John. Without any sort of introduction or acknowledgement he placed himself at the piano and led his band through “Sister” a standout track from his Seven Swans album.

Alternating between banjo, guitar, and piano Sufjan played a carefully chosen selection of songs from his albums as well as giving us a sneak peak at new songs. He touched on his upcoming Christmas album box set and performed an early Christmas tune, “That Was The Worst Christmas Ever,” that somehow managed to not fall out of place in the set. The addition of horns (lots of them) adds fullness to his music, but was a little distracting in a few instances. Needless to say Sufjan Stevens is selling out every venue he plays this year because he’s an intense performer. The costumes and additional musicians all make for quite the impressive performance which translated into a nearly silent crowd during his performance.

At the threat of not returning to the stage Sufjan returned after changing into jeans a t-shirt to play the now on their feet hysterical crowd a few more selections from Seven Swans along with Shara Worden from My Brightest Diamond. You come away wondering a few things about Mr. Stevens. With all these songs about birds, will he ever finish the 50 States project? Does it really matter anymore? Finally, when will he be back in Wisconsin?

Sufjan Stevens – That Was The Worst Christmas Ever [mp3]
Sufjan Stevens – The Lord God Bird [mp3]
Sufjan Stevens – Sister [mp3]

Elsewhere:

Mirr World’s Review of the Pabst show
Time Door has another excellet review with great pictures.
5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees: My Brightest Diamond
Gorilla vs. Bear’s video of “Majesty Snowbird” from the Paramount in Austin