Rufus Wainwright at Jorgensen

Garrett and I celebrated our anniversary, rather appropriately, by going back to UConn this past Saturday - stopping at WilliBrew for a fun dinner and then seeing Rufus Wainwright at Jorgensen. Both made for a very enjoyable evening.

I liked Rufus better live than in his recordings. His first set was very artsy, and in his own words, "dour." He slowly walked onto stage in a big black robe with a train and huge collar and started with "Who Are You New York?" and continued playing lots off "All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu." All the while, a projected eye slowly opened and closed while other eyes would appear and disappear. The first set, including his dramatic, slow walk off stage were all part of the act, and he requested that no one applause until he was off the stage. The second set was much more upbeat, and Rufus said we could clap as much as we want, which we did. He made lots of jokes, forgot some words, and just had a lot of fun. Some of my favorites from the second set: "The Art Teacher" and, of course, "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk."

Rufus' half sister Lucy Wainwright Roche opened for him and joined him for two songs, including Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah." It wasn't bad.

Aside from the show, I have to point out that I have now joined the ranks of all the old UConn alumni who go back to campus and comment on all the changes. Jorgensen is completely redone on the inside: It even smells new. It's pretty cool that the floor isn't all splintery, and I'm not afraid I'm going to break any of the chairs (either by sitting in them or moving them around for money for the band sorority), but the seats are green now. So is the detail below the balcony. It kind of takes away from the regal feeling that Jorgensen once had and brings it closer to the Student Union Theater. Also, half the seats on the main floor are permanently there, so there are fewer cabaret seats. Interesting change. (Insert nods and approving murmurs from all the other UConn alumni who can add another story about the changes they've seen on campus.)

Also cool: Someone painted the rock with the Tostitos logo in honor of UConn going to the Fiesta Bowl. It's very well done. Check it out:

- Freesia