Photos by Andy Argyrakis

One of the most regarded singer/songwriters from the 1980s through today, Suzanne Vega, always keeps audiences intrigued as she naturally weaves in and out of folk, pop, alternative rock and dance directions, becoming a cross-genre pioneer in the process.

Those who contributed to the capacity of the Al Larson Prairie Center For The Arts in Schaumburg on the “Old Songs, New Songs And Other Songs” Tour were able to witness all the variety and innovation firsthand, especially in the up close and personal setting.

The acoustic guitar playing Vega was joined by fellow guitarist Gerry Leonard on electric for 100 minutes that expanded upon the conversational format of her latest live long player, “An Evening Of New York Songs And Stories,” though she was even more magnetic and revealing in person.

“Marlene On The Wall” got the retrospective going on familiar footing and “99.9 F°” followed from her multi-million album sales streak in the ‘90s, but there was just as much promise and poetry to come during deeper tracks.

Take for instance the stripped down “Gypsy,” a nod to bonding with a former flame over loving late troubadour Leonard Cohen, or “In Liverpool,” its clever sequel that filled in the blanks since the point they lost touch.

Stylistically speaking, the forthcoming “Rats” seemed to take nods from punk rockers The Ramones, fellow new cut “Flying With Angels” was dedicated to the many forms of emergency responders and caretakers doing their part to improve the planet, while “Left Of Center,” off the “Pretty In Pink” soundtrack, could aptly describe Vega’s ongoing artistic contributions.

Of course, she had some serious smashes along the way, including the personal child abuse perspective of “Luka,” which even earned a personally penned letter of praise from Prince and sparked the first of two particularly rousing rounds of ovations on this intimate occasion.

The other naturally came during “Tom’s Diner,” initially cut completely a cappella, then remixed in club contexts and frequently sampled to the point where it will absolutely be etched in eternity, though there was no better way to experience it than by the iconic originator singing over her accompanist’s live loops created on the spot.

It would’ve probably signaled the conclusion for a lesser artist, but an encore of welcome wildcards found Vega not only retaining her relevant edge, but probably sent more than a few fans scrambling in hopes of scoring tickets to Space in Evanston on Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25, despite also selling out the moment they went on sale.

For additional information on Suzanne Vega, visit SuzanneVega.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Al Larson Prairie Center For The Arts include Schaumburg Youth Orchestra Spring Chamber Recital (Apr. 28); Schaumburg Choral Program Spring Concert (Apr. 28); Schaumburg Youth Concert Orchestra & Sinfonia Strings Spring Concert (May 12); Schaumburg Youth Symphony Orchestra Spring Concert (May 12); Schaumburg Youth String Ensemble Spring Concert (May 13); Schaumburg Choral Artists Spring Concert (May 19) and “Permission To Speak” (Aug. 23). For additional details, visit PrairieCenter.org.

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