(photos by Keith Klenowski)
Sufjan! Sufjan! Sufjan! When Pitchfork announced that Sufjan Stevens himself would be introducing the screening event of his new film/music score The BQE, the attendance instantly became hipster-heavy and doubled. Sadly, Sufjan was not in attendance at the new Country Club Art Gallery in Oakley on Tuesday. However, the event itself was exceptionally well-done, both artistically and in presentation.

The Music Now crowd was out in full force, as artist Jessica Dessner’s pencil drawings were on display. Dessner interpreted each year of the Chinese zodiac in sketches she displayed in conjunction with string quartet Osso’s re-interpretation of Stevens Enjoy Your Rabbit album. Osso performed selections, each titled as years of the Chinese zodiac, that were beautifully performed.

Next came the highlight of the evening: a screening of Steven’s The BQE. The film itself is very interesting, as it takes an antiquated filming technique to a modern phenomena of highway driving. It was very interesting to witness cars in full force and long lines of traffic alongside Stevens bombastic score. It was a very well done piece, and one that I highly recommend everyone take in him/herself.

I was very impressed with the gallery space that Country Club had constructed and was disappointed that more didn’t seem to take in the environment. Many left before the screening, realizing Sufjan himself wasn’t going to be there, and they really missed a well-planned and executed event.