On Saturday, Jeff Tweedy performed an acoustic and intimate show for the community at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Most famous for his involvement with the indie band Wilco, Tweedy holds many titles and accolades to his name, including Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, author and all-around creative.
Tweedy walked out on stage and immediately got to the music, illuminated by a solitary spotlight and backdropped by three lonely guitars. His song selection mostly contained new music from his solo catalog, but old Wilco hits still snuck their way into the setlist.
Tweedy created a personal, genuine atmosphere at the concert by sharing small life stories and witty anecdotes between songs, showing off his charming yet anxious personality.
Three songs into the show, Tweedy realized he had the wrong setlist and simply hadn’t noticed yet. The guitar tech and Tweedy shared a chuckle and found the correct setlist, all in front of the live audience. These authentic, candid moments created a far from formal event and allowed the audience to sink into their seats and relax.
Tweedy’s set was part of the ELLNORA Guitar Festival, celebrating artists featuring unique guitar skills from around the world. He presented himself fitting the theme, simply sporting himself onstage with the stringed instrument. The acoustic nature of his music both lets the instrument shine and creates a more focused view of Tweedy’s song selections.
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“He makes beautiful and complex melodies appear simple with his music,” said Urbana community member Nathan Westerman.
His songs may appear simple at first, but complicated musical pairings were presented in Tweedy’s music, giving more emotional depth to the already moving lyricism.
A depressingly relatable side of life was highlighted through Tweedy’s poignant and moving song lyrics. Exploring themes of loneliness, doomed relationships, death and regrets, he somehow managed to comfort the audience within morose lyrics by following them up with witticisms.
Liam Phillips, sophomore in LAS, commented on how the unconventional sound of Tweedy’s music creates an uncommon but special quality.
“He brings a unique musicianship, although not a virtuosic guitar player; his chord choices combined with a raspy high end tie it all together,” Phillips said.
Although he presented a kind appearance, Tweedy does hold a slight curmudgeonly impression.
“His grumpiness, his sarcasm, his chip on his shoulder were a little funny to me,” said Rayan Ahmed, junior in Information Sciences. “It gave a little humor and positivity to the show.”
Small moments of crankiness didn’t hold him back, and they showed the audience members a multi-faceted view of the artist.
Tweedy’s tour promotes his new album titled “Twilight Override,” the artist’s first triple album and fifth studio album.
The show at Krannert was only the second show in his tour, starting in the familiar Midwest. He will be playing shows in the United States until late November, and then he will be heading to Europe in February.
