Rufus Wainwright at Humphreys by the Bay: 2012
Rufus Wainwright at Humphreys by the Bay: 2012
Rufus Wainwright performed at Humphreys by the Bay. The theatrical singer-songwriter, son of folk musicians Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, brought his lush, baroque pop and operatic voice to San Diego's intimate waterfront venue.
The Musical Royalty
Rufus Wainwright comes from music royalty - his father Loudon Wainwright III is a respected singer-songwriter, his mother Kate McGarrigle was part of the folk duo The McGarrigles, and his sister Martha Wainwright is also an accomplished musician. Growing up in that environment shaped his musical ambitions and tastes.
But Rufus carved his own path, making baroque pop that's more theatrical and classically influenced than his folk-oriented parents. His songs feature lush orchestrations, complex harmonies, and lyrics that are literary and emotionally intense.
The Voice
Rufus's voice is extraordinary - a powerful, operatic tenor capable of soaring high notes and delicate phrasing. He's trained in opera and brings that technique to pop songwriting, creating something unique in contemporary music.
His vocal control and range allow him to tackle material that would overwhelm lesser singers. He can whisper intimate confessions and belt dramatic climaxes, often within the same song.
The Performance
Humphreys' intimate setting was perfect for Rufus's theatrical approach. He performs seated at a piano for much of the show, pouring emotion into every phrase. His stage presence is commanding without being showy - the focus is on the songs and the voice.
"Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" is one of his signature songs - witty lyrics about vices and desires wrapped in a beautiful melody. The song showcases his ability to be simultaneously clever and emotionally honest.
"Going to a Town" is a political song about disillusionment with America (written during the Bush years). It's angry and sad, and Rufus's vocal performance conveys both emotions without overplaying either.
"Poses" demonstrates his baroque pop aesthetic - layered arrangements, complex melodies, and lyrics that are poetic without being obtuse. The song is beautiful and slightly melancholic.
The Judy Garland Connection
Rufus has a deep connection to Judy Garland - he's performed her Carnegie Hall concert in its entirety multiple times. This connection shows his love of classic Hollywood, theatrical performance, and the emotional vulnerability that Garland represented.
His Garland tributes aren't camp or ironic; they're genuine appreciation for an artist who influenced his approach to performance and emotional honesty.
The Operatic Ambitions
Rufus has composed operas, including "Prima Donna" (2009). His operatic ambitions show that he's not content to just be a singer-songwriter - he wants to work in the classical tradition while maintaining his pop sensibility.
This crossover between pop and classical is rare and difficult to pull off. Rufus manages it because he has genuine respect and knowledge of both traditions.
LGBTQ+ Representation
As an openly gay artist who's never hidden or downplayed his sexuality, Rufus represents important LGBTQ+ visibility in music. His songs address queer experiences and desires directly, and he's been a role model for LGBTQ+ youth.
His refusal to compromise his identity or his artistic vision for commercial success shows integrity that's inspired many.
Humphreys Acoustics
Humphreys' excellent acoustics served Rufus's voice and piano beautifully. Every nuance of his phrasing, every delicate piano passage, came through clearly. The waterfront setting added romance to songs that often deal with love, longing, and beauty.
The Verdict
Rufus Wainwright at Humphreys was theatrical pop at its finest - a gorgeous voice, complex songs, and performances that balanced technical skill with emotional honesty. His baroque pop aesthetic isn't for everyone - it's ornate, theatrical, and unabashedly romantic.
If you appreciate beautiful singing, if you love when pop music embraces classical ambitions, if you want lyrics that are literate and emotionally complex, Rufus Wainwright delivers.
Thank you, Rufus, for proving that pop music can be operatic, that queerness can be central rather than peripheral to artistry, and that theatrical doesn't mean insincere.