This past Wednesday afternoon, Anne Erin or “Annie” Clark known, best by her stage name St. Vincent, graced some very lucky contest winners with an intimate performance and a short interview at WXRT Chicago’s Blue Cross Blue Shield Performance Stage.

Clark got her start as background performer for Sufjan Stevens and The Polyphonic Spree and has evolved into a prestigious performing artist of her own.  She has also, in recent years, had the unique opportunity to record an album and tour with David Byrne, once the frontman of the popular 1970s revolutionary rock band The Talking Heads.

Jason Thomas, a disc jockey at WXRT, hosted the event which lasted just under twenty minutes. It included a short interview with questions that were responded to in a manner so witty by St. Vincent that they had Sarah Styer, a contest winner saying, “She’s hilarious.”

Clark, dressed in a trench coat of sorts and a red beret, delivered three songs with an acoustic guitar in hand to an intimate but enthusiastic audience.

Her first song, “New York,” from her recent release, “Masseducation,” was played “in lieu of a drum solo,” Clark said before beginning.

“New York” delivered a message filled equally with powerful emotions, melodic diversity and strong vocals, which at times resembled those of icon Joni Mitchell.

“Los Ageless” was the second song played and it was an energetic yet gut-wrenching piece about love and loss. It included the lyrics, “How could anybody have you and lose you and not lose their mind too?” and treated the audience to a percussive bass line which Clark played on her acoustic six-string guitar.  

Thomas asked what band drew her into performing and Clark responded without hesitation, “Nirvana.” Her custom guitar, the cover art and title of her recent release were also conversation pieces in the short interview.  

Thomas then thanked her for coming and asked if she could play one more song to which she replied, “Totally, thanks for having me. I love XRT!”

Clark closed her short set with “Slow Disco,” which as the title suggests is a slower tune with a beautiful melody and a chorus with striking high range notes and vocals.

After the event concluded, Thomas was asked about his involvement with the event. He said that the music director of WXRT arranged the performance and that hosting DJs for such events are chosen on a rotating basis. Thomas also said that he was able to get a job at WXRT without a degree specific in Broadcasting.

Clark’s sixth album “Masseducation” hit record store shelves last month. It was pressed on pink vinyl, with the option for a limited deluxe edition which is pressed on yellow vinyl along with some other perks for loyal fans to enjoy.

Clark will be back in Chicago on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018 for a performance at the Chicago Theater.