Rufus Wainwright to perform at SUNY Purchase

Wednesday July 25, 2012 5:30 PM By Kirthana Ramisetti

Photo credit: Getty Images | RUFUS WAINWRIGHT: The singer-songwriter was born in the Village of Rhinebeck and attended Millbrook School, the inspiration for his song “Millbrook.” (Nov. 1, 2011)

Rufus Wainwright is often thought of as a Canadian artist, but he actually has strong ties to the Hudson Valley. Born in Rhinebeck, Wainwright attended Millbrook School in Dutchess County during his teenage years. His father, folk singer Loudon Wainwright III, was raised in Westchester County. Father and son even wrote songs about growing up in the Hudson Valley, appropriately titled “Westchester County” and “Millbrook,” respectively.

So Wainwright’s performance at SUNY Purchase on Thursday evening is a homecoming of sorts. He’s promoting his latest album, “Out of the Game,” his seventh studio release, which also has received some of the strongest reviews of his career. The recording of “Out of the Game” was preceded by two life-changing events: the death of his mother, folk singer Kate McGarrigle, and the birth of his daughter, Viva. In a video posted on his website, Wainwright discussed how his personal life affected the recording of the album.

“Because I’m older and I’ve had a lot of different experiences, there’s a real variety in my life,” he said. “And I really wanted my record to maintain that.”

Wainwright added: “There’s three big things in my life: one is my past, the various experiences I’ve had over the years; the death of my mother, which happened two years ago; and there’s the birth of my daughter, Viva, and also being in a relationship as well. And I think each one of them had to be represented.”

Fans can experience Wainwright’s music during his show at The Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase. Don’t be surprised if a special guest or two stops by -- Wainwright is known for inviting sister Martha Wainwright, half sister Lucy Wainwright Roche and opening act Teddy Thompson to share the stage with him. Perhaps he’ll even sing “Millbrook” at the show, in honor of his Dutchess County roots.

IF YOU GO

Who: Rufus Wainwright, with special guests Teddy Thompson and Adam Cohen
When: 8 p.m., Thursday, July 26
Info: The Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase; 914-251-6200; www.artscenter.org; $57 and $74