(NORTH ADAMS, Mass.) – On Saturday, March 3, 2012, at 8 p.m., Delicate Steve will bring its indie instrumental jams from New Jersey to MASS MoCA’s Club B-10 as part of the Alt Cabaret series. Delicate Steve is the brainchild of guitarist/composer Steve Marion, who writes moody, sometimes humorous pop-rock symphonies in miniature that variously recall Radiohead, They Might Be Giants and Brian Eno.

Delicate Steve’s debut recording Wondervisions, released on David Byrne’s label, Luaka Bop, consists of a dozen concise, psychedelic, instrumental pop gems dynamically shifting gears. NPR says the band makes “inventive music that can seem precise yet enjoyably ramshackle at the same time.”

Upon the release of Wondervisions, Delicate Steve was heralded by a pick from Jon Pareles in the New York Times Critic’s Choice and an 8 out of ten ranking by SPIN Magazine. SPIN said, “Wondervisions shifts smoothly from Pavement’s psychedelic cowlicks . . .  to Dirty Projectors’ zigzagging Afro-riffs . . . to synth and acoustic slide guitar,” and continued, “Marion’s approach varies, but his surprisingly soulful songs consistently connect.”

This initial success was followed by an invitation to the popular Daytrotter recording sessions, as well as offers to open for indie hot shots such as Ra Ra Riot, Cults, and more. The essence of Delicate Steve is best understood in a live setting, where the band takes on a more aggressive approach than the recorded material while maintaining its sonic excellence. Marion’s guitar work mimics the role of lead vocals, taking a lyrical approach that allows the instrumental performance to truly sing.

Standout performances include an opening slot for Yeasayer at Governor’s Island, a Celebrate Brooklyn performance alongside MASS MoCA Alt Cabaret alumni Buke and Gass, and a special cover set of the Minutemen which featured collaborations with Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo and Les Savy Fav’s Tim Harrington.

Drinks from the MASS MoCA bar, as well as dinner and snacks from Lickety Split, are available before and during the show. Tickets for the event are $12 in advance, $16 day of show, and $10 for students.

This performance is part of MASS MoCA’s Alt Cabaret series which presents some of the best new and emerging music, theater, spoken word, and dance artists working today giving patrons the chance to catch rising stars on their way up. Tickets are available through the MASS MoCA Box Office located off Marshall Street in North Adams, open 11- 5 every day but Tuesday. Tickets can also be charged by phone by calling 413.662.2111 during Box Office hours or purchased online at MASS MoCA.

MASS MoCA, the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, is located off Marshall Street in North Adams on a 13-acre campus of renovated 19th-century factory buildings.  MASS MoCA is an independent 501c(3) whose operations and programming are funded through admissions and commercial lease revenue, corporate and foundation grants, and individual philanthropy.  Except for an initial construction grant from the Commonwealth, and competitive program and operations grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, MASS MoCA is privately funded: 90% of annual operating revenues are from earned revenues, membership support, and private gifts and grants.