Raising the roof for Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright played three sold-out, rapturously received concerts in Seattle last year — earning six encores at one of them — so it's not surprising that the flamboyant, deeply talented singer/songwriter/pianist/guitarist is back, this time for a solo show Thursday at the Paramount.

He played with bands here last year, which was a mixed blessing — sometimes they enhanced his singing, sometimes drowned it out. His band probably won't be missed on this outing.

But will Wainwright do the drag bit this time, where he transforms himself into a woman right on stage? It was such a hit last year, you'd think it was a given. But artists such as Wainwright defiantly follow their own path, so there's no telling.

Wainwright is of the old school, a wise, witty waif in the Noel Coward/Cole Porter mold, with a dash of Elton John. The son of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, both noted and successful singer-songwriters, some of his early songs recount painful episodes with them (once estranged from his parents, they're now reconciled).

Other songs reveal a wounded, vulnerable young man who suffered from gay discrimination and drug problems, which required rehab. His dramatic, theatrical performances plumb all those feelings, but ultimately are triumphant celebrations of survival and artistry. His audiences get so wrapped up in his performances that they become part of the show.

As he told the crowd last year at the Moore, "You're an amazing audience, and I'm an amazing performer!"

Patrick MacDonald: 206-464-2312 or pmacdonald@seattletimes.com