Last night, Yo La Tengo continued their beloved Hanukkah residency at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. For the third evening of this year’s Festival of Lights, they welcomed David Cross as Rabbi Sugarman as the comedic guest for the evening, while Burnt Sugar Arkestra served as the opening act.

The performance, which was in benefit of the Southern Environmental Law Center, saw Yo La Tengo joined by respected jazz and avant-garde drummer Ryan Sawyer, Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo on guitar/bells and American experimental guitarist Bill Nace on taishōgoto for most of the set. During the main set, the three musicians joined the American indie rock band on many beautiful songs, including the Grateful Dead’s “Turn On Your Lovelight,” “Let’s Do It Wrong,” Bob Dylan’s “Love Minus Zero/No Limit,” Velvet Underground’s “Run Run Run,” “Nothing To Hide,” “My Heart’s Reflection” and more – the guests only took a step back for two tracks during the main set: “I’m On My Way” and “Paul Is Dead.”

For the encore, Yo La Tengo had even more in store: After setting the scene with Carole King and Gerry Goffin’s “Take A Giant Step,” they welcomed Lucy Dacus–hot off her performance at the 8th Annual Ally Coalition Benefit Concert with Trey Anastasio, Phoebe Bridgers, Weyes Blood and Matty Healy– on “Walking In The Rain,” her song “First Time” and another song penned by King, “Home Again” to close the show.

Yo La Tengo will continue their Hanukkah celebration at the Bowery Ballroom tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Geoffrey Kalender (@geoffkalender)

Night 3 of Yo La Tengo’s Hanukkah shows had:

– David Cross dressed as Ira’s rabbi answering questions about Judaism
– an incredible Run Run Run Velvet Underground cover
– and most importantly, Lucy Dacus as a surprise guest!

Honestly a perfect show pic.twitter.com/6ytDVUIKFS

— Sam McCann🌹 (@SamMcCann) December 21, 2022

Yo La Tengo
Bowery Ballroom – New York City
Dec. 20, 2022 *(Hanukkah, night 3)*

Set: Turn On Your Lovelight > (Bobby “Blue” Bland), Everyday, Demons, Let’s Do It Wrong, Evanescent Psychic Pez Drop, Satellite, I’m On My Way (minus guests), Paul Is Dead (minus guests), Love Minus Zero/No Limit (Bob Dylan), My Heart’s Reflection, Run Run Run (Velvet Underground), Nothing To Hide, Tom Courtenay, Artificial Heart, Mushroom Cloud of Hiss

Enc.: Take A Giant Step (Carole King/Gerry Goffin), Walking In The Rain (Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil/Phil Spector) (with Lucy Dacus on vocals), First Time (Lucy Dacus) (with LD on vocals/guitar), Home Again (Carole King) (with LD on vocals)

Setlist via Frank & Earthy: http://www.jessejarnow.com/category/ylt / @bourgwick