Georgia Hubley with Fred Arimsen, from the Yo La Tengo Facebook page

Yo La Tengo once again is celebrating the 8 nights of Chanukah at Maxwells in Hoboken, NJ. The Festival of Lights kicked off on Saturday with the Raybeats opening and then Emo Philips taking the stage before the Yo La Tengo set. The group’s performance included ‘Before We Run” from their forthcoming album Fade and later saw the Raybeats’ Jody Harris appear on ‘The Kid With the Replaceable Head’ and ‘Pass the Hatchet, I Think I’m Goodkind.’

On Sunday night the Sun Ra Arkestra appeared with Marshall Allen leading a 13 piece ensemble that expanded to include saxophonists Sabir Mateen and Darius Jones.  Fred Armisen, continued the tradition of a comedy interlude and then Aremisen who initially pursued a musical career, joined the band on drums. The ensuing performance saw Yo La Tengo debut ‘Stupid Things’ from Fade and later welcome Matten and Jones for ‘Shaker,’ ‘Nuclear War,’ ‘And the Glitter Is Gone’ and ‘Our Way to Fall.’

Yo La Tengo’s Chanukah mini-fest will continue tonight and over the five evenings to follow.