Yo La Tengo Close Night Five of Hanukkah with Ben Gibbard

Last night, Yo La Tengo continued their Hanukkah celebrations at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. The show marked the fifth night of this year’s residency and was opened by Heron Oblivion’s Meg Braid, who was backed by a band that included Heron Oblivion’s CCharlie Saufley on guitar, as well as Damon Krukowski on drums and Naomi Yang on keyboards/vocals all of whom sat in with Yo La Tengo. Additionally, none other than Death Cab For Cutie’s Ben Gibbard joined the mix for the encore.

Like previous evenings, Yo La Tengo unleashed a collection of classics and covers during the main set. They opened with “Big Day Coming” and moved through songs like “My Heart’s Reflection,” “I’m On My Way,” and more before they welcomed Saufley on guitar for “The Point of It.” Next came the first cover of the night, The McCoys’ “Sorrow,” which Saufley stayed on for while Baird stepped up on vocals and percussion.

Other highlights in the main set included a cover of Carole King & Gerry Goffin’s “Goin’ Back” with Saufley, Baird, along with Krukowski on drums and Yang on keyboard and vocals; “This Stupid World” with Saufley and Baird and a set closing “I Think I’m Goodkind” amalgamated by Saufley.

Once again, the encore was dedicated to music written by Jewish songwriters and opened with The Hollies’ “Bus Stop,” with Saufley and Baird holding their spots down. Next, the Death Cab for Cutie frontman stepped out for the first of three songs, The Cramps’ “Drug Train.” His presence continued as Yo La Tengo dished out the ever-iconic “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates. Finally, the ensemble brought the night to a close with a song from Death Cab for Cutie’s song book, “The Ghosts of Beverly Drive.”

Yo La Tengo will continue their celebration of lights, Jewish life, music and New York City tonight.

Yo La Tengo

Bowery Ballroom – New York

Dec. 11, 2023

*(Hanukkah, night 5)*

opening act: Meg Baird

comedian: Mia Jackson

mix CD: Ira

benefiting: Violence Policy Center

Set: Big Day Coming (fast), My Heart’s Reflection, Ashes, I’m On My Way, From A Motel 6, Beanbag Chair, The Point of It (with Charlie Saufley on guitar), Sorrow (The McCoys) (with CS & Meg Baird on vocals/percussion), Goin’ Back (Carole King & Gerry Goffin) (with CS, MB, Damon Krukowski on drums, Naomi Yang on keyboards/vocals), Two Trains (with CS & MB), Damage (with CS & MB), This Stupid World (with CS & MB), Nothing To Hide (with CS), Tom Courtenay (with CS), Pass the Hatchet, I Think I’m Goodkind (with CS)