Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Photos, Videos: We Sent An Artist To Draw Tune-Yards
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 24, 2014
Modified Jun 24, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 9
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jun 24, 2014
Modified Jun 24, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Above the glowing iPhones capturing photos to Instagram, artist Michael Arthur sat in the balcony's stage booth at Webster Hall last night to visually document the shows in another way: reliable ol' ink. Below are some of his observations, adn click through for his sketchbook report.
"Last night's Tune-Yards concert at Webster Hall was one of those shows that had a home town feel to it. The house was packed by the time opening band, Sylvan Esso (from North Carolina) took the stage and they were cheered like headliners for their final night of the tour. During the Tune Yards set, I was seated in--and got to do these drawings from-- a booth on the stage left side, offering me a unique angle on the almost mystic energy that envelopes the band. The joy they emanate together is palpable.
Tune-Yards is an extension of the music and visions that appear in Merrill Garbus's head. For the current incarnation of the group, the band has been filled out with a few extra players, including two backup singers, New Yorkers Jo Lampert and Abigail Nesson Bengson. I know Jo from Joe's Pub days—where I am the archival artist and Jo began as an intern and became a full time staff member. I was delighted when her introduction brought a massive cheer from the house.
It was a fun night and my first introduction to Tune-Yards live; it'll be hard to beat sitting practically on stage, but I look forward to seeing where Garbus's vision takes the band. They have the feel of an emerging stadium act and those of us who got to see the Webster Hall show will probably be grateful for the opportunity in a couple of years..."
Some videos from this week's shows below:
Tagged
concert
drawings
merrill garbus
michael arthur
sketchbook report
tune yards
original
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
Inside the hidden chamber that controls Lincoln Center's magnificent fountain
Gothamist went behind the scenes to learn how the NYC landmark keeps its majestic waters flowing.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 23, 2026
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Arts & Entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .