Yo La Tengo’s eight-night Hanukkah run at New York’s Bowery Ballroom continued last night. Surprise opening act Sun Ra Arkestra and comedian Todd Barry–both of whom appear at the New Jersey trio’s Hanukkah shows every year–warmed up the crowd. During Yo La Tengo’s set, Sun Ra Arkestra horns sat in on a few songs, including “My Heart’s Reflection,” “Dreaming,” Jad Fair’s “Principal Punishes Students With Bad Impressions,” Rex Garvin & the Mighty Cravers’ “Emulsified,” “More Stars Than There Are In Heaven” and a set-closing take on Sun Ra’s “Nuclear War.”

As expected, the evening’s encore focused on covers by a mix of Jewish songwriters. Barry moved behind the drum kit for a cover of Blue Oyster Cult’s “This Ain’t the Summer of Love,” before Yo La Tengo offered takes on The Ramones’ “Can’t Make It On Time,” The Cramps’ “TV Set” and Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich’ “Heaven Only Knows.”

Yo la Tengo’s run continues this evening. 

Here’s a look at last night’s setlist via Jesse Jarnow’s Frank & Earthy

Yo La Tengo
Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY
Nov. 29, 2021

Set: Stupid Things, Ashes, Awhileaway, Tiny Birds, Madeline. Paul Is Dead, I Was the Fool Beside You For Too Long, 86-Second Blowout, Here You Are > My Heart’s Reflection (with Sun Ra Arkestra horns), Dreaming (Sun Ra) (with Arkestra horns, Principal Punishes Students With Bad Impressions (Jad Fair) (with Arkestra horns), Emulsified (Rex Garvin & the Mighty Cravers) (with Arkestra horns), More Stars Than There Are In Heaven (boogie version) (with Arkestra horns), Nuclear War (Sun Ra) (with Arkestra horns)

Enc.: This Ain’t the Summer of Love (Blue Oyster Cult) (with Todd Barry on drums), Can’t Make It On Time (The Ramones), TV Set (The Cramps), Heaven Only Knows (Jeff Barry/Ellie Greenwich)