Yo La Tengo started their tradition of hosting charitable Hanukkah shows in 2001 at the legendary music venue Maxwell’s in Hoboken, NJ. The tradition continued through 2013, until Maxwell’s became a characterless bar with an emphasis on TV sports, putting an end to the music. Fast forward to 2017 – after a 3-year hiatus, YLT continues the eight night performances at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC.
Part of the magic of these shows are the surprise guest musicians and comics. Nobody quite knows who’s going to show up on a given night. These photographs were taken on the first night of the eight show run, December 2, 2018. Special guests were Graham Nash and The Philly-based Sun Ra Arkestra .
Text and photos by Andy Young
