For those of you that get this in your mailbox, you will need to open this up in a web-browser. This is a compilation of 20 some concerts that were recorded in Washington, DC at the NPR Studios. This is not news, just pure music. Open them up one at a time and take in the music. Crawford was napping to this compilation.
1. Dave Matthews– of course Dave would be at the top of my list. Les loves acoustic Dave live. We typically get that in Mexico or Canandaigua. Until we catch him again with Tim somewhere under the moonlight, this will have to do. In this short little set Dave performs “Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)”, “Here on Out”, “Don’t Drink the Water”, “Mercy” and “So Damn Lucky”
2. Chappell Roan– Where else can you get a full on make-up inside of an NPR studio? The simplicity of this performance was perfect to introduce Belle to Chappell. Due to the small stage the production in not as overstimulating as a normal Chappell Roan concert. Until Chappell decides to tour the US, I likley won’t be taking Isla to a live concert with Belle. This has been used many times this past soccer season during warm-ups. It beats listening to the rock I grew up to, which some parents insist on playing. While not included in this set, I keep trying to teach Belle how to spell HOT-TO-GO instead of O-H-I-O. During this performance Chappell performs “Casual”, “Pink Pony Club”, “Picture You”, “California” and “Red Wine Supernova”.
3. Bad Bunny–if you have never heard Bad Bunny, let this be your introduction so you will be in the know when the big game rolls around. This is global music, by an American artist singing in his native tongue. The energy of this tiny performance is very grand. This set list will give you a chance to test out your espanol since all the songs are named accordingly with “PIToRRO DE COCO”, “VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR”, “KLOuFRENS”, “LO QUE LE PASÓ A HAWAii” and “LA MuDANZA”.
4. Pittsburgh’s own Mac Miller. Ok so my favorite songs weren’t included in this set, but Mac definitely brings his spirit out in this performance. During this set he performs Small Worlds, What’s the Use? and 2009. The strings making the hookup in DC really added to this micro-performance.
5. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis teamed up for this lively performance. Talking about a timeless set list. Considering this is from 2012, it still covers relevant topics. Set List of “Same Love”, “Thrift Shop” and “Can’t Hold U
6. The Cranberries–Dolores voice carriers warmly and gently in the tiny space.
“Linger” “Tomorrow” “Ode To My Family” “Zombie” “Raining In My Heart
7. Farruko–Carlos Reyes the man can sing. There is more to the man than the party anthem. If you have traveled outside of the United States in the last 3 years you know Pepas. You understand the energy of clubbing to Pepas. This performance is very spiritual and introspective. Set List: En La Mía (Remix)”, “Pepas”, “No Entienden”, “My Lova”, “Viaje” ending with “Gracias (Remix)”
8. Sierra Hull– one more artist we learned to love thanks to Dave. Sierra opened for Dave and Tim at Moon Palace. The mandolin and the violin made for a fun night with Dave.
SET LIST “Boom” “Lord, That’s a Long Way” “Spitfire” “Muddy Water”
9. Sesame Street– 50 years of Sesame Street was more than a reason to play a concert. I’m a big fan of the medley. SET LIST “The Sesame Street Theme (Sunny Days)” “People In Your Neighborhood” “What I Am” “Sing After Me” “Medley” “Sing”
10. Andrew W.K. from the Warp Tour to the Penguins’ Goal Song. This is not Get the Party Started. This is piano and vocal creative genius. The set starts with two different piano improvisations, followed by “I Get Wet” and a Jimmy Webb cover of “The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress”.
11. Hermanos Gutiérrez– Alejandro and Esteban in Washington DC. Who needs lyrics when you can talk with a guitar. We initially met them at the stage on the beach in Cancun. SET LIST “El Bueno Y El Malo” “Tres Hermanos” “Thunderbird” “Pueblo Man”
12. Gogol Bordello–this list wouldn’t be complete unless we had an accordion. Maybe we needed the gypsy vibe too. Any bar fly should appreciate appreciate Alcohol. The spirited version of Wearing Purple is just something to clap along to. Set List: “Immigraniada (We’re Comin’ Rougher)” “My Compenjara” “Alcohol” “Pala Tute” “Start Wearing Purple”
13. Indigo Girls–the first time I heard them was likely at the Lilith Fair. Don’t laugh, I’ve always been in touch. SET LIST “Closer to Fine” “Look Long” “Go” “Kid Fears”
14. The Band’s Visit- Yes a Broadway cast in the tiny desk. An Egyptian Band comes to a town in Israel. Among the cast are Tony Shalhoub (known for his TV roles in Monk and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Broadway veteran Katrina Lenk (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Once and Indecent). SET LIST “Soraya” “Omar Sharif” “Itgara’a” “Haj-Butrus” “Answer Me”
15. I’m With Her–the first time we saw these ladies was pool side in Mexico. Need more banjo. Set list of “See You Around”, “Game to Lose” and “Overland”.
16. Maren Morris– lovely country vibe all guitars and lotta voice. Set List “Rich” “I Could Use A Love Song” “My Church”
17. Chris Stapleton–you need a blend of all genres to make the Tiny Desk complete. Between Chris voice and his rhythm it really is story telling. Almost to the point that Crawford would curl up and be a lap dog. “More Of You” “When The Stars Come Out” “Whiskey And You”
18. The Lone Bellow–of course we were introduced to this band by Dave. Figure it’s time to share this sound with you. Set List “You Never Need Nobody” “Two Sides Of Lonely” “Teach Me To Know” “You Don’t Love Me”
19. Lord Huron–after dancing to them in the rain in Mexico, I’ve learned to love their earlier music. “She Lit A Fire” “Time To Run” “Lonesome Dreams” “Ends Of The Earth
20. Polyphonic Spree–if you need some Christmas now, this little fun performance should work. The set starts with “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)”, “The Christmas Song” and ends with “Silver Bells”.
21. Trombone Shorty–more horn, a little flavor of New Orleans please. “Dumaine St.” “Lagniappe” “Do To Me”
22. Dua Lipa–this is her second appearance at the Tiny Desk. SET LIST “Training Season” “These Walls” “Happy for You” “Houdini”
23. U2 Bono and The Edge–one time at Heinz Field under the stars of Pittsburgh, Bono and The Edge brought a full fledged rock show to town. This smaller version is the essence of Bono telling stories and putting smiles on faces.
SET LIST “Beautiful Day” “In a Little While” “Stuck in a Moment You Can’t Get Out Of” “Walk On”
24. Alicia Keys– nothing like a little piano. Show Me Love” “Gramercy Park” “Underdog” and “Falling”.
25. The Oh Hellos– Concert for Christmas. SET LIST “Deck The Halls” Mvmt III: “Silent Night, Holy Night” “Jingle Bells” Mvmt IV: “Every Bell On Earth Will Ring”
26. Jagged Little Pill Cast @Home: Let’s step back to when Broadway was closed during Covid-19. If you like Alanis Morisette this is one amazing story using the album. We had the honor to get Heidi Blickenstaff on the touring show here in Pittsburgh. SET LIST: Hand in My Pocket, Uninvited, Predator, You Learn.
If you’ve seen this show, you know.
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