Yo La Tengo Shines at The Chapel in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO — Yo La Tengo, the iconic alternative rock trio from Hoboken, New Jersey, kicked off a series of performances at The Chapel on May 9, 2025. The nearly three-hour concert delighted fans, showcasing a wide array of songs from their extensive 40-year discography.
Performance Overview
Midway through the first set, guitarist Ira Kaplan announced to the audience, “Good evening, everyone. We’re setting up shop here for the better part of five days.” This statement set a welcoming tone for an event filled with variety and spirit.
Yo La Tengo performs at The Chapel in San Francisco on May 9, 2025. (Photo by Jane Hu)
First Set: A Subdued Start
The initial set introduced the audience to a softer sound, with many songs played at a modest volume. Audience noise and clanging bottles became part of the atmosphere during songs like “Until It Happens” from their latest album, This Stupid World. Kaplan’s acoustic guitar and drummer Georgia Hubley’s mallet work provided a gentle backdrop.
As the set progressed, the energy gradually escalated. The band fluidly transitioned to more vibrant numbers, including “Pablo and Andrea” from Electr-O-Pura, showcasing their ability to adapt their sound. Notably, bassist James McNew took the lead with a delicate cover of New Zealand artist Peter Gutteridge’s “Gentle Hour,” with Kaplan on keyboards adding depth to the vocals.
Audience Engagement
Hubley’s rendition of “Tears Are in Your Eyes” from their album We Have Amnesia drew cheers, particularly with its summer-themed lyrics, “You tell me summer’s here.” The band’s casual appearance—dressing more like educators than musicians—contrasted their rich musical history, adding to their charm.
Second Set: A Climactic Turn
Following a brief intermission, the band returned with a noticeable increase in volume. The second set featured more improvisational elements and longer jams. The crowd particularly reacted to the familiar bass line of “Little Eyes” from the Summer Sun EP, which Hubley performed with a dynamic rhythm.
Turning up the experimental dial, Kaplan exchanged guitar for organ during an extended improvisation on “Out the Window.” Toward the concert’s conclusion, Yo La Tengo invited two guest musicians, Charlie Saufley and Meg Baird, to join them on stage for an intense jam session, culminating in an impressive encore that included a cover of The Grateful Dead’s “The Golden Road (to Unlimited Devotion).”
Conclusion
The concert exemplified Yo La Tengo’s artistry, seamlessly weaving through an eclectic mix of sounds and styles. As they continue their run at The Chapel with additional shows scheduled for May 10, 12, and 13, their fans can expect an equally engaging experience ahead.
For more insights and updates, follow Jane Hu on Instagram: Instagram.com/plainjane.
