by Erinn Fortson
I am stickler for arriving to Free at Noon performances early. This most recent Friday was no exception. I was the first to line up behind the attendee entrance and the first to literally stand front and center at the helm of World Café Live’s stage. The excitement of being able to partake and support such a unique concert experience is what motivates my exaggerated promptness. The artists scheduled to take stage also play an equal part.
Bat for Lashes (credit Erinn Fortson)
During the latter half of last week, WXPN welcomed both Bat for Lashes and Yo La Tengo for their latest Free at Noon concert. The radio station is celebrating its seventh year hosting these specialized musical performances.
The show is kicked off by Natasha Kahn, better known by her musical alias Bat for Lashes. She immediately captivates audience members as she charmingly walks on stage and settles comfortably into performance position. When artists are happy and eager to play for their audience, it makes seeing these musicians live that much more enjoyable. Kahn is an excellent example of this. She provides that artist to fan connectivity so well when she performs her music. Bat for Lashes only consisted of two members on Friday, but the band was still able to perform exquisite versions of songs like “Marilyn”, “Lilies”, and “Laura”.
Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo (credit Erinn Fortson)
Yo La Tengo wrapped up the Free at Noon, playing their six song concert with continuous energy from the first note to the last. Fans rapidly pulled out their relative cameras in hopes of capturing Ira Kaplan’s vigorous guitar playing, especially during songs like “Ohm”. Georgia Hubley and James McNew also brought the house down during the group’s performance. Forming in the mid 80’s, Yo La Tengo shows no signs of age. The band wowed audience members and delivered the impressive set that loyal fans anticipated.
