Hooves on the Turf

Thanks so much to everyone who came out, especially the fabulous bands who played, and to Trophy Bar for hosting the whole madness. I know everyone I invited to play were some of my favorites, so of course I was thrilled more than anybody else to see them all at one place, but I was extra excited because they all played incredibly strong sets. A ton of pictures are posted here with helpful captions, and we filmed pretty much the whole thing, so video will come soon too! All pics were taken by me (Sarahana), except where noted.

Afuche

The Afuchitas – a feisty gang of interpretive dancers put together by our explosive opening act, Afuche.

Not only was there a lot of dancing, but quite a bit of synchronized screaming.

Afuche decided to go pick up their badges and free Kangaroos shoes after setting up. They played in their new shoes.

And they even sported the free Kangaroos shirts they got in their gift bag.

The amazing drummer of Afuche is clearly adored by his group of dancers.

tUnE-yArDs

Zach Condon’s crew was drinking outside and they all got up and rushed in as soon as we heard Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs testing her voice inside.

I’d asked her if she wanted to do an acoustic set, and she performed on a sole (tenor) ukulele. I had goose bumps throughout her set.

Pic below by Sahara

Zach Condon of Beirut, Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs, Ruben Sindo Acosta of Afuche hanging out in the backyard.

Luke Winslow-King trio

This was my dad’s favorite set at the show. When Luke Winslow-King’s most handsome trio in the world played their 20s inspired rag tunes, and given the Trophy Bar decor, I felt like we were sailing on a boat.

The washboard kills.

And look at this fabulous tuba.

Gracious Calamity

Ideally these girls from Gracious Calamity would play at your bonfire party or your porch. They played a quiet folk-y set that sounded like sweet lullabies.

Doesn’t this look very warm and fuzzy? It’s only missing a bonfire.

Glass Ghost

Glass Ghost provided just the bit of diversity we need in our line-up. Eliot Krimsky’s haunting voice, idiosyncratic rhythms, and awesome bass setup on the keyboard. I was so glad to have them on. I misplaced my camera during their set, so didn’t get to take pictures, sigh.

Pic below by New York Rock Market

Pic below by Sahara

Pic below by Sahara

I found my camera as the set ended. Here’s drummer Mike Johnson.

Drink Up Buttercup

I’ve seen Drink Up Buttercup a bunch of times, but this was the best set I’ve seen from them, period. Drunken sailors all around. Can’t thank them enough.

They played a song about penises and another one about “female anatomy”.

Consulting a last-minute set list they’d made on their iPhone.

Jim had to kneel cause he was using the one little mic we had for his guitar. It was his birthday eve.

Sharon Van Etten

Sharon Van Etten started off by saying she didn’t have any songs about penises.

And that she was wearing her mom’s shoes (with holes).

She was stellar, of course. I don’t even need to mention that.

Pic below by Sahara

Pic below by Jessi Bautista

Pic below by Jessi Bautista

Pic below by Sahara

Pic below by Sahara

Mark Charles of Vandaveer laughs at Sharon’s jokes.

Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs watching Sharon perform.

Adam Arcuragi

Adam Arcuragi arrived with a crew he put together in the last minute. It included a saw player, and plenty of clapping and stomping.

This man changed his plans to be in Chicago to come play here instead. He’s crazy like that. He’s moving to New York soon and you should be on the look out for backyard performances.

When they discovered there was only one mic, they improvised plenty of things.

Vandaveer

Vandaveer started indoors, but after an issue with the mic levels, they yelled, “Who wants to go outside?” and we all poured into the backyard.

It was a fine call! The light rain had cleared just in time.

It was very French, really.

Rose Guerin of Vandaveer strikes a pose.

Mark Charles climbs a table. La Strada looks on.

Motel Motel

People kept asking me who our secret guests were. I had to clarify that it wasn’t a secret at all, but just that Motel Motel is very special. I’d asked them to play a set that would be a “Secret Garden” set and I’m amazed by how much these guys grasp the idea of the Secret Garden without me having to explain anything at all.

Bassist Timo Sullivan and drummer Jeremy Duvall played a guitar case and a banjo case instead.

Look at Mickey Theis. Doesn’t he look like a very handsome man from the 50s?

Eric Engel doesn’t really need the mic at all.

They played “Harlem” the same way they played it for our Secret Garden video (coming soon): a capella, backed up by a recording on a tape. Erik Gundel and Mickey Theis provided gorgeous harmonies.

Timo Sullivan taking a break from his exhausting guitar-case-playing session.

Delicious kebab rolls my mom sold in the backyard.

Thanks everyone! Seriously, it was the best party I’ve been to!

Apart from the awesome bands and their awesome managers, and supportive friends in general, notable thanks to Sahara (my sister and trusty helping hand), Kevin Eder and China Kirk (both devoted friends and moral supporters), Ray of Ray Concepcion (he filmed the whole thing!), and my mom for staying up all night to make the delicious food.