Tag: Live

Tom Huizenga | March 23, 2026 We rarely invite the same band back to the Tiny Desk. But the beloved Kronos Quartet, which first played our offices 12 years ago, isn’t the same band. Three of the four members are brand new: Cellist Paul Wianko succeeded Suny Yang; violinist Gabriela Diaz and violist Ayane Kozasa replaced retiring original members John Sherba and Hank Dutt. The newly rejuvenated quartet, still under the durable leadership of violinist and founder David Harrington, appears to be having more fun than ever. And it shows in these vigorous performances of pieces that are whimsical and [See More…]

Kara Frame | March 19, 2026 In 2016, Caamp submitted an entry to the Tiny Desk Contest. After a few glasses of wine, Taylor Meier and Evan Westfall recorded “All the Debts I Owe” in front of a fireplace with just a banjo, guitar and Meier’s soft, raspy vocals. At the time, Caamp was brand new, but certain of its chances: “We were sure we were going to win,” Meier admits, laughing. And now, ten years later, Caamp realizes a dream. Since forming, three more members have joined the band and, together, they’ve made Caamp a well-known name in the [See More…]

This Tiny Desk concert was originally published on August 17, 2015. https://www.npr.org/2015/08/17/432571151/kacey-musgraves-tiny-desk-concert Stephen Thompson | August 17, 2015 Given the timing of Kacey Musgraves’ appearance in the NPR offices — the Supreme Court had legalized gay marriage across America mere hours earlier — it was inevitable that the singer would trot out “Follow Your Arrow,” the most anthemic go-your-own-way jam on Musgraves’ 2013 debut album, Same Trailer Different Park. In fact, NPR Music has already published her performance of that song, which closes this Tiny Desk Concert. But Musgraves also kicked off her set by showcasing four songs from the [See More…]

Mitra I. Arthur | March 5, 2026 What can robots teach us about humanity and about love? Maybe Happy Ending, the 2025 Tony Award winner for best musical, tells the unlikely story of two humanoid robots, portrayed by Helen J. Shen (Claire) and Darren Criss (Oliver), as they fall in love while on a road trip. The show’s creators, Hue Park and Will Aronson, fill the musical with a sense of yearning, not specifically for romance (though that does happen), but for connection and self-actualization: Our heroes try to understand what it means to actually live once your purpose for [See More…]

Bobby Carter | March 3, 2026 The humor of De La Soul has always been one of its calling cards. When DJ Maseo tells the Tiny Desk crowd, “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re a new group called De La Soul,” he means it as a joke. But, in so many ways, one of the most influential groups in hip-hop is new: the duties have been reassessed, the focus has shifted and the newness of The Plugs is laid plain here at the Tiny Desk. De La Soul came to us to celebrate a few milestones: its latest album, Cabin in the [See More…]

Mitra I. Arthur | February 27, 2026 Buddy Guy displays a youthful spirit during his Tiny Desk that makes you question if he really turns 90 this year. Once the music starts, his subtle speaking voice transforms into a mighty instrument, demanding your attention. Guy wails on his polka dot Stratocaster, reminding us of his skill and showmanship. The title of his latest album, Ain’t Done with the Blues, is not only apt but defiant. The elder statesman of blues is the last standing among his fellow architects of the genre like B.B. King, Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker. [See More…]