Tune-Yards @ Bimbo's 365 Club 8/20/2021

 It had been years since the last time I saw Tune-Yards live. Seven years to be exact when they headlined at The Fillmore in San Francisco. That was the first time I had seen them live. It was also the first time I saw or even heard of the openers,  Sylvan Esso and it was that show that made a Sylvan Esso fan out of me ever since. 

Bimbo's 365 Club 8/20/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini

I can't remember the last time I saw a show at Bimbo's but it was definitely pre-pandemic. I'm also not sure if Friday night's show was the first show at Bimbo's since the pandemic but it sure was good to be back.  I love Bimbo's for it's retro style: the deep burgundys and gold accents, the bar staff in white waiter jackets, the bathroom attendants, the tables a glow with flickering candles for the dinner ticket holders. Seeing a show at there is like taking a step back in time. It is quite a unique show seeing experience no matter who's playing. Now, there are a couple of updates because of COVID which should give show goers some peace of mind: proof of vaccination is required and once inside a mask must be worn, by everyone, at all times. 

ticket for Tune-Yards at Bimbo's 365 Club 8/20/2021 
photo by Nikki DeMartini

With a sound  similar to the headliners, indie's underground sensation Salami Rose Joe Louis was a fitting opener.  People were arriving and getting situated as she welcomed them with her eclectic, one women show. 

The bars flooded with people ordering refreshments between sets and everyone was dressed to the nines as far as I could see. It was the beginning of the weekend and people were excited to be out, socializing and finally seeing live music. The small dance floor in front of the intimate stage filled in quick as a buzzing anticipation for the headlining act grew.  

Tune-Yards at Bimbo's 365 Club 8/20/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini

It was close to 10:00 when the Oakland based Tune-Yards emerged. Between two male counter pieces, one of whom assumedly Nate Brenner, a very pregnant Merrill Garbus addressed the crowd. She popped in bright hues of orangey-pink coral and fuzzy socks she expressed a shared gratitude for being able to be there to play music for us during an ongoing pandemic and for us to be able to be there to share the experience. 

Rubbing her belly she also addressed the pregnancy elephant in the room and had the room laughing along with her when she mentioned something about it probably not being a good idea to  write a song about not wanting to have kids. Then the stage lights dropped to dim blues and pinks as fog spilled on to stage and Tune-Yards eccentricity descended on the room. 

Tune-Yards at Bimbo's 365 Club 8/20/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini

Tune-Yards at Bimbo's 365 Club 8/20/2021
photo by Nikki DeMartini

I couldn't tell ya what songs were played because I allowed myself to get lost in them. Closing my eyes and swaying to the instrumental beats, synthesized melodies and the harmonic lull of Merrill's  vocals,
I fully enjoyed the moment in the moment. It was a perfect soundtrack, in a picturesque setting which made for a great Friday night out on the town.