Three cheers for Yo La Tengo
In the wake of Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signing a law that restricts drag performances in public, members of indie rock band Yo La Tengo donned women’s clothes during the second half of their set at The Basement East Monday, March 13.
yo la tengo protesting anti-drag laws tonight in tennessee, courtesy @JohnQBoxler. pic.twitter.com/kB6IvqUeZX
— jesse jarnow (@[email protected]) (@bourgwick) March 14, 2023
After a brief intermission following their first set, band members Ira Kaplan and James McNew returned dressed in drag for a furious and relentless second set kicked off by “This Stupid World,” from their recently-released album of the same name.
Ira and James playing in drag yesterday in Tennessee, in response to the anti-drag bill that passed just some weeks ago.
Yo La Tengo for president, someone said at Yellowjackets, and I agree.
[Photo by Chris Conrad, via FB] pic.twitter.com/Za6LTr2Jie
— Ethel Baraona Pohl (@ethel_baraona) March 14, 2023
Kaplan wore makeup, a red dress and a long black wig. McNew had shawl and a sun hat. Drummer Georgia Hubley remained unchanged.
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