Media Reviews

Tiny Desk Concert

NPR’s Bob Boilen sits behind his desk, where hundreds of musicians have performed on the Tiny Desk Concert series.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been starved of experiencing many things we were used to enjoying so easily before: large family gatherings, sporting events, festivals, and much more. Our experience of the arts has changed drastically as well—from watching movies to visiting an art museum, everything is different now. And that certainly extends to the world of music. Virtual concerts might leave a bit to be desired, as they sometimes attempt to recreate the experience of being in-person at large venues. To the rescue for this music lover is NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series.

Gathered around the desk of Bob Boilen (host of the weekly online program All Songs Considered), musicians of all stripes perform intimate renditions from their catalog as well as surprising covers of others’ music. Often, the setting itself changes how the musicians play and stretches them creatively in ways that a performance on a big stage with lighting and theatrics might not. At the Tiny Desk, there’s nothing to hide behind or distract, so the music itself takes center stage.

Most of the artists who have been featured are indie up-and-comers or veteran acts with a small but devoted following. However, some big names have taken the leap and embraced

ICONS

the Tiny Desk concert experience, including Coldplay, Yo-Yo Ma (playing solo cello), the legendary Tom Jones, and superstar Taylor Swift. Coldplay’s concert, which aired this past March, featured a soulful nine-piece choir alongside lead singer Chris Martin and guitarist Jonny Buckland. Smiles splashed across the musicians’ faces as they played a jubilant cover of Prince’s “1999.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the recent entries in the series were recorded at the home of an artist or band member, which only seems to accentuate the low-key and personal aspect of the performance. Singer Norah Jones’ August 17 concert, featuring her on an upright piano at home, is mesmerizing. The heartbreaking and bittersweet beauty of Jones’ song “How I Weep,” which introduces her 18-minute set, seems somehow more palpable and real in the home setting.

There’s something for everyone with the Tiny Desk Concert series, with over 800 performances from the past 10 years to choose from and a wide variety of genres represented. Most of the concerts are between 10 and 20 minutes in length, so it’s easy to commit to watching a few at a time. For more on this series, visit npr.org/series/tiny-desk-concerts.

Remembering Thanksgiving Day

This holiday celebrates freedom and family amid the struggles and responsibilities of living in this country. What better way to do that than to hear family members recount their challenges and blessings? By early September 2020, 96 Thanksgiving Day-related interviews had been posted at Archive.StoryCorps.org.

About StoryCorps

Alyssa Belizario, Laura Belizario Evelyn Thiem, Maggie Goodish Cole Carey, Ann Baratta

‘SHOOT FOR THE STARS’

The motto above is a personal goal for Laura Belizario, she told Alyssa, her youngest child (age 18). Born in the Dominican Republic, Laura came to the United States in 1965 at the age of 10. With Spanish as her first language, she quickly learned English, excelling at math and spelling. She worked for 35 years as a pharmacy technician, is very attached to her biological family, has experienced the Holy Spirit in her life—and has gone skydiving!

She advises, “Don’t be overly concerned with how others judge you.” Laura is glad for the sacrifices she has made for her family. Grief has taught her to accept more deeply the good things she has experienced. She became a US citizen at the age of 53, never expecting to see a Black man become president. “Don’t give up on what you want to see happen,” she says.—Interview #567327, 37 minutes

‘WHAT WAS MY MOM LIKE?’

In Washington, Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodish (age 13) interviewed her grandmother Evelyn Thiem, the youngest of seven children. Evelyn’s father was killed in a train accident shortly before she was born. Growing up in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, she enjoyed playing in her high school band and is still in touch with other band members.

Evelyn reveals that Maggie’s mom was very smart and “no trouble at all.” Evelyn’s family is from the United States but has German roots. She did not know her grandparents.—Interview #2083821, 11 minutes

INTERVIEWING NANA

Cole Carey (age 15) interviews his 85-year-old maternal grandmother, Ann Baratta. She summarizes the three most important lessons she has learned in life: Be true to yourself; you can’t predict the future; and do what you think is right at the time.

She did not expect to have five daughters and hopes that her grandchildren will be successful by emulating their parents and following their dreams. When she asks Cole about his future plans, he says he hopes to be involved in sports media. She is confident that he will be successful, whatever he chooses. —Interview #244601, 7 minutes StoryCorps, founded by David Isay, began in 2003 as a single story booth in New York City’s Grand Central Terminal. Two years later, it had two mobile booths at the Library of Congress and had become a feature on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition program.

Its first collection of stories, Listening Is an Act of Love, won a Pulitzer Prize and quickly became a New York Times best seller. Four other collections have been published in subsequent years. In 2015, Isay received the TED Prize.

The StoryCorps database can be searched thematically (how the stories at left were identified), geographically, or by the year described. It has also developed apps for stories about being incarcerated or living as an LGBTQ person.

This donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit seeks to collect, share, and preserve people’s stories, stressing its interview sessions, offering a wide diversity of participants, and always acting as a public service.

RECORDING YOUR STORY

Go to StoryCorps.org/participate to find a recording session at a city near you—or go to StoryCorps. org/participate/StoryCorps-diy to learn about recording an interview on any topic with a friend or family member. Happy recording!