June 13, 2025 | The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall
by Dave Golden
Tune-Yards, the Oakland-based duo of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner, delivered a vibrant set at The UC Theatre that leaned heavily on their latest release, Better Dreaming. Opening with “Heartbreak,” they followed with “Swam,” building a massive, textured sound using Garbus’s layered vocals, live looping, and Brenner’s driving bass lines. The set also included older favorites like “Gangsta” and “Water Fountain,” which retained all their chaotic energy and rhythmic punch. For the encore, they returned with “Powa,” and closed the show with “Limelight.”
Opening the show was San Francisco-born Madison McFerrin, who delivered a stripped-down yet captivating performance. With her drummer canceling at the last minute, McFerrin took the stage solo, relying solely on her expressive voice and backing tracks triggered from her phone. The minimal setup only highlighted her vocal control and presence, showcasing her talent as a fiercely independent artist. Her set included previews from her forthcoming album Scorpio, slated for release on June 24—a date, she noted, chosen by her astrologer—and featured the new tracks “I Don’t.” and “Try.”
Leave a reply