Written by: Zen Wild

Photography by: Tony Vasquez of Vasquez Photography

Photo Gallery: Pete Yorn

 Pete Yorn is back in Indiana again. This time, it’s Tuesday, October 7^th in the Deluxe Room (at the Old National Centre). I saw him a few years back, in 2010 or 2011, at the Bluebird in Bloomington, and that was a good show. He had his full band with him, then. This is a more intimate affair. It’s an all-acoustic set. Only Pete, and a bunch of people waiting to see, and hear, him do what he does best.

When Pete hits that stage, he does so like a laid-back rocker, shaggy hair, flannel shirt, jeans, and boots. The crowd, as one would expect, erupts. A hippie girl, who I’ve been standing next to, and speaking with, and will later be dancing with a bit, is grinning to outshine the sun. She’s already told me how lucky I was to see Pete with his full band, but I can already tell that this crowd is in for a treat. I think most of them know it, too. The second song of the night, Pete plays “For Nancy,” which is great, and I always recognize. The whole crowd is singing it right back to him as he plays. That’s something I love to see at a show, and I’m sure the artists do, as well. It’s got to feel good.

  Throughout the night, despite the small venue, which lends itself to storytelling in between songs, Pete keeps up the pace. A lot of his songs are fast-paced, anyway, and without the full band behind him, he’s able to just dive right into the next one. No external communication is needed. He only needs what’s in his heart and in his head. That’s part of the beauty of the solo, acoustic set. The set list is a good mix of familiar tracks, deep cuts, and a few covers. Including a great rendition of “Splendid Isolation” by Warren Zevon and a fun cover of “Kiss Off” by the Violent Femmes. It’s a great night I’d do it again, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Now, If you didn’t happen to be in Indianapolis, or if you were, and couldn’t come, don’t feel bad. He’s got more acoustic shows coming up. You might have to drive a bit to get to one, or maybe not, but either way, once you get there, you’ll know why you came. Tour dates can be found here: http://www.peteyorn.com

Set list: Paradise Cove, For Nancy (‘Cos It Already Is), I Feel Good Again (Charlie Feathers & Junior Kimbrough cover), Closet, Splendid Isolation (Warren Zevon cover), Bandstand in the Sky, Strange Condition, All at Once, Relator (Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson cover), Lose You, June, The Good Advice, Undercover, Broken Bottle, The Man, Vampyre, Murray, Burrito, Kiss Off (Violent Femmes cover), Crystal Village, Black, Life on a Chain