Shows & Schedule

Bon Iver at Pioneer Works: A Transcendent Night of Music and Reflection

On December 4, 2016, the historic Pioneer Works in Brooklyn, New York, served as the backdrop for a memorable Bon Iver performance that transcended conventional concert experiences. This performance, part of the band's tour promoting their critically acclaimed album 22, A Million, was marked by a unique blend of ambient sounds, experimental arrangements, and a deep sense of introspection.

Setting the Scene

Pioneer Works, an old ironworks warehouse transformed into a vibrant nonprofit arts and culture space, provided a fittingly atmospheric venue for the evening’s performance. As the audience settled in, the words of Union Army officer Sullivan Ballou, penned during the Civil War, resonated through the venue. Ballou's poignant letter, reflecting on love and duty, set a reflective tone for the night, creating an intriguing juxtaposition with Bon Iver's modern and abstract music.

The Performance

A Visionary Experience

Fronted by Justin Vernon, Bon Iver’s performance was a testament to his dedication to both the artistic space of Pioneer Works and the deeper themes of impermanence and duality present in 22, A Million. The setlist included a range of tracks from the album, presented with a fresh, immersive approach.

Setlist Highlights

• “10 d E A T h b R E a s T ⚄ ⚄” – The opening track immediately set the tone for the evening, combining eerie vocal effects with complex arrangements that would define the night.
• “33 'GOD'” – This track highlighted the band's exploration of religious and existential themes, with a powerful performance that emphasized its spiritual undertones.
• “Heavenly Father” – A moment of introspection and vulnerability, this song resonated deeply with the audience, fitting the contemplative atmosphere.
• “Beach Baby” – A departure from the more somber tones, this track brought a brighter, more upbeat energy to the performance.
• “666 ʇ” – Featuring experimental sounds and intricate arrangements, this piece showcased the band’s willingness to push musical boundaries.
• “715 - CRΣΣKS” – A standout performance, blending Vernon’s haunting vocals with a rich instrumental backing.
• “22 (OVER S∞∞N)” – A centerpiece of the set, this track captured the essence of the album with its ethereal and layered soundscapes.
• “Minnesota, WI” – A fan favorite, performed with the emotional depth and complexity that defines Bon Iver’s live shows.

Musicians and Crew

The performance was supported by a talented ensemble of musicians:

• Justin Vernon: vocals, guitar, keys, and processing
• Andrew Fitzpatrick: guitar, processing, vocals
• Michael Lewis: bass, synth-bass, saxophone, vocals
• Sean Carey: drums, keys, vocals
• Matt McCaughan: drums, vocals
• Nelson Devereaux, Stephanie Wieseler, Dustin Laurenzi, Chris Thompson, and Cole Pulice: saxophones

The crew behind the scenes included production designer Michael Brown, and studio/stage manager Chris Messina.

NPR Credits

The concert was captured and presented by NPR with credits to:

• Director: Colin Marshall
• Producers: Colin Marshall, Benjamin Naddaff-Hafrey
• Executive Producer: Anya Grundmann
• Audio Engineer: Xandy Whitesel
• Technical Director: Josh Rogosin
• Editors: Nickolai Hammar, Cam Robert
• Videographers: Nicole Conflenti, Kara Frame, Nickolai Hammar, Claire O'Neill, Chris Parks, Cam Robert, Maia Stern

Special thanks were given to Pioneer Works, The Bowery Presents, Jagjaguwar, Middle West, Shore Fire Media, and the Bon Iver band and crew.

Bon Iver's performance at Pioneer Works was more than just a concert; it was an immersive experience that delved into themes of impermanence, duality, and artistic vision. The band's ability to blend introspective lyrics with innovative soundscapes created a profound and memorable evening. The connection between the evening’s performance and the historical context of Sullivan Ballou's words provided a unique layer of reflection, making the night an extraordinary event in the realm of live music.