Joseph Keckler: A Good Night in the Trauma Garden at ArtYard

“Electrifying” — Forbes

“Major vocal talent who shatters boundaries” — New York Times

Following its premiere at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, A Good Night in the Trauma Garden comes to ArtYard. Joseph Keckler‘s new performance piece weaves together original new songs — lush ballads, ominous grooves — with a vivid narrative portrait of a wild and unforgettable friend, meditating on what it means to be a classic.

Written, composed, and performed by Joseph Keckler. Joining him are Grace Bergere (guitar), Matthew Dean Marsh (piano), Lavinia Pavlish (violin), and Kevin Shea (drums). Lighting design by Ayumu “Poe” Saegusa, cinematography by Stepan Liubimov. Co-produced by Michael Sharkey.

A Good Night in the Trauma Garden was commissioned by The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Live Arts and co-commissioned by ArtYard and Coffey Street Studios. This performance is the culmination of a weeklong residency at ArtYard.

Joseph Keckler is a singer, writer, and multifaceted creator. Keckler has performed everywhere from dive bars and DIY venues to NPR Tiny Desk, Centre Pompidou, and Lincoln Center. His story and essay collection Dragon at the Edge of a Flat World was published by Turtle Point Press. This year, he has appeared at Big Ears Festival and headlined an Australian tour. He is currently working on new recordings.