Nickel Creek: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Nickel Creek was made to sing and play around a single microphone, so a Tiny Desk Concert seemed inevitable. All it took was a reunion tour - celebrating 25 years of Nickel Creek - to make it happen.
All three of the band's remarkably talented core members have been to the Tiny Desk before. Chris Thile is a veteran, having played the Tiny Desk with friend and guitarist Michael Daves, then later in the same year with Yo-Yo Ma and others in a project known as Goat Rodeo. When The Decemberists performed a Tiny Desk Concert, Sara Watkins was there to play her fiddle and sing. Her brother, Sean Watkins, was also at the NPR offices earlier this year with the marvelous singer Tom Brosseau.
The trio, backed here by bassist Mark Schatz, has no equal. Nickel Creek has been doing this on and off since its members were kids, and what blows me away is the comfort and ease with which they navigate their instruments. That skill, and the creative force behind it, is a joy and a thrill to witness. --BOB BOILEN
Set List:
"Destination"
"Rest Of My Life"
"21st Of May"
"Elephant In The Corn"
Credits:
Producers: Bob Boilen, Denise DeBelius; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Denise DeBelius, Colin Marshall; Production Assistant: Maggie Starbard; photo by Sarah Tilotta/NPR

[@nprmusic]

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[@therealdeal26]

***💯💪💯💪💯***ALWAYS BROTHER**

[@ruralanemone6633]

this on a nickel creek concert? 💀⁉

[@legalize.brokkoli]

"queerphobic" :p

[@monatrocious]

girl this is a nickel creek tiny desk

[@narayanav83]

I was looking for Nickelback and somehow ended up here. This is better.

[@mattperis8972]

Forever and always.

[@heraclitus6100]

who looks for nickelback? probably don't admit that anymore.

[@garryr486]

That was the best thing I've read all week!

[@justinhoraniii9967]

You don’t deserve Nickel Creek, being a nickel back fan 😂. I can’t count how many times I’ve watched this tiny desk concert. It’s stunning

[@MrStuVW]

WAY!

[@GarrettWatts]

I watch this maybe once a month. Damn it is so good. Huge Chris Thile Stan here.

[@zapfish6476]

same bro. Chris Thile is like church

[@TheIndyspace]

There's a country called Chris-Thile-stan..?

[@PierceTrey]

Is it hard to get a Visa to ChrisThileStan?

[@ARolls-dd2zd]

It's the First Day of The Rest of My Life again.

[@dirfrops]

I’m telling you. Every time I feel slightly inclined to dip into sadness, The sunlight reflected from the Nickel Creek imbues my soul with a rainbow…a promise of safety and happiness.

[@madogblue]

Sarah's voice on Destination is absolutely unbelievable

[@Thatsaspicymeatball]

Yep tears through your soul doesn't it.

[@taylorh79]

it's somehow even more incredible on the new album, it's insane

[@DoenerDuesentrieb]

@@taylorh79 wow thanks for letting me know they got something new!!

[@martisole6249]

totally amazing, way more touching than the album version

[@lucas9111000]

Absolutely stunning vocals.

[@sleepyhouse3]

I love Sara's raspy voice on the first song

[@EclecticCamel]

+sleepyhouse3 She sounds like she licked a toilet seat. Not her finest performance ever.

[@sleepyhouse3]

let's hear you sing! I thought it sounded cool!

[@EclecticCamel]

sleepyhouse3 Just saying she sounds ill here. I think she's generally a fine performer. Relax.

[@Trobtwillis]

+sleepyhouse3 i'm with you. she sounded almost hoarse on a couple of notes, and she looks like she's been workin' hard all day (farm? coal mine? housesife?), but she's never off key. it all fits; it all works. u kno wat i meen? she is so hot!

[@RENVOVR]

I saw Nickel Creek 4 nights in one week (Bham, back to back nights at the Ryman and Chattanooga) a few weeks before Tiny Desk performance. She definitely sounds hoarse, which I think might have been just from singing too much (they had a very demanding early schedule and she sang lead on a lot more songs than she used to back in the day with Nickel Creek). But, my take away from it is that she did a great job controlling her voice even when it might have not been 100%. She stayed away from trying to hit notes that she couldn't at the time and managed to stay in a good range. Mark of a true pro. BTW, of those 4 shows I got to see (Bham was basically a "final rehearsal" show and the Ryman was the official beginning of the tour) the first night at the Ryman was absolutely magical (partially because the Ryman was the last show they did on the "So Long For Now" tour before they "retired") After they're opener, "Rest of my Life," they got nearly 5 minute standing ovation. Every time Chris tried to introduce the next song he was drowned out. I was about 10 feet off stage from Sara and the ovation literally brought tears to her eyes. I am a pretty jaded concert goer, but I can't think of a better show...and a better moment...that I have ever experienced. Such pure joy by the musicians and returned by the concert goers. Amazing.

[@FraserFir]

This is why I love these tiny desks- I've discovered so many new and awesome bands that I just wouldn't have without a platform like this, thanks NPR

[@nategarrison99]

Chris Thile isn’t new..:

[@FraserFir]

New to me at least, very glad I found him@@nategarrison99

[@johnr.prather2876]

These guys grew up together. They're more than golden.

[@GuitarHall]

You know it's absolutely great when every KZbin comment is full of genuine appreciation. Bravo to these extraordinary performers!

[@tinabrown1397]

I will be listening to this music til I'm gone. For 13 years I've been listening to Nickle Creek. I found them at my local library. Thank you Nickle Creek for creating such beautiful sound for the ears to hear! CHEERS!

[@BuckMcAntlerson]

Tina Brown *Nickel

[@mungous1000]

@@BuckMcAntlerson You would think someone who has listened to them for 13 years would know how to spell Nickel.

[@JoshIdstein]

They're all amazing, but as a general rule, everything Chris Tile touches is pure gold.

[@nnnnigey]

Aaron Idstein I'll concur with that completely!!

[@Fiddlemama]

Aaron Idstein I would have to agree :)

[@adders45]

Aaron Idstein There was a bum not just at the end of destination ha ha - its nice to see Chris is human too.

[@sarahcoe6810]

Aaron Idstein your're right, but i looooooooove Sara too!!!

[@MrBobaloo22]

Aaron Idstein I think they're all very talented, and they make really nice music together -- occasionally, Chris Thile is probably a little guilty of overplaying, imho -- still does not take away from the talent.

[@brucewilliams3956]

I remember seeing these guys at the 4Corners Folk Fest is Pagosa Springs, Colorado. They were all teenagers and the bass player was their adult chaperone. They blew the crowd away and I've been a fan ever since. Their music is timeless.

[@wilard95]

My dad has a similar story of seeing them play a wedding outside in Portland. After(or before?) the reception his ears perked up as heard some 3 part Bach being played on a mandolin, and sitting up against a tree nearby was a very young Chris Thile.

[@tcphll]

Sean Watkins has to be among the most under-appreciated guitarists in history.

[@drewgormley6933]

There's a song called "Nashville Cats" That says "they can pick more notes than the number of ants on a Tennessee Anthill" I always think of a guy like this. Guitar obliterated by pickin all those ants!

[@nicholaspalacio9672]

He’s a great bluegrass guitarists, but bluegrass pickers are the top of the top to begin with!

[@ldmoriarty]

He is an awesome guitarist, for sure and he is also an amazing songwriter with a true poet's heart.

[@betraytheteam]

No.

[@donnahargis8814]

I was just going to make that comment, but saw that you did. Couldn't agree more.

[@ahmadahere3536]

Sara gives so much energy in this set. Tears over here's.

[@Liber8tor]

Sara's eyes....so genuine - Sara's voice,,,,, angel's do walk the earth

[@aarondminnick]

I love the rawness of this performance -- they look rumpled, tousled, and road-weary, and that shows in the hoarse edge of Sara's voice as well. Nothing in the least contrived or polished here; just stepping into the Tiny Desk and doing what they do best.

[@suedeane2397]

My thoughts exactly! Coming off the heels of their show in Rohnert Park Ca this is delicious. ❤

[@wobblynoggin]

So well said!

[@JeremiahObediah]

That guitarist is so accurate with his flat picking. It's almost unbelievable to think that he's making those sounds with one instrument. No accidental 2 string plucks or anything...

[@janineturbitt2525]

Do you know Doc Watson.. This dear man sounds a lot like him

[@tartanhandbag]

i know. i wish i sounded that clean.

[@EricOwensFlute]

Fantastic vocal harmonies as well.

[@Alanviberson]

Janine Turbitt I got doc Watson’s autograph at a festival in Colorado years ago and his son had to help guide his hand while he signed. Absolute legend as well as the Watkins siblings..

[@WagonFPancakes]

@@janineturbitt2525 That's an excellent comparison! His playing can be understated at times, but if you look at the mechanics of what Sean Watkins does and how he does it, it's truly masterful. Another great I'd compare Sean to would be Chet Atkins. At least in as much as he's taken a virtuosic understanding of bluegrass guitar and made it more accessible for mainstream audiences.

[@kylewhitehead1684]

It amazes me that Mumford and Sons continue to get radio play when there are musicians like these three out there. And I also want to say that the bassist playing with them is fantastic too.

[@evanpeterpaul6566]

Sorry that’s the way you feel. I on the other hand think this band is good but I’d much rather see Mumford by 1,000 times more

[@TheCurtainLift]

@@evanpeterpaul6566you’re opinion is just wrong then 😂

[@GrahamCrannell]

all three of you need to take a beat. different people are allowed to like different music lol.

[@e3tl]

This live performance sounds like it's been carefully crafted in a studio. Absolutely incredible.

[@elleandtoni]

21st of May is such an underrated masterpiece.

[@eldallio]

Love your version of it!

[@russellrice5048]

Tony Rice had a great version as well!

[@yuppiesyoo]

I love your work with Josh!

[@deedeeduncan9347]

AGREE

[@appleget]

@@russellrice5048 this may be obvious but are you noting the how similar his playing is with Tony Rice's? I've always thought that when hearing that song

[@MrBobaloo22]

Chris Thile and (secondarily) Sara Watkins seem to get the lion's share of the press, and I understand why, but Sean Watkins is a FINE guitar player!!! Easy to overlook certain "musical riches" when there are so many! :) Similarly, because instrumentally they are really excellent, sometimes I think folks occasionally forget how great their 3-part vocals are -- OUTSTANDING intonation!

[@nataliebriggs7444]

+MrBobaloo22 individually they're all fantastic no doubt, but together they're absolutely incredible!

[@RENVOVR]

If you ever get the chance, go see Sean play solo. He goes out on tour every so often and usually in small rooms. I saw him in a 150 seat theatre and it was a great show. Fair warning though, 21st of May (which he wrote) is the only Nickel Creek song he will play. The rest of his set is solo work. But it is all in the same vein as NC and very well done and he also tells stories about all the songs and how they came to be. He is very funny and a great story teller. Sara is great solo too, I saw her this summer. She will play her first set, and then in the 2nd set, she will basically play requests for an hour. Same thing, great story teller and funny.

[@Rastafarian1882]

great song writer and singer as well

[@janineturbitt2525]

I wrote a comment earlier about how he reminded me so much of Doc Watson. Glorious to hear them together.. However, there's a chance of some clashing of egos down the line. ! .

[@Rastafarian1882]

they've been together since they were 8 years old, you think they're gonna have ego clashes now? Sean and Sara are siblings and with Thile they are basically one family. Nickel Creek will always be around, its just not the main project for them anymore. Punch Brothers and I'm With Her are phenomenal bands

[@brandongreene9615]

People don’t appreciate this kind of music enough.

[@zaneeeneal]

First time I've ever heard Nickel Creek. Fucking wow

[@JasonRobinsonidaho]

+Zane Neal they are freaking amazing. played one of my fav songs from when I was a kid, .... not just played but absolutely killed it. "The Fox Went Out"

[@crescentfreshbret]

+Nelson Robert Willis Does Chris Thile need an axe-shaped mandolin?

[@KyleHurd]

Look up punch brothers, the lead singer of this bands new band.... The best in the world.

[@Dean-cw4xg]

+Zane Neal See them live they are fantastic!!!

[@RyanMorsheadable]

Follow the golden footsteps of Chris Thile - every project he's involved with is incredible.

[@Centigonos]

Wow! These 18 mins of music made me seriously reconsider my (up until now dismissive) attitude towards country/bluegrass/folk music! What an amazing amount of talent!

[@janineturbitt2525]

I saw the movie "Inside Llewyn Davis" yesterday...relevent to your message.

[@torineg.847]

Flat and Scruggs were an amazing duo. At 14:33 the bas players lovin it. Defiantly an honor to play with such fine musicians.

[@CounterfeitProphet]

You should check out Chris's other band Punch Brothers. And if you like some instrumental stuff, look up The Goat Rodeo Sessions.

[@detectivekornfed]

I know your comment is three years old :) , but if you haven't discovered these artists yet, please consider them: The Steeldrivers, Chris Stapleton (who was the first lead vocalist for them), and The Devil Makes Three. The Steeldrivers are bluegrass with alt country thrown in, and Chris Stapleton is a generational talent who's his own genre (outlaw country-Southern rock-alt country-blues). The Devil Makes Three are Americana-folk-alt bluegrass.

[@candyparton6472]

They are exquisite!

[@grannyginvsg9806]

I can’t get enuf of the first song!! The girl sings it with all her heart! And the harmonies are beautiful. Afterwards when the room breaks out in enthusiasic applause, she seems so humble and happy-almost surprised-I think she blushes a little.(so endearing) I noticed this song was used as the theme song to, 2022 movie Sweet Magnolias,(good movie). Great performance, great song! Sara is a doll!

[@KelseyCreated]

Sara's voice has so much more passion & power behind it these days. Very impressive. I adore these three so much :)

[@ramankathpalia5746]

Yes, indeed. I like the few moments of Sara's song, truly amazing unison of melodies.

[@Rastafarian1882]

she def gets better with age, such a beautiful voice and she's not too bad on the eyes either

[@paxomatic]

Last night I discovered Punch Brothers on here which has Chris Thile and four other amazing artists. Straight up amazing. Then I read they formed after Nickel Creek disbanded, so I now I have two awesome musical bodies of work to consume over and over. I love music. And artists that do what these guys do are the Einsteins of music. Pure genius.

[@ianmitchell5169]

I saw Thile's solo show last year- absolutely stunning. The man can change from old-timey bluegrass licks to Radiohead to Bach sonatas at the drop of a hat.

[@IViewMusic]

Also Goat Rodeo with Thile and Yo-Yo Ma among others.

[@janineturbitt2525]

Reckon . I was overjoyed to discover them through Tiny Desk . x

[@Poetaytoes42]

Try Fiction Family out too. That’s Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek’s guitarist) and Jon Forman of switchfoot. Original sound and lyrics, tight harmonies! So good!

[@mountain_dweller]

I don't know how I survived on this planet as long as I did, without Nickel Creek.

[@LewisFrancisMusic]

For months I have been stuck in a rut, not liking any new music and feeling completely uninspired - Then I hear this and it's liking hearing music for the first time. Only problem is now, everything else I listen to isn't good enough.

[@Fiddlemama]

Lewis Francis Hard to compete with this :)

[@ButtBork]

Lewis Francis Sounds like a sticky predicament!

[@luizfreitag]

Lewis Francis THIS. you described me RIGHT NOW.

[@bucksellers5364]

Lewis Francis That is EXACTLY how I felt the first time I heard Nickle Creek! ..they are way, way better than good !!...lol....You should check out some of their early songs.....To me those are still the best they did...EVER !! Sara rules!!!

[@craftycrafter1960]

wow these harmonies!

[@brich2929]

yup!

[@jacobsmeeth1]

Literally made me tear up, and I don’t know why😂 Gods gift of music is one of his best

[@JakerO4]

wow one of the best. if not top 10 performances Tiny desk has had played. Fun, beautiful toned, feel good, get you going, well played music. blues, new age blue grass. pure enjoyment. sick stuff. makes your happy

[@strumbadstroller7350]

There are moments here where their vocal harmonies almost physically lift me away up into the clouds. Stunningly beautiful.

[@boldfurykeren]

About one minute in, Chris does a little hip wiggle and now I can be happy forever

[@marievaleur7877]

Her voice, the harmonies and all that pluckin!! Deeelicious music for my Sunday coffee!

[@vyversneeze]

man, at that first song. I can tell she really felt that shit.

[@lazysmurf420]

I have seen a dozen nickel creek shows in my life and 21st of may is gold.

[@mattguest6326]

It is a crime that this doesn’t have more views.

[@summermcginnis1818]

I’ve LOVED Nickel Creek for oh geez 21 years now. How have I not seen this?!?

[@willaustin8917]

Damn near 4 years later and I still come here often.. That version of Destination gets me every time...

[@DaveYostCom]

00:00 Destination 05:11 Rest Of My Life 10:08 21st Of May 13:48 Elephant In The Corn

[@josholdham1033]

Never heard of them, and within 5 seconds I’m leaning towards the screen as my jaw sinks lower and lower to the floor - awed by Sara’s voice, the lyrical symmetry, and their collective sound. Destination, here, may be the best live performance I’ve ever seen. Just Wow

[@madtypr]

Oh man, you've been missing out!

[@TheJamesbarron]

@@madtypr I agree, live performances don't come technically better or more beautiful.

[@abbythebollix]

whenever i come back and watch this i always feel intensily sorry for chris thile as his teeth must've hurt so much that day. still sang and played immaculately. true legend

[@drkside76]

Best band ever. The only band I hit "thumbs up" for before the first note is struck, and I've yet to be wrong about it, even once. That makes me clairvoyant. That means, as long as there's a Nickel Creek, I'm clairvoyant. Nickel Creek, you gave a man super powers. That should be all the incentive you need to keep playing together forever. (I've sewn a costume and everything)

[@BMessemer]

Haha this comment was awesome. Still fresh 3 years later. May we always enjoy Nickel Creek, whether or not they are together at the moment. Cheers, sir.

[@juainott5281]

Donald King so no 30 secs to mars?

[@danielwalker4881]

Donald King Amen!

[@mattperis8972]

Donald King Brilliant mate! Well said! :)

[@someoneelse1534]

me: "I'll just put this on as background music" me: put down book

[@nicholasmonsarrat719]

And play along with an instrument, sing along, or just put the headphones on and let Nickel Creek bring the joy. Blessed🎶😎❤️☕️

[@samvermeulen9740]

Sara Watkins, what a woman!

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

For a big girl she has some moves.

[@rafaelodon]

i'm so amazed by the fact that all the "percussion" that makes us dance along with theses songs simply comes out of these non-percussive instruments thanks to these genious players...

[@scottdyarbers3972]

They come from heaven to fill souls with music. Really no words to explain them really.

[@Cherrytea558]

That last track blows my mind. These guys are supremely talented.

[@ctaylorgh91]

Found this when I first stared having auto immune issues...Revisiting it in March 2020 to calm my nerves as I self isolate during the covid19 pandemic...if I'm still around I'll be sure to come back to this performance on the 21st of May with a big ol' HALLELUJAH!

[@ctaylorgh91]

UPDATE: it's the 21st of May, 2020 and I'm still here. HALLELUJAH! Many thanks to Sean, Sara, Chris & Matt for keeping me hopeful. To all reading this, may you stay safe and well during "these crazy times"

[@Saman_tics]

I remember in high school going to library and checking out nickel creek CDs to upload into my iPod shuffle. God i love this band

[@garycywinski9440]

I used to listen to Nickel Creek a lot. Chris Thile turned into the finest mandolin player I've ever heard.

[@mountainhobbit1971]

Damn Sean is a great guitar player...nice to see him more in the 'spotlight' so to speak...I find that Chris often 'steals' the show...and the bass player is quite good himself! We already know Chris and Sara can play with the best of them.

[@tedoxholm7158]

I wish Sara would be the lead singer in more of the songs. Her voice is so awesome.

[@UnintelligibleCourtneyM]

I love when she sings she like throws her whole body with the tempo.

[@jerrya6855]

21'st of may , EASILY one of the best songs i've heard in the past 10+ years , simple yet complex , the lyrics are an inside joke , just an awesome song man , loved this NPR tiny music desk

[@simij7350]

Chris Thile is so awesome :D

[@simij7350]

They all are :)

[@ICU2HI]

Nickel Creek. How can they all be so young? I remember them from way back. Somethings never get old. Love you guys.

[@illitero]

3:53 Chris hits the wrong note and Sara looks and kind of scowls haha.

[@DahVeeDeeOh]

hah. she also didn't seem too pleased at 15:50 when the bass player takes out his bow.

[@illitero]

David Troyer To me they all just seemed kind of tense and awkward. Certainly great to see a performance (an injury kept me from their last tour), but can't shake that feeling haha.

[@skillet9558]

I actually think sara was the one that played a wrong note

[@illitero]

***** Definitely Chris at that part.

[@MrKleenexDude]

Sara kinda does need to cool off a bit. Chris' side projects have really mellowed him out and I think it worked in his favour.

[@JohnSmith-oy3ys]

I've gotta make a destination find where I'll be loved This time I've got no hesitation and I'll be movin' on.. I feel that.. deeply....

[@zeldaoot23]

Tiny Desk + Nickel Creek = Magic. Looking and sounding great, folks!

[@phelimmckerr5864]

Just stumbled across this. What a group! Her voice is stunning.

[@jc1264]

What a breath of fresh air in the middle of a music industry that thrives on image & sexuality & in-authenticity, with artists who don't actually write or play their own music. Here you have true music talent, delivered by humble musicians who aren't trying to also sell us on their "image." More of this in the world, please!

[@Ryan-vn7de]

+John Chase Very well put.

[@scavomancunia]

+Nelson Robert Willis but that is not what they are about.

[@BreakfastIsImportant]

i see this kind of post a lot, and honestly think you're just looking at it wrong, which is not to say you're wrong, or this breath of fresh air you feel isn't happening. But i like to think of big production music as something closer to the WWE and there is a big difference between an entertainer and an artist whose medium is music. Both take a lot of extremely hard work and talent, but are just totally different things. Just like you don't compare how a painter paints a building and an artist paints a canvas.

[@tonyamartin7370]

Sarah's voice is simply beautiful.

[@jonthebru]

Superb. This music harkens back to early bluegrass and the country rock of say Poco and the Flying Burrito Brothers. As independent musicians they will never make as much as the Stones or whomever, but have a much better grasp on reality. May they keep making this fine music and have the best of success.

[@sethgamble7919]

Man I came really late to this party, but I still try and find time in my day, which isn't hard lately, to come and listen and watch this. Such good music and so much emotion. The first time I listened to this, I thought that it was a band of probably six or so, but to find out its only four people, blew my mind! I have a very good friend and I had him listen to this because he reminds me so much of Chris Thile, my friend is a very strong Christian and I am pretty sure this is the first piece of "Secular" music that I have seen him jam and actually enjoy with me. Thanks Nickel Creek and NPR.

[@peter_roth_8812]

This is best no side effects medicine. Great musicians! Fabulous!

[@clausstoiber3960]

I completely love this video and the music. I come back to it over and over again over the years.

[@Maddie159]

Miss them together

[@jordanneal576]

I can't believe it's already been eight years since they did their reunion tour. That was a great show. I'd love another album from them.

[@aflameinthevoid8047]

Ask and ye shall receive- they released a new album today

[@BeniBoyzGuitarSlamz]

Love Chris' little dance moves. Love it.

[@geehump]

The face of utter and complete panic the bassist makes at 15:48 is a good summation of my experience as a performing musician.

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

But he wears a Dutch old time hat. That's classy.

[@pecosnick45]

Considering Chris plays one of the few remaining Lloyd Loar Mandolins that are considered to be the holy grail for mandolins..... I would be too

[@seanmatthewking]

I can't stop looking at that face. Dude's eyes almost bulged out of his head.

[@AdamWolfSustainability]

I've been waiting for this tiny desk for much too long, one of my favorite groups to see live, of all time. I unfortunately missed them when they passed through Minneapolis this tour, this will have to do. Thank you NPR!

[@jelliott6005]

I don't literally clap at these performances at my desk, instead I vigorously toggle the "like" button.

[@bluesoncamera]

Can't describe how good this is, fantastic recording (Kevin Wait !) so awesome, the excellent musicians in such an atmosphere, the nicest minutes of my live with tears in my eyes, the wars of the world seems lightyears away. Wish this wind will reach reach the Netherlands some day.Thanks to NPR and Nickel Creek for sharing this tiny but mighty concert

[@harmenopoulos]

Sarah will be in Amsterdam the 25th of august 2018

[@jackeminor]

This is probably the single-most-impressive TDC I’ve watched and listened to. And I watched a buttload of great ones.

[@JohnClam]

fuck. yes. bought their first album years ago. amazing how they have grown

[@timothyscott4736]

My daughter and i listen to this band over 17 years ago while driving 80 miles to my daughter was taking fiddle lessons. They were great then too!

[@zwartepiet412]

The day he died, David Crosby tweeted this about Nickle Creek: "One of my favorite musical chemistries ….magic happens here"

[@ahmadahere3536]

My gawd... their harmonies...

[@bradfordyoungkin6627]

Been playing together since forever :) They're incredible. Stumbled upon them on the radio years ago ... "Other Side" came on the radio... I wasn't into country, folk, or blue grass, but wow - incredible talent. So underrated.

[@corgeousgeorge]

The Bassist looks so happy to be there and having fun. Just gives off great energy!

[@Caroline_622]

I came for Chris Thile on the mandolin but am blown away by his perfect voice 😮

[@austinhope1430]

this touches a part of my soul i didnt know existed

[@TRAV_15]

same

[@ValerieCH1]

I love love love these people.

[@tjak76]

Freaking Awesome!! The way this trio blends together is incredible. Three individually talented people in their own right and when you put them together......pure magic!

[@codyrussell3607]

This is the most spectacular sound i have heard in a long time... I love that new bluegrass is still alive

[@fletcherbeauchamp2718]

Damn. She has a voice!

[@jeffhahn7990]

I keep coming back to this episode of Tiny Desk, which I think is the absolute best showcase for musicians- new AND old! The sound quality and rawness of the performances combine to make an absolute joy to view! It’s a tie between Nickel Creek and Dave Matthews as my favs on Tony Desk😊

[@shakeyquant]

I've seen this so many times and it keeps getting deeper. How can NPR sound so good?

[@lottrocky]

I have to say this is one of my favorite Tiny Desk Concerts ever. They're all fantastic musicians, harmonies are beautiful... and damn Sara has such a powerful voice!

[@Disruptedable]

Up until just right now I didn't know about this band. Am thankful for YT's algoritm for showing this to me, but at the end of the day nothing beats the happy tears these guys provided me

[@LMM875]

We have loved NC for over 20 years- our kids have grown up on their music- 2 of them are adults now and have NC music on their playlists. Their talent is amazing

[@MannOfTheHill345]

I don't normally take the time to comment on videos, but I have to with this one. I heard Chris Thile, a few years back on NPR, singing "How to grow a woman from the ground." Since that day, I have drastically opened up my ears to take in just about anything. There's something about Chris that just makes me watch in amazement as he shreds that mandolin. I have also really enjoyed the music of Nickel Creek. These artists really are the epitome of a group. They work so well together and the music just makes me happy. Thanks, NPR, for having real musicians on Tiny Desk!

[@vilchesuco]

One of the best performances I have seen on any genre.

[@HudsonJT]

Sara's casual approach to the mic at 2:15 encapsulates the entirely cohesive nature of their playing. They work as a unit, and it's magical to watch.

[@mattmieks5787]

All voices are so fantastic!!! The mondoline the contrabass the the hole acoustic is so perfect❤❤❤❤

[@FredandMarcy]

Any day that starts with a little Nickel Creek is a good day.

[@lezliegeary9298]

Such a treat miss them

[@flixk]

I'm trying to figure out if I genuinely like this version of "Destination" better because it sounds better or because I keep getting lost in Sara's sweet face and deep, brown eyes. What a vision.

[@thaidye5676]

It's probably a combo of both of your observations. She puts so much passion into this performance. I've probably listened to just that song 100 times this week.

[@Coffeeslang]

...that is, until you meet her and realize how down right rude she is. She truly feels she's better than everyone else. Love the music but will never go to another live concert to see them because of her. Very unfortunate and very disappointing.

[@ericbender5273]

coffeeslang wow. Met her and didn’t get that impression at all. Quite the opposite indeed. Sweet. Down to earth. Genuine. Perhaps a bad night for her?

[@TheJNastayy]

GOD I HATE THEY STOPPED !!! sooo much talent, i still listen to them all the time.

[@timothywourms3087]

Celebrants!

[@ianwhitehead3086]

Look who’s playing mandolin. Dude understands Bach. Chapeau everyone.

[@priddisbambam]

Chris thile is unreal!!!!! Gotta watch his radio city sessions show !!!

[@priddisbambam]

I think it’s called live from here, it’s a live music variety radio show he does with tons of guests and vulfpeck does the intro song

[@jacicrimmccrary]

Been a fan of NickelCreek since I first heard them at the Telluride Bluegrass Fest many years ago; have all their cds; and would love to see them together again! They are all so incredibly talented! I continue to follow each of them in their new bands and really love Sara's new trio with Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan, "I'm With Her." Chris is a genius, of course!