On June 4, Phoebe Bridgers performed a pop-up show at Madison Square Garden hosted by Tidal. Proceeds from the show supported the Community Justice Exchange’s Immigration Bond Freedom Fund, which works to secure the release of people from immigration detention centers. Fans registered for a ticket lottery with prices ranging from $1 to $20.

Bridgers has been performing a series of pop-up shows across small clubs in the United States. This show was marketed similarly to her previous appearances, with flyers distributed across New York City two days before the performance. Considering Madison Square Garden is far from a small club or theater, it was impressive that she could announce an arena show at the last minute and sell it out with ease.

With no opening act, Bridgers delivered an entirely acoustic set on a small rounded stage, opening with her hit “Motion Sickness” from Punisher. The entire concert was a device-free experience, with phones locked in Yondr pouches upon entry. Bridgers thanked the audience for embracing the phone-free environment and acknowledged the donations made to help release people from ICE custody.

The stage design and production were simple but effective, featuring one couch, a piano and two acoustic guitars that she alternated between throughout the evening.

A single screen hung in the center of the arena for fans seated in the upper levels. Audience members in the lower bowl and on the floor focused entirely on the stage, with no additional screens or distractions behind it. With phones away for 90 minutes, the crowd remained attentive throughout the performance. Fans understood the quiet nature of the show and stayed fully engaged with Bridgers and her music.

Bridgers remained seated on the couch for most of the set, creating a relaxed and personal atmosphere. Before performing several new songs, she played “Waiting Room” from Lost Ark Studio Compilation, released in 2014, which received one of the loudest reactions of the night. Before launching into “Kyoto,” she expressed her disapproval of ICE, drawing enthusiastic support from the audience. This was followed by a stripped-down rendition of “Moon Song” featuring acoustic guitars and piano.

She also thanked Tidal for hosting the event and noted that the platform currently compensates artists more favorably than many other streaming services.

Toward the end of the evening, Bridgers performed “Graceland Too” and “Scott Street” from Stranger in the Alps. Before closing with “I Know the End,” the only non-acoustic moment of the show, she announced plans to tour this fall.

For an artist whose music often thrives on intimacy and reflection, the phone-free environment enhanced the experience. It encouraged audience engagement, minimized distractions and allowed the songs to take center stage. If this performance was any indication of what is to come on the upcoming tour, fans have plenty to look forward to.

Setlist

1. Motion Sickness
2. Waiting Room
3. Kyoto
4. Moon Song
5. New Song
6. New Song
7. New Song
8. New Song
9. New Song
10. New Song
11. New Song
12. Graceland Too
13. Scott Street
14. New Song
15. I Know The End