Tiny Desk Concerts

In this short but satisfying two-song set at the NPR Music offices, the ever-evolving Wright channels the gospel of her past while remaining coolly understated. It helps, of course, that she's got a subtly crafty band with her.

Steve Riley and his Mamou Playboys make sweet Cajun music together: music steeped in the French heritage of southwestern Louisiana and driven by accordion and fiddle. Watch the Grammy-nominated Cajun band play an upbeat yet bittersweet set from the NPR Music offices.

Jurado has spent the last decade churning out albums of raw, time-worn, authentically graceful music, and he's always possessed a seemingly innate gift for capturing the intricacies of human behavior. Watch him perform his songs in the NPR Music office.

The L.A.-based indie-rock band plays buoyant, infectious songs that brim with sunny melodies and three-part vocal harmonies. Local Natives' members bring their euphoric choruses and clattering Afrobeat rhythms to the NPR Music offices for a stirring acoustic set.

In a stripped-down three-song set at the NPR Music offices, the Grammy-winning U.K. pop star showcases her brilliant voice and seemingly effortless charisma. Watch Adele perform two new songs to go with her ubiquitous hit "Chasing Pavements."

On a dime they can pivot from classical quartet to jazz combo, complete with a rhythm section. Watch the Grammy-winning members of the Turtle Island Quartet swing and groove at the NPR Music offices.

The bassist and vocalist conceived of Chamber Music Society as an intimate experience, a close musical exchange between a small group of friends. If it was intimacy she wanted, she got her wish: Performing three songs in the constraints of Bob Boilen's workspace ensures that all of her supporting players were nice and cozy.

In preparation for South by Southwest 2010, we each listened to some 1,300 songs. Among the favorites was "Easy to Love" by Ivan and Alyosha. Watch the band showcase its Beatles-esque pop harmonies and sweet melodies from the NPR Music offices.

With only Evan Cranley's acoustic guitar for accompaniment, Stars' Amy Millan and Torquil Campbell take two of the fizziest dance-pop tracks on The Five Ghosts (plus 2005's "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead") and transform them into chiming, charming folk songs, performed live at NPR Music.

With his honest songs about politics and love, always dispensed with hard-biting wit, Thompson has been a consistently vital artist for decades. Watch the singer, songwriter and guitarist perform music from his 20th solo album, Dream Attic, at the NPR Music offices.