Basement Yard Podcast Hosts Anxious Yet Excited for MSG Show (Exclusive)
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Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez are set to take the stage at Madison Square Garden, marking a significant milestone for their popular podcast, The Basement Yard. The duo, who have been entertaining listeners since 2020, are on the verge of their most significant performance to date.
Venturing from their recent sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall, Santagato and Alvarez are now preparing for their upcoming show at the iconic Madison Square Garden on November 13 as part of the New York Comedy Festival. This progression to the grand arena was initially conceived as a joke, but it quickly turned into a reality that has both hosts feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.
Reflecting on the unexpected opportunity, Santagato shares, “It started off as a joke…this is insane.” The pressure to deliver a remarkable performance is not lost on Alvarez either. He acknowledges the significance of the moment and the need to rise to the occasion to make the experience unforgettable for their fans and themselves.
As the duo prepares to embrace the grandeur of MSG, they are also refining their performance to suit the larger venue. Santagato highlights the challenge of maintaining the intimate connection with the audience in an arena setting but assures fans that they are working on new segments to keep the show engaging and authentic.
Despite the logistical adjustments required for a venue like Madison Square Garden, the heart of The Basement Yard’s appeal lies in the genuine camaraderie and banter between Santagato and Alvarez. The duo’s dynamic has evolved and blossomed over years of touring, allowing them to feed off each other’s energy and deliver an entertaining experience for their dedicated fans.
While the MSG show marks a pinnacle in their touring journey, it is not the final destination for The Basement Yard. With plans to pause touring in 2026, Santagato and Alvarez are gearing up for new endeavours while staying true to their podcast’s core essence. The duo’s commitment to evolving their content and engaging with their audience remains unwavering as they look ahead to potential new projects and collaborations.
In an industry where change is constant, Santagato emphasises the importance of adaptability and innovation. He recognises the need to stay creative and responsive to audience feedback while preserving the unique chemistry that defines The Basement Yard. Alvarez echoes this sentiment, emphasising the balance between staying true to their roots and exploring new avenues for growth.
As the date of their MSG debut draws near, excitement and anticipation are building among fans and podcast enthusiasts. The Basement Yard’s journey from a small podcast to a major theatrical event symbolises the power of genuine connections and authentic storytelling in the digital age. Santagato and Alvarez’s story is not just about achieving milestones but about staying true to oneself and continuously pushing boundaries in pursuit of creative excellence.