Andrew Bird at the Roseland 2/21/09

Within the first two minutes of Andrew Bird's performance at the Roseland Theater, I decided that watching him cue his looping pedals and pluck his violin strings was like watching a tiny rare bird do an exotic and intricate dance. Bird, delicate in manner but audacious in creativity, shuffled about stuffed animals and spinning phonograph horns in striped, hole-infested socks. He dashed between three different mics, whistling a whirlwind of spectacular sounds. Accompanying him for the evening was a full band comprised of equally as visually eccentric musicians as Martin Dosh, Mike Lewis, and Jeremy Ylvisaker.
Even though Bird’s performance was captivating to watch, I frequently closed my eyes just to listen. This was the first concert I attended where so much was happening aurally that all I could do was think about the sound. I stood listening, mouth agape, not even able to sing the words to my favorite songs. Little audience eye contact was made and even less filler banter was said, but still you felt so deeply and emotionally connected to Bird. The night’s set list was a comprehensive showcase of Bird’s creative talent. My favorite piece preformed live was “Not a Robot, But a Ghost” off Bird’s latest release Nobel Beast. The energy during this song was elevating and uplifting. To see Martin Dosh kick drum kick drum and Bird strum strum together was quite a sight. One of the most intriguing aspects of an Andrew Bird concert is that considerable improvising on songs makes for a show that will keep you on your toes. Finally, the crowd’s roaring din dimmed and a single spotlight illuminated Bird as he sung a suave encore of “Why?” from his Bowl of Fire days.

Now I would have been content seeing this performance standing in a dumpster among a herd of screaming babies but this certainly was not the case. The venue was pristine and the crowd was cordial. The Roseland Theater’s layout evokes the warmth of a small venue while holding the power of the masses. No matter where you stand in the Roseland, you are sure to have a great view and a sensational audio experience. The icing on the cake though was the opening band, Loney, Dear. Hailing from Sweden, this indie pop group gave Bird a run for his money. They were light and entertaining, I even bought one of their albums after the show and this is bold for a penniless college student. The whole night was well worth the pennies I scrounged together. And I would advise you to start digging into your pockets too and see Andrew Bird live. For more tour dates and information on Andrew Bird and Lonely, Dear visit: AndrewBirdTour LoneyDear


-monique halgat