A Bird in the Canopy

Andrew Bird played at the Canopy Club last Monday night and had a full band backing him. Bird opened up with his song “Capsized,” the heavier pop version, and seemed to get comfortable with his crowd of fellow neurotics and introverts. It was quickly becoming clear that it was going to be a show that you couldn’t avert your eyes from the stage. Every time I looked up from my camera, the guy was holding a different instrument. It was like he wasn’t satisfied with doing one thing at a time. Like he was occasionally stepping back thinking, “shit, which instrument was I going for next?” He quickly burned through the next two songs “Nervous Times” and “Tenuousness” to get into an emotional rendition of his latest album’s title track “Are You Serious.” Bird was pleased to see the crowd’s reaction to this song seamlessly showing a deep part of his own character. Later in the set Bird went into his more popular songs of “Roma” and “Valley’s” which featured a rocking drum part. It is to be noted that the entire set hinted at heavier and poppy traits than the serene album versions. It sustained an energy that was happily unexpected. He eventually came to a crowd favorite “Pulaski,” which was appropriate being so close to Chicago, but not as appropriate as “Giants of Illinois” (there’s always next time right?). There wasn’t an encore and the show ended earlier than usual. One set was enough to get a fill of incredible music. Now, I ask all of you to write your senators and representatives and ask them for Andrew Bird to show up to Summer Camp. OK maybe don’t do that, but definitely make it known in the Summer Camp Facebook Group that we need this artist to play at least a set or maybe even a red barn appearance. If you’re trying to catch him in the future check out his upcoming shows you’re going to need to be at in Iowa City, Ia, on April 4, or you’ll need a passport because he is going to Australia thereafter. [gallery ids="24244,24243,24242,24241,24240,24239,24238,24237,24236,24235,24234,24233,24232,24231,24230,24229,24228,24227"]  ]]>