Andrew Bird hits Bloomington

It is surprising the Buskirk-Chumley had room for 600 people and all of Andrew Bird's talent. The singer, songwriter, classical violinist, guitarist, expert whistler and glockenspiel player showcased his instrumental repertoire to an audience familiar with his work. \nThough he usually performs alone, Bird's use of eclectic classical and rock instruments creates the ambiance of a full-fledged band. During his performance, he layers and loops live clips to dissent from his studio recordings. He also shares the precise ability to whistle creatively and musically. \nSaturday, however, Bird did not fly solo. He partnered with another multitasking musician, percussionist Martin Dosh. \n"Andrew Bird was brilliant, though his collaboration with Dosh was fabulous," sophomore Neal Warner, said. \nThe coherence between the two musicians displayed their ability to play off one another in sync. \nThe set list included Bird's most popular song, "A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" from his most recent album, "The Mysterious Production of Eggs," released in February 2005 on Righteous Babe Records. \nPlucking his violin and playing hard enough on the bow to break a few hairs, he responded to the audience's familiarity and sped up the tempo while adding variations on his whistle patterns. \nSandwiched between familiar songs from "Eggs," Bird played four unreleased songs, some that have been played during other tours. Most were in his general style, but some had a more optimistic sound, focusing less on minor chords. Though responses to his new songs were positive, playing four new songs in a row can be taxing for the audience. \nWhile on stage, Bird creates a deep connection with his music. He becomes fully involved in his songs and recites lyrics as though they are sultry monologue-like proclamations.\n"If you think I'm doing all this myself, you're wrong," he said while informing the audience that some of the production was done on his laptop computer. \nBefore Dosh, Minnesotan Haley Bonar charmed the audience with her sweet but melancholy voice and guitar playing. After making Hoosier and John Mellencamp jokes with her bassist, Chris Morrissey, the audience warmed up from the cold, snowy weather. This light folk-bluesy opener balanced Dosh and Bird's intense performance.\nOverall, at least one member of the crowd thought Bird's performance was better than a previous show.\n"I saw Andrew Bird open for Ani Difranco before, and I was much more pleased this time," said sophomore Angie Treacy. "Last time he didn't talk as much, it's like all of a sudden he found out he was witty." \nAfter a five-week break, Bird is touring North America and Northern Europe. While there is no word of an album release, Bird is performing at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in June in Tennessee.