Andrew Bird announces “Gezelligheid” performances

By Alex Young on October 21st, 2009

Looking to close out a year that has included the release of a new album and tour with St. Vincent, Andrew Bird has announced a series of intimate solo performances, built around the concept of “Gezelligheid.”

Now, you’re probably asking yourself, “What is a Gezelligheid?”

Glad you asked, and as the issued press release explains, “a ‘Gezelligheid’ is a Dutch term that can only be approximately translated into English using the word “coziness,” a term that fails to fully describe the more intensely warm, amicable and joyous atmosphere the word expresses in its native language.”

In other words, Bird will offer a performance that will see him by himself, concentrating mainly on instrumental violin pieces. He will also abandon the P.A. for these performances, instead utilizing more of his signature giant horns to amplify his violin playing. And finally, ambient light sources will be used in place of traditional overhead lighting.

Per Mr. Bird:

“What I hope to do with these shows is adapt my music completely to the atmosphere of the space and the season.” “I’m inspired to do this based on childhood memories of performing Handel’s Messiah in various churches on an annual basis. The music will be mostly original instrumentals using my voice only to intone. I want the audience to be both lifted and comforted as we head into another cold and dark winter. I feel the space should be sacred so the audience can experience my music in a different atmosphere.”

Unfortunately, the “Gezelligheid” performances will be limited to five and take place in only Bird’s hometown of Chicago and Minneapolis. Road trip? YouTube viewing party?

Andrew Bird 2009/2010 Tour Dates:
10/21 - Buffalo, NY @ Asbury Hall ^
10/24 - S. Portland, ME @ S. Portland High School Auditorium ^
10/25 - Philadelphia, PA @ The Electric Factory ^
10/26 - S. Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground ^
10/27 - Providence, RI @ Lupo’s ^
10/28 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club ^
11/10 - London, UK @ Union Chapel
11/11 - London, UK @ Union Chapel
11/13 - Paris, FR @ Casino de Paris
11/15 - Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg
11/16 - Tumhout, BE @ de Warande
11/17 - Gent, BE @ Vooruit
11/19 - Katowice, PL @ Festival Ars Cameralis
11/21 - Madrid, ES @ Joy Eslava
11/23 - Valencia, ES @ Palau de la Musica
11/24 - Barcelona, ES @ Sala Apolo
12/08 - Champaign, IL @ Foellinger Hall
12/10 - Minneapolis, MN @ St Mark’s Episcopal Church *
12/11 - Minneapolis, MN @ St Mark’s Episcopal Church *
12/15 - Chicago, IL @ 4th Presbyterian Church *
12/16 - Chicago, IL @ 4th Presbyterian Church *
12/17 - Chicago, IL @ 4th Presbyterian Church *
12/30 - Marion Bay, AU @ Falls Festival
12/31 - Lorne, AU @ Falls Festival
01/01 - Melbourne, AU @ Hi-Fi
01/03 - Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House
01/07 - Brisbane, AU @ Sunset Sounds
01/09 - Busselton, AU @ Southbound Festival
01/26 - Singapore @ The Esplanade
01/27 - Hong Kong @ Grappa’s Cellar
01/29 - Shanghai @ Zhijiang Dream Factory
01/30 - Beijing @ Mao Live House
02/03 - Tokyo, JP @ Club Quattro
02/06 - Honolulu, HI @ Pipeline Café
02/20 - Los Angeles, CA @ Bovard Auditorium