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Nov 12, 2009 Andrew Bird By Laura Studarus

As anyone who’s seen him live can attest, Andrew Bird is a master multi-tasker. Applying this to his life, the musician/whistler/artist is in the process of prepping a soundtrack, cover song, and an art show. All this in addition to a tour—with a twist.

As reported by the BBC, Bird has been tapped to provide the score to Norman, a high school comedy staring Adam Goldberg. A new challenge, Bird tells BBC, “I had the monitor of the film in the studio and I’m playing. It’s a lot of work. I don’t know if I ever want to do it again.”

Also cinematic? Bird’s cover of “It’s Not Easy Being Green” for an upcoming tribute album, Muppets Revisited.

Then there’s the art project, which Bird is calling a “an arboretum of sonic sculptures.” Bird explains the concept, “I’ve been collaborating with this sculptor in Chicago who makes these horns that I play through—they are like speakers—to create a whole installation, a room full of these horns that are shaped like poppies, making loops that come out of different horns.”

And if were aren’t already left wondering if he ever sleeps, Bird has also planned (yet another) tour. With a twist. Based off the Dutch concept of “Gezelligheid” (coziness), several stops will see the musician stripping down his sound and stage show—instead offering up a series of solos played under ambient lights and natural amplification. Bird tells Pitchfork, “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.”

Andrew Bird:

11-13 Paris, France - Casino de Paris
11-15 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Melkweg Rabozaal
11-16 Turnhout, Belgium - De Warande
11-17 Gent, Belgium - Vooruit
11-19 Katowice, Poland - Festival Ars Cameralis (Rozrywki Theatre)
11-21 Madrid, Spain - Joy Eslava
11-23 Valencia, Spain - Palau de la Musica
11-24 Barcelona, Spain - Sala Apolo
12-08 Champaign, IL - Foellinger Auditorium
12-10 Minneapolis, MN - Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral (Gezelligheid show)
12-11 Minneapolis, MN - Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral (Gezelligheid show)
12-15 Chicago, IL - Fourth Presbyterian Church (Gezelligheid show)
12-16 Chicago, IL - Fourth Presbyterian Church (Gezelligheid show)
12-17 Chicago, IL - Fourth Presbyterian Church (Gezelligheid show)
12-30 Marion Bay, Australia - The Falls Music & Arts Festival
12-31 Lorne, Australia - The Falls Music & Arts Festival
01-01 Melbourne, Australia - The Hi-Fi
01-03 Sydney, Australia - Sydney Opera House
01-07 Brisbane, Australia - Sunset Sounds
01-09 Bussleton, Australia - Southbound Festival
01-26 Singapore, Singapore - The Esplanade
01-27 Hong Kong, China - Grappas
01-29 Shanghai, China - Zhijiang Dream Factory
01-30 Beijing, China - Mao Live House
02-03 Tokyo, Japan - Club Quattro
02-06 Honolulu, HI - Pipeline Cafe
02-20 Los Angeles, CA - Bovard Auditorium (USC)

(via Pitchfork)

(www.Andrewbird.net)