Gapers Block has ceased publication.

Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
 Thank you for your readership and contributions. 

TODAY

Saturday, December 7

Gapers Block
Search

Gapers Block on Facebook Gapers Block on Flickr Gapers Block on Twitter The Gapers Block Tumblr


Transmission
« Riot Fest 2012 Line-Up Announced Squarepusher Announces Chicago Show »

Concert Tue May 15 2012

Review: Andrew Bird @ The Auditorium Theatre, 5/12/12

Excitement was in the air Saturday night as concertgoers eagerly awaited Andrew Bird to step onstage. Bird hasn't been backed by a full band during his Chicago tour stops over the past few years, as he lent his talents to unconventional and extraordinary venues, such as his 2011 show at the Museum of Contemporary Art introducing his innovative exhibit collaboration with Ian Schneller, or 2009 and 2010 when he played intimate, magnificently beautiful sets at Fourth Presbyterian Church. Having attended each of those shows, I was unsure of how the acoustics would travel in such a large venue as The Auditorium Theatre, but I knew somehow it would exceed my expectations.

Mucca Pazza opened the show, and until you see them perform, you won't truly understand the scope of their musical efforts. Andrew Bird put it perfectly during his set when he complimented them and described them as "30 people all committed to the same idea," while their website pegs them as being an "astounding circus-punk marching band," if that's something you can even hone in on as a genre.

Their set began with solely four band members on stage, as they were joined steadily by their 26 counterparts; some were dressed in cheerleading uniforms waving pom poms, while others appeared in full marching band attire. The concept of this group was daunting to the audience at first, as members chuckled and peered quizzically at the stage. However, after a song or two, audience members became mesmerized by Mucca Pazza's stage presence as they produced technically intricate pieces with impressive stage choreography, which were broken apart only by the short cheers Mucca Pazza performed in between. Interacting with the crowd was a top priority, as the cheerleaders of the group would frequently hop off stage and run through the crowded theatre aisles. Mucca Pazza left a large majority of audience members in awe, wondering what they just witnessed, while I honestly think in a few years this group will have their own shows to headline.

Andrew Bird's set contrasted with that of Mucca Pazza's; while the latter represented a sector of music many were unfamiliar with, Bird's set felt like coming home. The acoustics in The Auditorium Theatre allowed the sound to project into each corner of the venue with equal tenacity, making even I, who was not as close as I wanted to be, feel as if I were front row center. Bird had a way of addressing the audience during the set as if we were all revered friends catching up after time apart; as he stood in front of a sold out theatre, he remained at his most humble and down to earth.

Bird packed a set full of newer songs, such as sonically intricate and layered "Hole in the Ocean Floor," gentle folk number "Danse Caribe," and crowd-pleaser "Bein' Green." However, Bird also rewarded the audience with more obscure numbers such as "Why" and the combination of "Dear Dirty / The Crown Salesman." Andrew Bird has a knack for creating beautiful pieces of music that are cohesive and hinge on precision, and his set was no different. Bird invited Nora O'Connor from his Bowl of Fire days onstage at several points during the set, as she joined in during "Give It Away" and encore number "So Much Wine." Bird also decided to create "old style" versions of fan favorites as he and band members would sing huddled around one lone microphone. Ending the set with older tune "Fake Palindromes" which garnered many a cheer from audience members, Bird proved that he has become a master at his craft of his distinct style of whistling, violin-playing, genius influenced music, one that audiences will never tire of.

 
GB store
GB store

Feature Thu Dec 31 2015

Our Final Transmission Days

By The Gapers Block Transmission Staff

Transmission staffers share their most cherished memories and moments while writing for Gapers Block.

Read this feature »

Blogroll

  Chicago Music Media

Alarm Magazine
BackStage
Big Rock Candy Mountain
Boxx Magazine
Brooklyn Vegan Chicago
Can You See The Sunset From The Southside
Chicago Reader Music
Chicagoist Arts & Events
ChicagoMusic.org
Chicago Music Guide
Chicago Singles Club
CHIRP
Country Music Chicago
Cream Team
Dark Jive
Daytrotter
The Deli Chicago
Jim DeRogatis
Do312
Fake Shore Drive
Gowhere Hip Hop
Gridface
The Hood Internet
Innerview
Jaded in Chicago
Largehearted Boy
Little White Earbuds
Live Fix Blog
Live Music Blog
Loud Loop Press
Oh My Rockness
Pop 'stache
Pitchfork
Pop Matters
Resident Advisor
Songs:Illinois
Sound Opinions
Sun-Times Music Blog
Theft Liable to Prosecution
Tribune Music
UR Chicago
Victim Of Time
WFMU's Beware of the Blog
Windy City Rock

  Venues:

Abbey Pub
Andy's Jazz Club
Aragon Ballroom
Auditorium Theatre
Beat Kitchen
B.L.U.E.S
Bottom Lounge
Buddy Guy's Legends
The Burlington
California Clipper
Concord Music Hall
Congress Theater
Constellation
Cubby Bear
Double Door
Elbo Room
Empty Bottle
FitzGerald's
Green Mill
The Hideout
Honky Tonk BBQ
House of Blues
Kingston Mines
Lincoln Hall
Logan Square Auditorium
Martyrs'
Mayne Stage
Metro
The Mutiny
Old Town School of Folk Music
Park West
The Promontory
Red Line Tap
Reggie's Rock Club & Music Joint
The Riviera
Rosa's
Schubas
Thalia Hall
The Shrine
Smartbar
Subterranean
Symphony Center
Tonic Room
Township
Uncommon Ground
The Vic
The Whistler

  Labels, Promoters
  & Shops:

Alligator Records
Atavistic
Beverly Records
Bloodshot Records
Dave's Records
Delmark Records
Drag City
Dusty Groove
Flameshovel Records
Groove Distribution
He Who Corrupts
Hozac
Jam Productions
Jazz Record Mart
Kranky Records
Laurie's Planet of Sound
Minty Fresh
Numero Group
mP Shows
Permanent Records
Reckless Records
Smog Veil Records
Southport & Northport Records
Thick Records
Thrill Jockey Records Touch & Go/Quarterstick Records
Victory Records

GB store

Events

Featured Series














 

Transmission on Flickr

Join the Transmission Flickr Pool.


About Transmission

Transmission is the music section of Gapers Block. It aims to highlight Chicago music in its many varied forms, as well as cover touring acts performing in the city. More...
Please see our submission guidelines.

Editor: Sarah Brooks, sarah@gapersblock.com
Transmission staff inbox: transmission@gapersblock.com

Archives

 

Transmission Flickr Pool
 Subscribe in a reader.

GB store

GB Store

GB Buttons $1.50

GB T-Shirt $12

I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15