Harmon Drive Article
We were recently interviewed by Chicago resident Chris Parish from the blog Harmon Drive. It resulted in this article and some kind of mutual respect between us and Chris. (Photo by Cody Bralts.)
Opening for Andrew Bird
Opening for Andrew Bird at U of I’s Foellinger Auditorium is certainly one of the highlights of our musical career thus far. We’re happy to report that Mr. Bird and his support staff (managers, roadies, techs, etc.) are good people. They’re not the egotistical rock star types.
We approached last Tuesday’s gig like we would any other show—playing our songs the best we currently know how, interacting with the crowd, and so on. During a discussion about holiday shopping, one audience member informed us that the robot hamster is the hot gift item this year. Heather’s adding that to her wish list! We even attempted crowd participation, with hundreds of people providing the percussive stomps and snaps during “Commercial Paper.”
But of course, in many ways, it was very different from our typical show experience. For example, it was a major production, and we were performing on a large stage in a dome-shaped 2,000 capacity theatre. We loaded in at 2:30 (for an 8 PM set), shared a hospitality room with Andrew Bird and his crew, and had our own dressing room. Yes, a dressing room! As we were getting ready, Andrew’s production manager knocked on our door and said, “15 minutes.” Ten minutes later, we got the five minute cue and a short pep talk.
All in all, we had a really great experience and enjoyed seeing Andrew Bird’s solo set. We’re continually impressed by him! (If you’d like to read more, you can find a review of the show from our friend Gillian’s perspective at Smile Politely.)
Photos by our neighbor Cody Bralts, whose video work was recently recognized by Pitchfork
LOW, Andrew Bird, & more miles on the van
After a couple weeks at home, we’re off again! This time our journeys will take us to the Northeast and around the Midwest. We’re espeically excited to be opening for LOW at UW-Stout on Nov. 19. We’re also stoked to announce that we’ll be opening for Andrew Bird on Dec. 8. Tickets are on sale now.
11.06.09 — Champaign, IL — In Studio @ 107.1 WPGU (stream online @ http://the217.com/wpgu)
11.07.09 — Champaign, IL — Record Release Party/Nic’s B-day Bash @ Indi Go Art Coop
11.08.09 — Huntington, IN — The 509
11.09.09 — Jamestown, NY — Labyrinth Press Co.
11.11.09 — Syracuse, NY — 2nd Story
11.12.09 — Canton, NY — SUNY-Canton Underground Lounge
11.13.09 — Middlebury, VT — Middlebury College Gamut Room
11.14.09 — Montague, MA — Montague Bookmill
11.15.09 — Brooklyn, NY — Pete’s Candy Store
11.17.09 — Grand Rapids, MI — Cave Cafe @ Calvin College
11.18.09 — Madison, WI — The Project Lodge
11.19.09 — Menomonie, WI — University of Wisconsin-Stout w/ LOW
11.21.09 — Ames, IA — Tom and Mary Jane’s House
Show details can be found at the in person page. Hope to see you out there!
You & Yourn w/ Andrew Bird on Dec. 8
