Indie singer-songwriter Andrew Bird with The Handsome Family

UCSB Arts & Lectures presents “distinctively original” indie singer-songwriter and violinist Andrew Bird, with show opener The Handsome Family, in concert Thurs., Nov. 21 at UCSB Campbell Hall.

Drawing on influences from American roots music to his classical training, the “relentlessly inventive” (NPR) Chicagoan creates lush, densely layered soundscapes on stage with his violin, a looping pedal, guitar and glockenspiel. His songs are driven by infectious, lilting melodies and clever lyrics that “spin existential doubts into elegant confections” (The New York Times).

The Handsome Family, the quirky alt-Americana duo of Brett and Rennie Sparks (whose songs Bird has covered in the past), will open for Bird.

Tickets are going fast. Don’t miss this intimate show with an artist who’s played everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Bonnaroo and the Mojave Desert!

For tickets or more information, call UCSB Arts & Lectures at 805/893-3535 or purchase online at www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu.


—Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara SEASONS on November 18, 2013.