Andrew Bird at Central Park Summerstage (July 8, 2014)

Last night Andrew Bird delighted a Central Park crowd for a free show presented by Summerstage. It was my first time catching a show in Central Park since I saw Two Door Cinema Club in 2012. If there was anyone to welcome me back, Bird was the one. Thankfully the reports and warnings of rainstorms proved to be false. Instead we were treated to a perfect summer evening outdoors that set the table for a wonderful set of music from Bird. It was his first time at Summer Stage, which was somewhat hard to believe, as it’s the perfect suitor to hold a concert from someone making as songs as majestic as Bird’s.

Bird started the show by himself, with sweet solo offerings of tracks such as “Hole in the Ocean Floor” and “Plasticities.” He was then joined by this tour’s backing band, known as The Hands Of Glory, which includes his touring buddy Tift Merritt, who was with him last November when Bird played at Rockwood Music Hall. While the band shares the name of Bird’s 2012 album, they mostly helped Bird out to play covers of The Handsome Family, which is the basis of Bird’s newly released album Things Are Really Great Here, Sort Of…

The set was split between the set of covers as Bird’s own tunes, but both sets were equally moving and powerful. Watching Bird’s ability to flirt with his wide variety of instruments and talents is always a part of the fun. He’s just so talented, that every time you see him almost feels like the first. He never ceases to amaze.

Below find the setlist, as well as some more photos from the evening.