Wilco and Andrew Bird

Last night was one of the best concert experiences I've had in a long time. Andrew Bird opened up for Wilco at the Kc Crossroads outdoor venue. I've heard good things about this place but had never been before. My expectations were blown away. I was picturing a slab of concrete with a wooden stage. I was wrong. Its like a well kept backyard but with interesting sculptures placed throughout the area. Its not too big but still plenty of space for 3,000 people to occupy. The stage is also just as big and easy to view as any other outdoor venue I've seen. Of course, the company didnt hurt either, it was my wife and I, a co-worker and two former co-workers who are excellent people.













The opening artist Andrew Bird was very fitting. It actually felt like Fall last night. Cool, crisp and colorful. His music flowed well with that. I've only heard a few of his songs but I think seeing this gentleman play live is the best way to really get it. He's a one man band playing the violin, guitar, mandolin, glockenspiel, and some of the most beautiful whistling I've ever heard. I've searched for some videos of his live performances and I think this one below is a good example. This guy uses a multi-track system to sample and loop his own performance. He records snippets while playing his violin, then will play a "loop" of that sound while picking up the guitar or glockenspiel to play over the loop. Needless to say, he's a very talented musician and has the vocals reminiscent of Jeff Buckley.




And of course, Wilco. This was my first time to see them live and from talking to other people who have seen them multiple times....I was told last nights show was the best they've seen. Tweedy and the rest of the band were happy, smiling and even said "This is easily the best audience we've had this tour". Another comment, which is on the video below from last night's show is...."You are an infectious crowd, I didnt want to have fun tonight". I think those are pretty good compliments for an audience to receive.