Andrew Bird Unveils 14th Annual Gezelligheid Holiday Concerts at Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church
Photo Credit: Reuben Cox
Andrew Bird has officially announced the return of his Gezelligheid concert series, set to stage in the hallowed hall of Chicago’s Fourth Presbyterian Church on December 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Continuing a beloved annual tradition that Bird inaugurated in his hometown in 2009, the 2024 iteration will bring a sort of Scandinavian nuance to The Windy City’s blustery winters through an immersive, intentional atmosphere and the artist’s distinctive, heritage-inflected folk stylings. This holiday residency will cap off a banner year for Bird, who released his jazz trio project Sunday Morning Put-On in May and followed it up with a jam-packed summer tour, including an appearance at Newport Folk with Madison Cunningham.
Gezelligheid–a Dutch term overheard in a humble Amsterdam haunt that translates, roughly, to “cozy”–is Bird’s high-concept tribute to the holiday spirit, countering seasonal blues with an intimate and welcoming musical experience. To carefully cultivate a sense of comfort and warmth, the alternative figurehead will forego his typical full-band arrangements for a stripped-back sound, setting the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist alongside his arsenal on the small stage for stirring solo violin pieces, holiday classics (like those featured on his eclectic 2020 holiday album HARK!) and fan favorites from his expansive catalog of originals.
Bird’s sound and setup will be complemented by his now-signature-spinning Victrola horns, and his sold-out 2023 series saw appearances from Margaret Glaspy and Julian Lage. This year’s Gezelligheid is presented by Jam, Metro and 93XRT. Tickets will go on sale this Friday, Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. CT. To find more information and secure your passes, visit andrewbird.net/#tour.
