While the words "hip" and "violinist" aren't often seen alongside one another, Chicago-based balladeer Andrew Bird continues to defy convention by being both. The hip violinist is currently working on his next full-length album, expected sometime next year. Building upon the success of 2005's Mysterious Production Of Eggs, Bird has recruited a number of Midwest musicians, including Haley Bonar and Chris Morrissey, both veterans of the lengthy Mysterious Production Of Eggs tour. Many were left wondering what would come next for Bird after The Mysterious Production, his most cohesive and comfortable record to date. Listeners can surely anticipate Bird's growing penchant for experimentation, as Eggs found him playing guitar and implementing multi-track vocals, both for the first time in his 10-year career. Fans can catch Bird this summer as he hits a handful of major festivals including Kansas's Wakarusa June 10, Tennessee's Bonnaroo June 16 and Milwaukee Summer Fest July 5. Those anxious to hear Bird's new tunes this summer can win a free one-day ticket to Bonnaroo by writing a 50-word essay describing a day in the life of a caveman, or by providing some solutions for global warming; both essay ideas compliments of Bird himself. Participants should email andrea@bowloffire.com by Saturday, June 3 to take part in the contest, and Bird-related merchandise is available as a prize for those who can't make it down to Tennessee. www.andrewbird.net
