“Gezelligheid” is a Dutch word for a feeling of coziness, a sense of loving belonging. Singer-songwriter Andrew Bird has adopted it as the name of his annual hometown performance series—a rare opportunity to see the Chicago expat in an intimate setting. The low lighting in the beautiful Fourth Presbyterian Church on Chestnut, where he’s held the shows for several years now, exudes an inviting warmth that blankets the tightly packed pews, which suddenly feel very far from the cold outside. The show I attended on Wednesday was like visiting family, and not just due to the uncomfortable proximity of other fans—the air buzzed with friendly conversation, and excited energy hovered above the well-dressed audience. Gezelligheid has grown into a special event all its own, a sold-out affair in an opulent but still welcoming hall.
Photographer Ben Bowen was on hand to shoot Wednesday’s show. Bird performs again tonight at Fourth Presbyterian with Shelley, then Friday at the Hideout with My Brightest Diamond.
