Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Andrew Bird [ tickets ]'s music has been described as anything from "adult alternative" to "retro swing." Either of those elements, and a hundred more, may be present from one minute to the next in Bird's catalog, but the Chicago-born performer appears to simply love creating interesting sounds inside the context of his unique and powerful songwriting abilities. His new album, "Armchair Apocrypha," is due out March 20 on the Fat Possum label. --Tjames Madison

Performing Friday, March 16 at 9:30 p.m. at Stubb's (801 Red River St.).

website: http://www.andrewbird.net/