Being hailed as one of the most unique and inventive live acts around isn’t bad for a performer who began his career strumming a Cracker Jack box with a ruler taped to it—but that’s not all there is to be said about Andrew Bird. With his unique hybrid of Hungarian gypsy music, jazz and other musical influences, Bird has wowed audiences since beginning his career as the front man for Bowl of Fire 10 years ago. After releasing his 10th album, Armchair Apocrypha, earlier this year, Bird took his incredible blend of violin, guitar and glockenspiel on the road to present the songs to audiences in a way that is never a carbon copy of the tracks on his albums. In a live setting, Bird creates an orchestral sound by looping and weaving various tracks and combining them with an incredible ability to whistle. To see him create his music before an audience is a strange and intriguing sight, and the musical product is nothing short of arresting. The opportunity to see Bird performing in a live and intimate setting like the Church is a pleasure that no one, fans and curious listeners alike, should pass up. Montreal band Plants & Animals opens.

Monday, September 24, Doors 7pm. Babeville (Asbury Hall @ the Church) 341 Delaware Avenue (852-3835,

thechurchbuffalo.com). $21 advance (New World Record, Ticketmaster), $24 at the door.