Bird to Flip In April

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 23, 2005 3:22PM

The lack of flu shots this season is the proverbial chicken that is now coming home to roost; lots of people in the Chicagoist offices have been knocked out with various winter ailments. Events at The Oprah Winfrey Show this week proved that the famous and buxom are no more immune to illness than the anonymous and flat-chested.

During an Oprah taping, Jessica Simpson became dehydrated due to a stomach virus. Thanks to the outstanding medical care in this city, Simpson was well enough to fly back to Los Angeles. Rumors of bad moonshine as a contributing factor could not be confirmed as of press time. Simpson’s taped segment, “Red Carpet Makeovers with Jessica Simpson” will feature Ashanti and Lara Flynn Boyle receiving a Gotti-ectomy and hips, respectively.

The post-flu spring concert season is slowly taking shape with a slate of new and old singer-songwriters coming to town.* In April, Kasey Chambers hits the Vic on April 23rd, Tori Amos will straddle a piano at the Auditorium Theatre on April 15th, and Melissa Ferrick makes her 756th appearance this year at Double Door on April 22nd.

While we’re on the subject, Chicago’s own Andrew Bird will be hosting a record release party at Metro on April 16th. Known mainly as “the dude who plays violin,” Bird’s atmospheric orchestral pop returns in full force on his The Mysterious Production of Eggs album. He’ll also be appearing with his Righteous Babe boss Ani DeFranco for two shows this weekend at the Auditorium and The Vic.

Also returning to town are Snow Patrol, Gang of Four, Velvet Revolver and Viva La Bam (do not consider this an invitation to bring your taser with you to the House of Blues. They will whomp you).

* Confidential to Kelly Clarkson: We hate ourselves for loving you but if you need somebody to, you know, take you out and show you a good time while you’re here, drop us a line, OK?

Image: andrewbird.com