BIRDY is a Chicago-based acoustic group featuring outstanding vocals and harmony, creative musical arrangements, impressive covers and fine originals. With an eclectic repertoire that draws from both traditional and contemporary influences, Birdy has quickly established itself on the Chicago music scene and beyond, and is a regular performer at coffee houses, restaurants and pubs, folk venues, community centers, neighborhood parties, festivals, and farmers markets.
Formed in 2006 by Bianca Bevard and Sharon Speziale, Birdy was literally 'sparked' while the two were singing around a bonfire at a camping weekend. Instantly recognizing the soaring harmony blend, Bianca and Sharon began performing together, then added in-demand percussionist Meg Thomas, who provides a wonderful driving and creative dimension to BIRDY's established sound. More recently, veteran bassist Roy McNaughton joined the group, with bass lines that are both artistically fluid and warmly down to earth.
A typical Birdy concert includes: BIRDY originals, covers of favorite singer/songwriters, traditional folk tunes with a twist, a random Beatles tune, songs of love (lost, acquired or desired), and a few other styles thrown in for good measure. Influenced by the music of Nanci Griffith, Joni Mitchell, Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, The Wailin' Jennys, Deb Talan/The Weepies, Martha Scanlan, Ani DiFranco, Chris and Meredith Thompson, Truckstop Souvenir, Alison Krauss, Appalachian and traditional folk music, Birdy resonates with the richness of these influences, entertaining with songs that evoke many different sounds, thoughts, and feelings. Birdy appreciates the haunting sound of wind blowing through the trees, golden autumn days, the hope of spring, and music born from church, gospel and truth.
The group released its first CD, Journey Home, in October 2009, which has received airplay on WDCB Public Radio.
BIRDY is...
Bianca Wesolowski - vocals
Sharon Speziale - vocals, guitar, fiddle
Meg Thomas - percussion
Roy McNaughton - big old upright acoustic bass
Read more...