Bio
The Birdwatchers are a unique acoustic trio who specialize in an equally particular instrument: the ukulele. Kim Bjerga, Clark Holmes, and Andy Nufer have carved out a niche for themselves in their local music scene, and for good reason. Their tight, three-part harmonies, combined with interestingly composed arrangements are refreshingly diverse, both in musicianship and content. With various ukulele ranges (tenor, baritone, and bass ukulele, as well as guitar), the three have managed to produce a wide, varied sound, and with an equally varied set list, The Birdwatchers are bridging musical gaps for all ages and ears.
Kim and Andy have been friends for years, beginning with their high school years in southern Utah, and later living together as roommates while attending a university in the same small town of Cedar City. Having previous musical experience together in a rock band called Apollo's Army, they were pleasantly surprised when they met Clark at a crepe party hosted at their apartment, where Clark found Kim’s ukulele and began to jam. Kim and Andy decided to learn a few songs with Clark for fun. The three came together when a mutual friend, Ben, asked them to serve dinner to him and a date wearing nothing but Speedos. They decided to take it one step further; the trio stripped, and instead of Speedos, wore only aprons and bowties. Dinner was served! To conclude the meal they had the idea to sing love songs to Ben and his shocked date. That night the trio inadvertently become a band. Later, while filming a simple video to put on Youtube for fun, the question arose - what to call themselves? The Naked Waiters was their first choice. A few years later the name evolved to The Birdwatchers, due to their adoration for the wonder of nature (and ability to name most birds they encounter).
Word got out, and people started hiring the threesome for weddings, festivals, galas, parties, corporate events, resorts, etc. They have also won music competitions and headline their own concerts. They will always remember and attribute their start to Cedar City when a local farm would hire them for organic farm-to-fork dinner events and farmer's markets. In 2015 they found an adventurous music scene in northern Utah in a town called Provo, where they currently reside. The Birdwatchers’ original tunes stray from the typical love song trend, and broach more authentic topics like the town where they met, childhood nostalgia, beautiful locations filled with memories, and even something as simple as a relationship with a pet cat. In 2020 they were flown out to LA to be taped auditioning for the celebrity judges. They received all 4 yeses, and though their audition didn't end up being shown and they did not get to compete, they had a worthwhile experience. They have performed and taught uke workshops all over Utah and other states, as well as Austria, Scotland, Australia, Tahiti and Canada. They completed recording a full length album while spending a majority of their 2019 living on the Hawaiian island of O'ahu, which is available on major streaming and purchasing platforms. Though the band name changed to The Birdwatchers, their first album is called The Naked Waiters. They also have started their second album, with a few singles already released for streaming.
The band has recently added an optional percussionist to their live sound for additional spice.
If a step away from the monotonous and mundane sounds like what’s missing, then perhaps it’s time for a little R&R. The Birdwatchers provide that and more, with a refreshing, unique sound that revolves around ukulele instrumentation and three-part harmonies, and caters to ears and hearts of all ages. Far from a gimmick, this talented trio consistently delivers wholesome, authentic, and genuine music, blending classics from a bygone era with modern, charming numbers and unique original tunes. Grab a drink, sit back, relax, and prepare to get served.
