We don't know if Andrew Bird is a praying man, but he appears to have fond memories of playing in churches as a child. So much so that he's playing five shows on hallowed ground this December.

The quintet of church shows in the US will be at St Mark's Episcopal Cathedral Cathedral in Minneapolis on Dec. 10 and 11, and Chicago's Forth Presbyterian Church on Dec. 15, 16 and 17.

"What I hope to do with these shows is adapt my music completely to the atmosphere of the space and the season." Bird said. "I'm inspired to do this based on childhood memories of performing Handel's 'Messiah' in various churches on an annual basis."

Bird will be playing solo, and will concentrate on violin instrumental pieces and perform using ambient light. He will also play through giant horns rather than traditional PAs.

"I want the audience to be both lifted and comforted as we head into another cold and dark winter. I feel the space should be sacred so the audience can experience my music in a different atmosphere."