A few things during this hot and boring week...

- Tuesday Blues at Owen Park features local blues band The Pumps at 6:30pm at the bandshell. I know nothing about these guys, nor how with this concert they are mysteriously "going blue". Check them out to find out.

- I really need to give our local flute-master his due. You will often find Peter Phippin playing at the Shanghai Bistro and you should really go listen to him. Every time I've heard him, it is like casting yourself into a quiet peaceful forest with a breeze blowing through the trees. Peter plays a wealth of flutes including the shakuhachi, the Papago flute and many more from Native American and Asian cultures. He's playing at the Bistro on Wednesday from 6:30-9:30pm.

- Thursday, June 25th at 6:30pm bring the next featured artists to the Sounds Like Summer concert series at Phoenix Park. This time, it's the Laarks and also Myrna Loy. Both bands offer a sort of indie rock/pop rock feel that will keep your feet a'tappin.

Solstice Events, FATFAR and more!

The beginning of Summer (or Midsummer, agriculturally speaking) brings us a whopping boatload of stuff to do this weekend, from art festivals and art forms, to lusty vaudvillain sideshows to the biggest river-tubing event in the world (so they say).

- New to the roster this year is something I wish they would have started years ago, but I'm glad to see it now! The famous Rutledge Mansion up on the West Hill in Chippewa will be the site of the 1st Annual Solstice on Grand Art Faire on Saturday, June 20th from 9am to 5pm. The grounds will be transformed into a festival of 60 artists, live music, concessions and tours of the mansion itself. It sounds like a good deal of fun. Don't miss it!

- What would the Summer Solstice be without a celebration of it? Come down to the labyrinth at Phoenix Park from 1-4pm for Eau Claire's Summer Solstice Celebration. This all-inclusive soiree invites participation in a number of fun activities surrounding the height of summer: international folk dancing, some powerful drumming by the West African Music Society, Kirtan chanting, specialized "intuitive" dancing, and heck, maybe a poem or two. The celebration has been yearly and gets better every year with a great turnout.

- On Saturday at 7pm, the Acoustic Cafe will host guitarist Jeffery Jaworski. Following him will be the band Brothers Burn Mountain, whose earthy music seems appropriate for the solstice.

- Don't forget the Stone's Throw at 10pm for the Carnivale of Debauchery and Deviance with its circus-sideshow-inspired managerie of mischief and mayhem. A unique experience for the innocent soul...

- Orestus fans! Your local favorite heavy metal band will be playing at the House of Rock at 10pm on Saturday. For those of you not familiar with Orestus, get a sampling of their experience here.

- And finally, we come to Sunday, June 21st, Father's Day. I know some of you will be grilling out, or maybe boating with dear old Dad, but maybe you should do both and take him to Chippewa's famous FATFAR! What the heck is that, you ask? FATFAR is the acronym for Frenchtown Annual Tube Float And Regalia - a fancy-ism for perhaps the world's largest floating and tubing event. Every year brings thousands of floaters - some bring meager inner tubes or inflatable rafts and such, and then there's those who bring the big guns - huge rafts made for 30 people, grills, lounge chairs and creative decor. Some make it the entire way, some break up along the way, but each year brings plenty of tales about who fared how on the river. FATFAR begins at the launch site just downriver beneath the Canal Street side of the Main St. bridge and flows smoothly down the scenic Chippewa River for several miles. Though many tubers stop off at Loopy's Bar and Grill for its annual FatFest, many continue on to Two Waters Bar in Lake Hallie. Bring your tube, your raft, or your homemade floating party barge and plenty of sunscreen, for the FATFAR is a day to remember!

PS!! The word has just reached my ears that the Stone's Throw, known for its high-quality music acts and awesome food, will be closing on June 23rd!! Apparently, the owners are in negotiations with new owners but it is unknown yet who will take over ownership and when it will reopen. In appreciation for their customers, there will be a 3-day party from Sunday, June 21st through June 23rd. How sad! The Stone's Throw was one of Eau Claire's premier music venues. RIP Stone's Throw...

Thursday and Friday, June 18th and 19th events

The summer event season gets to be pretty packed, so you'll see plenty of these kinds of entries where I attempt to sandwich dozens of things into a small area at once. Case in point:

- Thursday, June 18th at 6:30pm the next round of the Sounds Like Summer concert series brings the Tony Baisley Band and South Farwell to the labyrinth at Phoenix Park. Tony Baisley brings a taste of that enigmatic genre "country-rock" while South Farwell brings a bluesy flavor. Check them out!

- Local blues shaman Howard Luedtke plays at the Sheeley House in Chippewa on Thursday at 8pm, while local jazzman Jeff Walk cuts a few tunes at the Haymarket Grill on Graham Ave. from 9 to 11:30pm. If you don't like Jazz and don't want to go all the way to Chippewa, the Mousetrap hosts Little Willie at 10pm. You may remember that Little Willie recently played at the Tuesday Blues in the Park series a couple weeks back.

- Friday, June 19th brings us the Juneteenth Celebration honoring the Emancipation Proclamation and celebrating African American culture. This will be at Phoenix Park at 4pm with food, live music, speakers, and cultural activities.

- It seems to me that the Chippewa Valley has been flooded with so much Bluegrass music lately that I might need a lawn mower. Either that, or I'll just dance. Friday, from 7 to 10pm at the Acoustic Cafe downtown, the East Hill Bluegrass Band (who recently played at the Sounds Like Summer concert series) will be playing their brand of traditional true-blue bluegrass. Its always a pleasure to hear them.

- Two groups you probably don't want to miss will play back to back on Friday night. Beginning at 7:30pm at the Grand Little Theater, indie rock band Wide Plans for a Palindrome welds together the sounds of banjo with synthesizers, guitars and voice. After hearing them, walk over to the Mousetrap to see the powerful reggae/rock fusion band Shoeless Revolution at 10pm. Their energy is infective and will leave you breathless. Do not miss these folks!

Carnivale of Debauchery, June 20th at Stone's Throw

For all of you familiar with Eau Claire's Decadent Cabaret, the Carnivale of Debauchery and Deviance, presented at the Stone's Throw on Saturday, June 20th at 10pm, is NOT it. What it is is a collection of the strange, the burlesque, the comedic and acrobatic. Think gypsy fortunetellers, bellydancers, snakecharmers, human sideshows, whipcrackers via local whip superstar Adam Winrich, music, dancing, games, and loads of strange fun - probably not a place to bring your first date or your children, unless, well...
Have fun, kids.
Image by Stone's Throw

I Hope Your Saturday is Free!

How do you mix a Middle Eastern tradition with raw food? Find your way to Menomonie's Raw Deal eatery for a healthy dose of wheatgrass or a fruit smoothie and the hypnotic movements of local bellydancing troupe Peanut Butter and Gypsy. They'll be dancing there on Saturday, June 13th from 4-5:30pm. For more info, see the Raw Deal's website here.

Also on Saturday, from 7-10pm at the Acoustic Cafe in Eau Claire, St. Paul band Inukshuk Pass will be playing their folk rock. At My Place over on Galloway Street, a cover band called Left Hand Corner will be covering the likes of Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and Phish. Now I don't normally give nods to cover bands, tending to emphasize local original music, but I'll give one to this group. Go see 'em!
At 7pm at the Mabel Tainter theater in Menomonie, the cosmic conjunction of blues and bluegrass can be found in the lineup of Pert Near Sandstone, Darkwood Flower and Rod and John Bellville.
And lastly, at 10pm, if you're still standing, go to the Stone's Throw for a visceral and naughty show given by Romi Mayes. I hear she plays guitar like a banshee. Don't miss her!

And PS... Don't forget about the Open Air Festival of the Arts all day Saturday from 9am-5pm at Phoenix Park!
Photo by Sahaja

A Slew of Stuff to Throw at You

Okay, after a few days unplugged, there's a lot to catch up on:

- Thursday, June 11th at 6:30pm - The next installment of the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at the Phoenix Park labyrinth will showcase the East Hill Bluegrass Band and the New North String Band. Sounds like a pretty decent night of bluegrass under the stars. Don't forget your lawnchair or blanket!

- Also on Thursday at 7:30pm, the Eau Claire Children's Theater will be presenting 1776, the Tony Award winning musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the Masonic Auditorium.

- Friday, June 12th, John Nielson from the Cloud Hymn will be playing at the James Sheeley House in Chippewa. I've seen him play in his various projects with Wake Up Poland, Cranes and Crows, and with the Cloud Hymn and he is not to be missed!

- Also on Friday and also in Chippewa, the Heyde Center for the Arts will be hosting LYRA, an interesting Russian Orthodox folksinging group that hails from St. Petersburg. Russian folk songs and chants - something you don't hear everyday. Go experience it!

- And for some heartpumping American rock, don't miss Gingerjake on Friday at 10pm at the Stone's Throw. This is one hot local band. For a taste of what to expect, see a video of them here.

- And who can wait for the Open Air Festival of the Arts on Saturday? Not me! The festival will be running from 9am-5pm at Phoenix Park. See my other posts for more details.

- There is a benefit show happening at 10pm on Saturday at the EC House of Rock. Proceeds go toward funding the production of the local film Fenris Unchained, based on Nordic mythology. Go to their site for more details.

- And lastly, on Saturday at 10pm, the Mousetrap will host The Yokanizu Project, a mysterious welding of several musicians who say they started jamming together and the rest was history. Isn't that how most bands get together? Oh well, go see them and find out what their scoop is.

Open Air Festival of the Arts – June 13th 9am-5pm

YES! Finally, the year-wheel has turned round again to bring us my particularly favorite Eau Claire event: the OAFA (rhymes with ‘sofa’)! This is probably the coolest and most earth-friendly event that the Chippewa Valley offers. If you make it to no other festival, do make it to this one. The Open Air Festival of the Arts celebrates its third year and has grown exponentially. On the banks of beautiful Phoenix Park along the Chippewa River, you will be treated to live music all day, poetry, bellydancing, arts and crafts and over 60 artist-vendors selling their wares. There’s family fun, food, kid’s art tent and a people-powered art procession. The OAFA is a ‘waste-free’ event:many food vendors offer organic fare, all plates and eating utensils are 100% compost-ready and if you bring your own mug, you can get a discount on drinks. Recycling will be provided. Because of the popularity of this brilliant festival, rumor has it that it may become a 2-day event in the future! Hint:if you see a Green Man walking around, go up to him and say HI.That will be me.

The Taste of Eau Claire – June 7th Phoenix Park 11am-6pm

Wisconsin may be known for its beer and cheese, but Eau Claire is known for the diversity of its restaurants and eateries; and there’s no place better to sample what many of these have to offer than by going to The Taste of Eau Claire, a day of fun, food, sunshine and music! On tap will be 24+ local vendors vying for your pallet with their best entrées, desserts, chocolates and appetizers. It’s a popular event. But is it kid-friendly? You bet! The Kid Zone offers an inflatable park and a variety of entertainments. Hang out, stuff your face and listen to some great music by local and regional bands. Eating runs from 11am to 6pm. For more information, visit the website.

Eau Claire's own Bon Iver plays at Radio City Music Hall

The Red Hot Organization has been fighting AIDS through the power of music and culture. This year's 20th-anniversary compilation, titled Dark Was the Night, featured Eau Claire's own Bon Iver. More spectacularly, this album spawned a unique concert featuring many of the artists from the album at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on May 3rd. Among other interesting pairings, Bon Iver played with Leslie Feist and then Justin Vernon paired up with Talking Heads co-founder David Byrne. Other artists included but weren't limited to Arcade Fire, Yeasayer, Cat Power, The National, Sharon Jones, The Dirty Projectors, and David Byrne. Congrats to you Justin and to all the members of Bon Iver!
Photo by Joel Didriksen

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series begins June 4th!

Everyone has a different idea of what epitomizes summer for them. For some, its seeing a good show, for others, its sitting outside watching the sun go down and the stars come out, or perhaps having a good glass of wine. But what if you could mix all those together? You can! The Sounds Like Summer concert series, hosted by Eau Claire culture ‘zine Volume One, is a brilliant way to spend a warm summer evening. Every Thursday night from 6:30-8:30pm at the Labyrinth in Phoenix Park, you can relax on the grass and listen to the best local music the Chippewa Valley has to offer. This year’s first concert is on June 4th and brings together the Eau Claire Blues All Stars and Little Willie. Don’t miss it!

A few great events not to pass up!

Here's a quick flash of some interesting things going on...

- Anna Johnson, one of the Chippewa Valley’s most talented singer/songwriters plays once again at the Living Room Coffeehouse on Wednesday, June 3rd from 7-9pm.
- Jesse Hamble, another talented musician, plays the same time, same place only on Thursday, June 4th.
- Don’t forget about New Richmond’s Willow River Blues and Brews Fest June 5th and 6th featuring a stellar lineup of blues including Howard Luedtke and Lamont Cranston, and some of the best of the region’s handcrafted brews. For more info, visit their website here.
- Jubilee 2009: An Artful Affair is a magical evening at The Florian Gardens (near Action City) taking place on Friday, June 5th at 6pm. Have dinner, listen to jazz, look at art with live and silent auctions. This high-class affair benefits the Eau Claire Regional Arts Center. As they say, ‘black tie admired but not required.’ Interpret that as you will. $90/seat or $650/party of eight

Just for Parents: Car Seat Check June 11th

I’ll add to this blog periodic notices of car seat checks because, as a new parent, I found it very difficult to find a good place to get my child’s car seat checked out for safety. If I can make it any easier for any of you new parents, then I’ve done my part. On June 11th, from 5-8pm at Sam’s Club (next to Walmart), you can get your car seat checked for proper installment by trained personnel. Technicians will check for proper installment and any possible recalls.

Tuesday Blues on the River – June 2nd 6:30-8:30pm

The second injection of Blues on the River features the kick-ass blues of Mojo Lemon at the bandshell of Owen Park in downtown Eau Claire. Voted the ‘best blues of the Valley’, Mojo Lemon offers a great time for the whole family. Don’t miss it!

Registration for Chalkfest artists now open!

Later this summer, Wilson Park in downtown Eau Claire will once again be the epicenter for what is quickly becoming a favorite festival - Chalkfest, an all-day celebration of creativity and sidewalk chalk art, music and food on August 8th that culminates in a night reception with the entire park flooded with lights that focus on the sidewalk art. Being on the other end of summer, why should I talk about this now? Because registration for artists just opened on www.chalkfest.org. Once there, download the registration form and pay the fee (about $15) before July 31. For more information, please visit the Chalkfest website.

A Smorgasbord of Delicious Sounds

Yes, I've been neglecting my duties here for a few days; my attention has been focused on other projects. But I return, and with the need to blurt out a number of events going on, if I'm going to mention them at all. But they are all good and I hope you are able to attend any one or more of them. I hope to as well.

Saturday, May 23rd at 8:30pm at Shari's Chippewa Club the Minneapolis blues band Cool Disposition will be having a CD release party. Cool Disposition is all about Chicago Blues from the 50's and some swing.

Tuesday, May 26th is the kickoff for the new summer blues series Tuesday Blues in Owen Park. Running from 6:30pm-8:30pm and located at the Owen Park bandshell, this series begins with our own Howard Leudtke. On June 2nd, Mojo Lemon will be taking the stage. Don't miss it!

Friday, May 29th 3 Pill Morning, Screaming for Silence and Deisl will be tearing up the stage at the Stone's Throw beginning at 10pm. I've heard a lot of good things about 3 Pill Morning. I might have to get to this show!
At that same moment and just down the street, The Mousetrap will be graced with the bluegrass music of the Evergreen Grass Band and the sounds of IFDAKAR.

And last but not least, on Saturday, May 30th from 8-10pm, Infinitea Teahouse will host the mellow introspective sounds of The Cloud Hymn. This is a perfect blend of great tea and great music. Don't miss it!

On the Fringe: Occasionally, I will put forth acts that are far out beyond the Chippewa Valley but definitely worth the drive. If you can make it over to the Cabooze in Minneapolis on May 30th, you'll be treated to the very original and Eastern European punk sound of Gogol Bordello, easily a favorite of mine and one that is so catchy, even a redneck would have a blast!

Oooo! The summer festivals are upon us!

I just can't shake a vibe when it gets started. This last weekend saw a very cool Reggae Festival away down in Trempealeau. Yes, it was windy and cold (and for a brief moment rainy), but the music was hot, and the crowd was incredible. Probably one of the best years for it. But alas, now that it's passed all radars spin round to the entirety of summer and the awesome music and arts festivals yet to come. Without further ado:

- Campout Roots Festival: This is one cool event. Camping, music - need I say more? Away down in Black River Falls, the NCN Campgrounds boasts 75 acres of camping heaven complete with swimming pond, beach, trails, frisbee golf and an onsite restaurant, and it is here where the Campout Roots Festival will shake the grounds June 4th-7th. On tap, bands are lined up with such names as: Trampled by Turtles, Pert Near Sandstone, Charlie Parr, Dewayn Brothers, Oakhurst, Down Lo, Smokin' Bandits, Natty Nation, and a whole pile more that will make those three nights a time to remember. For more information on this wicked cool festival, see their website here.

- Willow River Blues and Brews Fest: This brilliant festival takes place June 5th& 6th at Mary Park in New Richmond. You can enjoy handcrafted beers and wines, live blues bands, and arts and crafts booths from all over. Bands include Howard Leudtke, Ross William Perry, Reverend Raven, Brandon Scott Sellner, and Lamont Cranston. There is no cover charge for any of the shows, but there is a $15 advance/$20 door cover for the brew tasting. But wow, what a great combination! For more info, click here.

- The Taste of Eau Claire: Taste some new dishes or revisit some old as restaurants, caterers, and specialty food vendors from around Eau Claire County show off their finest menu items along the banks of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers on Sunday, June 7th at beautiful Phoenix Park from 11am-6pm. In addition to all the great food, there will be live music by local bands and a Kids' Zone inflatable park. This is one tasty event and "a great place to meat." Don't miss it!

Ah, the Summer Outdoor Music Season Begins!

You know, summer is always a great time for the arts, and music especially. Given the increase in venues for outdoor music throughout Eau Claire and beyond, its nice to relax on the grass, watch the sun go down and the lights go up and dance. Seeing how we Wisconsinites have what, three months tops to really enjoy ourselves outside, its tradition to cram as much fun as possible into enjoying the great outdoors before we have to shutter ourselves back up. That's why if you love local music, you'll love the Chippewa Valley this season.

On tap for the summer is the annual Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, hosted by the EC culture 'zine Volume One, at the Labyrinth in beautiful Phoenix Park along the river. The series begins June 4th at 6:30pm with the Eau Claire Blues All Stars and Little Willie, and runs every Thursday evening throughout the summer with plenty of the best musical acts around.

New for this season, and inspired by the SLSCS is Tuesday Blues in Owen Park, a weekly infusion of some of the area's best blues bands, hosted by the Chippewa Valley Blues Society. The Blues series begins May 26th at 6:30pm at the bandshell with regionally famous and internationally known Howard "Guitar" Luedtke.

I'll post subsequent acts closer to their play times for these two brilliant events. Come join us!

Reggaefest in Trempealeau this weekend!

Just a reminder to all that the very cool annual Reggaefest will be filling Trempealeau with its warm vibes and great music this coming weekend on May 16th. The fun begins at 2pm and runs until 11pm. The line up is as follows:

Uprising – 2pm-5pm (www.bayfrontreggae.com)
Natty Nation – 5pm-8pm (www.nattynation.com/
The Ark Band – 8pm- 11pm (www.thearkband.com)

As is tradition, there's a fair chance of rain, but don't let that stop you! Check the weather as the weekend draws near and bring raingear if needed. Otherwise, the hotel has a stageside view from their 3-season porch so you won't miss the music or the action.

See my post from April 12th for more info.

See ya there!

Elf Lettuce, Sextets and Mages, oh my!

Okay, I'll be frank here on this one. Being a relatively green explorer of the music scene here in Eau Claire, there are obvious times when I haven't a clue about some acts that rear their lyrical heads. BUT - that in itself presents me with the opportunity to go see them as a tabula rasa, a blank slate, upon which they can impress their vibes without prior interpretation or commentary. And so I, like I hope many of you, will check out these colorfully named groups to see what they are all about:
- On Thursday, May 14th, Minneapolis-based Mages will bring their acoustic psychedelic folk to the Acoustic Cafe at 7pm. Check out their site and listen to a sampling of their songs here.

- Also on Thursday at 9pm at the Eau Claire House of Rock, you can tap your toes to the supreme jazz of Eau Claire's own The Walk/Klenz Sextet. If you happen to miss this show, they'll be playing again at the Acoustic Cafe on Saturday, May 23rd at 7pm. To learn more, see Jeff Walk's website here.

- And again on Thursday, The Mousetrap will be overrun by a strange case of Elf Lettuce, a Madison-based group whose sound is pretty much all over the map. Their site describes them as "cosmic funkabilly blues rock improv" which pretty much covers it all. They sound pretty damned interesting. Check them out!

Artist Review: Brian Bethke and his album Auburdeen

Spiraling out in a wide musical arc from the Chippewa Valley, through Minneapolis to Chicago, Kentucky, Georgia and Florida, singer-songwriter Brian Bethke, a native of Osseo, recently began what's he's come to call his "southern folk tour" for his recently released album Auburdeen, a soulful exorcism that lays bare the struggle to put the past behind oneself, to accept one's life and to use that knowledge to create a better future. And I think Brian Bethke achieves just that. Having been on his own since age 15, Brian has had his share of ups and downs. He began writing and playing gigs for the public since that time. In 2005, he was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Despite the chronic pain, migraines and fatigue associated with the disease, Brian put his songwriting talents to good use, releasing his first work The Glass Album in 2008 followed by channeling the challenges of his life into the pure and emotive complexity that is Auburdeen. "Fibromyalgia made me take a good look at myself and work hard to come to peace with myself," Brian said, "That's what this album Auburdeen was all about." Brian has been quite open about his feelings of hopelessness and loss with the onset of his disease. Despite any pains it may give him, in concert he seems very open, happy, and playfully engaging with his audience. His expert acoustic guitar-playing and range of voice along with soulful songwriting combine to make Auburdeen a tour de force.
Auburdeen is an example of the power of positive thinking and working through the pains life can throw at you, of rising above it all and waving your hat at the sun.
You can see Brian Bethke at his CD release party at the Stone's Throw on May 22nd at 9pm or at the Whispering Pines in Osseo, WI on May 23rd at 6pm. To find out more about Brian or to purchase a CD, you can visit his site here. He also gives the option of free downloads here. Being passionate about the struggles associated with fibromyalgia, he invites everyone to visit the Men With Fibro site here. Congrats Brian on all your future successes! You've gained a fan with me.
Image by Brian Bethke

Irie Sol, 10pm Saturday, May 14th at the Mousetrap

Oh man...this is one of my all-time favorite groups, which as fate should so luckily have it, orbits about the fireball of the Chippewa Valley. I've seen Irie Sol numerous times and each time has been the best! Who is Irie Sol? They are a top-notch synthesis of reggae, soul, funk, jazz, ska and other genres all rolled into this premier eclectic powerhouse group. The band members themselves come from all over: Jamaica, Minneapolis, Korea, Rhode Island and Chippewa Falls. So its understandable why these guys are so damned good! Let me be the first to say that if these guys don't leave you with a huge smile on your face and a beat in your step, then you haven't been listening! It is always a great time when they play here. Don't miss them!
Image by Irie Sol

Seeger Boys and the Eau Claire symphonic soundtrack

For those of you who frequent (or infrequent for that matter) the State Theater, you may notice by the door a lone fiddlist happily playing his tunes with his fiddle case open for tips. That's Nick and he's actually the lead and organizer of the Seeger Boys, a family band of him and his children. Their specialty? Full-on bluegrass and old mountain tunes. What's so amazing about this group is the ages of the band members: Kitty is 9 years old and plays the fiddle; Enrico, 12, plays a mean banjo; Gordon, 15, plays the bass; and Liz, 18, plays the mandolin - all the while Nick strums his guitar. What's also amazing is that their talent for so young a band is extraordinary. Even if you're not a fan of bluegrass, go see these folks on Saturday, May 9th at Acoustic Cafe at 7pm, because they'll wow your socks off.
Another matter of musical interest is Dennis Luginhill's Current for Change, a symphonic tribute to Eau Claire, its history and its people, played also on Saturday, at the State Theater by the Chippewa Valley Symphony. This is sure to be a cool event. What says "local music" like a musical piece written by an Eau Clairian, played by Chippewa Valley(ans), about Eau Claire? Don't miss it!

The Everyone Orchestra and Fat Maw Rooney, Friday May 8th

I can't believe I've never heard of this before! The Everyone Orchestra and Fat Maw Rooney will be shaking the foundations of the Mabel Tainter Theater in Menomonie on Friday, May 8th at 8pm. Tickets are $17 advance/$20 at the door. So what is the Everyone Orchestra? This answer is from their website: "THE EVERYONE ORCHESTRA is a revolving cast of stellar musicians brought together by drummer/conductor Matt Butler for concerts, festival super jams and special benefit events. EO performances are designed to create space for each performers musical personality to shine, engage the audience as participants in the jam and to facilitate a massive celebratory coming together featuring a conductor directing both musicians and audience alike.
The list of Everyone Orchestra talent reads like a who’s who of jam band music and beyond including members of The Grateful Dead, Phish, Moe, String Cheese Incident, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Derek Trucks Band, Railroad Earth, Hot Buttered Rum, Tea Leaf Green and Jimmy Herring, Darol Anger, Adrian Belew, Taj Mahal, Maria Muldaur, live painters, dancers, hula hoopers, firespinners, stiltwalkers, activists, a presidential candidate, storytellers and hundreds of others among a growing legion of other performers." WOW. Sounds kind of like Van's Warped Tour slams into the many incarnations of Pigface, but with greater talent. If you like good jam rock, DO NOT miss this event! For more information, visit www.mabeltainter.com or visits EO's website here.
Image by Robert Marx

Housecleaning, Part Troi

Once again, a great amount of stuff happening in a short amount of time:

-The Shadow Box, a Pulitzer prize winning play directed by Richard Nimke will be playing at the Kjer Theater, UWEC at 7:30pm today and Saturday and May 6-9; 1:30pm on Sunday. The Shadow Box is a poignant but at times humorous play about three people all suffering terminal illness and how their lives and the lives of those closest to them deal with cancer.

- Osseo singer-songwriter Brian Bethke, will perform Friday, May 8th at the Acoustic Cafe at 7pm and on Friday, May 22nd at The Stone's Throw to promote the release of his new album titled Auberdeen. You can find his music and the opportunity to purchase his CD at his website: www.myspace.com/brianbethkemusic.

- On Saturday, May 2nd, from 12:30-8pm, the Water Street Commons parking lot will be the epicenter of the Students in Free Enterprise Battle of the Bands, final round competition to see which of four bands will rise to the top and go on to play at Milwaukee's Summerfest. If you go, expect good loud music and lots of people!

- Can you live in Wisconsin and not like beer? That's just unheard of. For all you microbrew/homebrew aficionados out there, a slice of heaven called the Big Brew is happening on Saturday, May 2nd from 10am-10pm at Mt. Simon Park. Raise a glass and toast to the 12th annual National Homebrew Day as homebrewers from all over convene in the park. To register or for more information, please call 715.833.8511. 21 and over, obviously.

Eau Claire Downtown Farmer's Market

Being a locavore and seasonal eater, it is with relish (sorry, pun intended) that I announce this year's schedule for the single best farmer's market in Central Wisconsin. The Eau Claire Downtown Farmer's Market, located in the pavilion at beautiful Phoenix Park is a must-do for any healthy eco-minded, community-loving person who really wants to know where their food is coming from. Heck, bring the whole family! Talk with the farmers. Aside from a huge selection of local and organic veggies, you can find free-range meats, salsas, flowers, breads, cheeses, maple syrup, honey, dog treats, kettle corn and a variety of local art. Usually during the full swing of midsummer, there is live music from local musicians as well. I just can't say enough about this wonderful market. If you love food, check out this summer-long event. Here's the schedule:
Saturdays in May
2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th
7:30am - 1:00pm

June 1st - October 31st
Wednesdays, 7:30am - 1:00pm
Thursdays, 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Saturdays, 7:30am - 1:00pm

If you somehow can't find time to get to this, you can also try two other great farmer's markets in town: The Oakwood Mall Farmer's Market, which takes place in the parking lot along Golf Road; and the Festival Foods Farmer's Market, which takes place in the Festival Foods parking lot off of Mall Drive.

Support your local farmers and invest in your local economy! Peace!

Literacy Festival, April 28th 6-7:30pm Carson Park

Okay, I dropped the ball on this one, but if you can still make it, do! A neat little gem among all the valley happenings, the Literacy Festival is a short but extrordinary time of community and arts celebrating literacy. Events begin with a community potluck followed by an array of entertainments by storytellers, storybook characters, activities and games and ends with a hand out of books to attending children by the local FirstBook organization. If you love reading, have children who love reading, or love the time spent reading to your child, don't miss this wonderful event!

Historic Reenactment returning to Chippewa Falls

Have you ever had the desire to scrape the fat and sinew from a fresh hide? Have you ever wondered what brain-tanning was all about, or muzzle-loading? Have you ever wondered how the people of this fine valley lived hundreds of years ago in the days of the fur-trade and lumberjacks? If your answer to any of these is YES, you should check out Chippewa Falls' The Past Passed Here, an historic reenactment camp situated in Allen Park from May 6th to the 10th. This is a great way to tear your kids away from their gaming and texting and teach them some history that will stick. Experience is the best teacher and this special event is sure to leave an impression! Admission is just $3 (ages 5 and under are free).

Any Lord of the Rings fans out there?

I don't know about you, but when the topic of LOTR comes up, I get excited. Now those of you who follow such lines know that New Line Cinema is working on the production of The Hobbit, the prequel to LOTR. But did you know of the online wealth of fan films that are out there? These films are by fans for fans. I won't kid you, most are low-budget and show it. BUT, there is one, actually two films (made by the same group) who are coming out with something that rivals the Peter Jackson films.
The Hunt for Gollum (www.thehuntforgollum.com) is a 40-minute story about Aragorn and the Rangers' search for Gollum. Those familiar with the story will remember Aragorn and Gandalf talking about it during the Council of Elrond. Trailers are posted on the website and boy, do they look cool!
Also, made by the same group, another film titled Born of Hope, follows the times of Aragorn's parents, Arathorn and Gilthaen (sp.) in their struggle against the dark forces amassing.
Both films look extraordinary and can be found at that website. Check them out! Because these are fan films and cannot accept money, The Hunt for Gollum is being made available for FREE downloading beginning May 3rd. Check them out!
See? Told you I get excited.

Housecleaning, part deux

Once again, I find myself in a tight place with much to share and little time to wax the life philosophic about it. At any rate, there is a slew of notable events happening nearly at once that I feel compelled to push out to you, dear reader. Enjoy!
- Jeffery Jaworski will grace the ears of Infinitea patrons with his classical guitar on Friday, April, 2th from 8-10pm.
- If you care to have your eardrums explode and your brain thrashed about, go to Eau Claire's House of Rock, also on Friday at 9:30pm for recursive sounds of the 4-pack bands of Desolatevoid, Social Parasite, Upon Extinction, and Purge the Woods. My head hurts just thinking about it.
- Okay, I do not follow the comic book scene, the anime scene nor any convoluted amalgams of the two, but perhaps I should start. NoBrandCon is the name of what I hear is a large and popular convention dedicated to anime. I thought Star Wars and Star Trek cons were strange, but this tops them all. The Ramada Convention Center (in downtown Eau Claire) will be holding the event, complete with a costume contest, anime theaters running 24 hours a day, dance, and guests of honor Kyle Hebert, Tiffany Grant, and Robert Axelrod. You can call 598.9215 for information or visit the website at www.ramadaeauclaire.com.
- Women Rise Up is the name of an event occuring between 2-6pm on Saturday, April 25th at the Raw Deal in Menomonie. What's it about? It's an opportunity for women of all ages to hear good music by women, hear seven speakers discussing women's issues and enlightening the general public about the issues facing women in today's society. Musical acts include QuinnElizabeth, Sarah Pray and Erika Wilder. There is a $5 suggested donation which will go to the Bridge of Hope women's shelter in Menomonie and the Interfaith Food Pantry. This is all for a very good cause, so please give generously. And guys, don't think this is a women-only event. It is open to any and all who wish to be educated on current issues.

The Excellent Adventure, CD release April 24th

The Eau Claire sound that has so many people talking not only throughout the state but nationwide is something akin to introspective, maybe almost lonely, indie-rock - at least that's the stuff that's been making the big headlines lately. But were one to truly delve into the scene, they'd see a wealth of diversity. For however much Eau Claire recalls the quietude of a soggy winter day, it also heats up happily in rhythms that get you going. Case in point: Local jam rock band The Excellent Adventure. They are having a CD release jam party on April 24th at 10pm at The Mousetrap for their album When Whales Could Fly. If you think the Eau Claire sound is all about quiet north woods musings, think again. And let The Excellent Adventure prove it to you.

Let's Get Chopped, Friday April 17th

We all hear about the big stars and how they were originally dishwashers, or valet parking dudes, or school teachers before getting the acting bug and making it big. Now's YOUR chance to start on the path. I know I'm late in getting this out, but if you can make it, go for it! Eight Foot Squid Productions is holding auditions late this afternoon from 3:30pm-6:30pm at CTV in Building 2 of Banbury Place (800 Wisconsin St.) for the horror movie "Fenris Unchained". Close to 300 actors, extras, and assistants are needed and you don't need to bring anything but yourself (and 299 friends). Filming for the project will take place in May/June in Eau Claire. For more information, call 715.254.1855

Peanut Butter and Gypsy bellydancing Benefit, Friday April 17th

Get out your zils, polish off your tamborines and coin belts and find your motivational "Li! Li! Li!" for a good cause. Our local favorite bellydancing troupe Peanut Butter and Gypsy will be performing on Friday, April 17th from 7 to 9pm at the Grand Little Theatre (102 W. Grand Ave.) Their performance will raise funds for the Bolton Refuge House domestic violence shelter. This is a very good cause so please be generous!
Photo by Sahaja

Yam Cannon CD release party April 18th

So let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you just aren’t interested in glitzing up for something as posh and pretentious as the Viennese Ball. If you’re the type who kindly bites your thumb at formality, discourages any tune with three beats per measure, and couldn’t lift your girlfriend even if you did know how to swing dance, fear not! Something else much better-suited for you is in store just up the river. Yam Cannon, one of Eau Claire’s most original sounds, is having a CD release party on April 18th at 10pm at The Mousetrap (311 S. Barstow St.). The party is free, the CD is only $5, and hey, you can wear what you slept in (provided it’s not your birthday suit). Take that, haughty ballgoers!

Reggae Fest, May 16th at Trempealeau Hotel

What says summer like the smooth and infectious beats of Jamaican music? Warm sand, dreadlocks, and those Caribbean sounds that work their way into your body so much that you can’t help but dance! You don’t have to travel all the way to Jamaica for that experience – just head to Trempealeau! Who’d have thought this sleepy town beneath the bluffs of the mighty Mississippi holds one of the premier Reggae festivals in the Midwest? I’ve been going to it now for many years and it has always been brilliant– world class music, Jamaican beer and crafts (with New Glarus beer on tap), and of course Trempealeau Hotel’s famous Walnut Burgers!This year’s festival is on Saturday, May 16th, 2009 from 2pm to 11pm sharp. The lineup is as follows:
Uprising – 2pm-5pm (www.bayfrontreggae.com)
Natty Nation – 5pm-8pm (www.nattynation.com/
The Ark Band – 8pm- 11pm (www.thearkband.com)
A couple of helpful hints: if you plan to overnight it at nearby Perrot State Park, know that sites fill up fast for that weekend. Drive slow and pay close attention to the camping rules. The rangers and police there are very keen on fest-ers. Also, since Reggaefest occurs in that slice of time where you might find yourself too hot, too cold, or too wet, plan and prepare for all elements. The fest goes rain or shine, and has a proclivity for rain. Traditionally, Reggaefest has been on the first weekend in May. But they’ve told me it was moved back a couple weeks to avoid the vagaries of the spring weather. To that I say “Jah mahn!” For more information on Reggaefest at the historic Trempealeau Hotel and to reserve tickets in advance (which is recommended), visit their website here. Tickets are $15 in advance/ $20 at the gate.
Photo by Natty Nation

Native American flute music April 16th and 19th

Born in northern Wisconsin and now living in Nashville, local favorite Bill Miller wanders much like the wandering birds he was named after. It is always a treat to see Bill when his spirit yearns to return to Wisconsin. We last saw him last year at the International Native American Flute Association (INAFA) conference at UWEC telling stories and playing great music for the crowd. He returns to our neck of the woods on April 16th at 8pm at UW-La Crosse. If you miss this show, he'll be returning up to Washburn, WI on July 2nd. Contact UWLC for more info.

Also, fluting his way back is Joseph Fire Crow. He'll be returning to Eau Claire on April 19th for a 1pm concert at the Unity Christ Center (1808 Folsom St.). Admission is $10, but very worth it! We last saw Joe also at the INAFA conference, playing among his fellows, R. Carlos Nakai, Coyote Oldman, and our own Peter Phippin (among other equally talented artists).
Photo by Bill Miller

Patchouli this weekend at Trempealeau Hotel

I don't know about you, but I am sick of the cold weather. Bring on the sunshine, truck in the trademark heat and sweltering humidity of an idyllic Wisconsin summer. After such a long and cold winter I know you can relate to the dire anticipation of shedding clothes, getting out the flip-flops and dusting off the coolers for the outdoor music season. Until then, a great way to spend this weekend at least is to get yourself down to Trempealeau's Historic Hotel along the Mississippi to hear Maiden Rock, WI natives, Patchouli play their warm, peace-loving music on April 11th at 8pm. Some of you may remember this friendly duo from their sets at OAFA. Less known is their alter-incarnation as the band Terra Guitarra. They often like to play from their Terra Guitarra material which can best be summed up as some seriously sizzling Spanish steel string guitar-picking. Throughout the summer, their gypsy-wandering takes them all over the Midwest and their music is always first class. Please check them out. For more info on their summer schedule and playtimes, see their site here. And hey, if you miss this chance, don't fret! They'll be playing at the Eau Claire Earth Day Celebration on April 25th!!
Photo by Patchouli

Eau Claire Earth Day Celebration

With all you hear in the news about climate change, drought and wild weather, one can begin to wish for Earth Day, Every Day. And of us all, it seems kids are the ones who understand this most. Case in point: Driving to an event last week, my wife and I were told by our three-year old that she has two mothers: Mommy and Mother Earth. Couldn't have said it better myself. If you have kids who love to dig in the dirt, learn about nature, alternative energy sources, and environmental protection, or if you yourself have a passion for the planet (and I hope you do, at least enough to not litter or throw your butts out the window of your car), take yourself and them to the Eau Claire Community Earth Day Celebration. This year it will be in Owen Park (1st and Water St., right along the river) on April 25th from 11am-6pm. See exhibits, activities, workshops and entertainment with an environmental message for us all. Taste locally-grown and organic foods from the exceptional Haymarket Grill, Alchemy Organica and the Goat Coffeehouse. An earthy way to spend the day. Don't forget to support the Beaver Creek Reserve, a jewel among natural areas in the region!

Okay, A Bit of Housecleaning...

One great thing about living in a cool town with so much stuff to do is that there's never a time when something isn't going on. Trying to keep track of it all in a timely manner can sometimes be daunting. When things get really squeezed, I'm forced to throw a lot at you in a small amount of space, dear reader. I know, I know, its rough. But at least you won't be bored. Gods forbid that ever happening. So without further ado...

• Thursday, April 9th, local bands Laarks and Meridene open for Minneapolis bigwigs Halloween, Alaska for HA's CD release party at 9pm at Eau Claire's mecca for metal, the House of Rock. $5 cover.
• Eau Claire's Infinitea Teahouse is hosting an International Photo Project. Those interested in being a part of this can submit up to 5 photos to Infinitea. They must be 8x10 pics with no frames and no titles AND they must have been taken outside of the US. They'll grace the walls of Infinitea all through May. At the end of the month, those who submitted in April can submit as many photos as they did the first time around but can be photos of anything they point their camera at. Infinitea has said this is a first come-first served deal so dust off your cameras, worldly travelers! For more info, go to their website here
  
• If you've never attended or battled in a true blue Poetry Slam, this might be your last chance in Eau Claire! The Running Water Poetry Slam, which has called the Acoustic Cafe its monthly home for a number of years now, is holding its last Slam on Thursday, April 16th from 7-9pm. Never heard of a poetry slam? It's a word battle between local poets who are given 3 minutes to shout, cry, slice and dice their best verbally intense poet-musings before a word-hungry audience. Judges in the crowd choose the best poet. If you go, prepare to have your mind cut to ribbons with the diamond-sharp words of these poet-bum bodhisattvas. A truly fun experience!
• April 17-18th is the legendary weekend of the famous Viennese Ball at the Davies Center at UWEC. I've heard it is the largest of its kind outside of Vienna, Austria. Not sure of the truth of that, but it certainly is a big to-do. Dust off your tux or party dress, whip out the expensive jewelry and Dapper Dan hair grease for this recreative soire of 19th Century Vienna. Tickets go very fast for this yearly ritual of class, elegance and style. For more information, contact the UW-Eau Claire at 715.836.3727

More to come...

This year's 48-hour Video Project begins April 17th

What could possibly bring out the creativity more in filmmakers than the stress of a deadline set for two days after they begin? How about the popular 48-Hour Video Project, a visual arts contest hosted by Eau Claire Community Television! This year's theme is "Anything but Monsters" so that leaves the doors of invention pretty wide open. I mean, really, monsters seem to have had better and more frequent jobs than most actors these days, and their union reps have stated that their monsters would prefer not to become cliche, so there ya go. No monsters. If you want to try your luck at some arduous filmmaking, find yourself at Banbury Place, Suite 405 on April 17th at 7pm. Registration is a simple $5. You then have 48 hours to film your video. It should be between 1-10 minutes in length. At the end of the 48 hours, turn in your film at the same place, same time. And if I am correct, there will be an awards ceremony at the Davies Center at the university after their review. Contact Rob Mattison at 715.839.5067 if you're interested in signing up for this creative 2 day spurt.
Photo by dyedude22

In the Heart of the Beast Theater 35th Annual Mayday Parade and Festival

Here's a tidbit that, yes, is outside the Chippewa Valley, but is so unique and inventive and close that I just had to mention it. On Lake St. in Minneapolis, there is a theater called In the Heart of the Beast, which ramps up its activities for an explosive pageant of wonderful creativity known as their May Day Parade. I didn't know about this wonderful gem until only a few years ago, but what a fantastic event! Using the simplest of ingredients to make their larger-than-life masks and puppetry, they explore the deeper regions and colorful explorations of the human spirit and condition. Riding on themes of transformation and renewal, HOBT releases the beauty of spring with their wonderful parade on Bloomington Avenue followed by an extraordinary festival in Powderhorn Park. This year's parade and festival will be on Sunday, May 3rd. If you do nothing else in the Cities this year, go to this event! For more information, please see their website here.
Helpful hint: Due to its popularity, parking can be excruciating. Plan ahead to find the best routes and parking spots.
Photo by Yvonne Lai

Daredevil Christopher Wright CD release in May

Of the many bands making a name for themselves in Eau Claire these days (and of them the stellar acts getting national media accolades), one that I've let horribly slip beneath my radar is the Daredevil Christopher Wright. I know, I know, I should be shot - especially since they've been playing for a long time now. At any rate, their new CD is titled In Deference to a Broken Back and set for release on May 19th. You can pre-order it directly from Amble Down Records here.

Lez Zeppelin, Tonight At Stone's Throw - 9:30pm

Ever wonder what would happen if you found yourself in a universe where Led Zeppelin was a chick-band? Well, welcome to that universe! The power chords of the tribute band Lez Zeppelin (yes, that's Lez Zeppelin)will be tearing up the Stone's Throw tonight at 9:30pm. There's a $15 cover at the door. A band of hot chicks belting out classic Zeppelin tunes? Dunno about you, but I think I'm interested. Grrr baby.

Eau Claire Open Air Festival of the Arts (OAFA)

Ah, warm sunshine, sparkling water, green grass, wonderful local music, arts and true community. What more could a person ask for? How about an environmentally-friendly, people-powered, waste-free arts festival? I speak of the OAFA (rhymes with 'sofa') which takes place this year on Saturday, June 13th once again at Phoenix Park in Eau Claire. Yes, I know I'm very early in mentioning it, and probably more than crazy even thinking about it during this spring cold snap, but there is an important date coming up. April 30th, 2009 - that's when exhibitors and vendors for the festival must have their Artist Applications in.

For details on applying as an exhibitor or for coming to this extraordinary festival, please visit OAFA's website here.

An intro...

Hey, thanks for checking out my blog. I truly appreciate it. My name's Brad and I'd like to start by admitting that I am not a blogger, not professionally nor even much as an amateur, but I'd like to think this blog, however tattered and disjointed it is, will help in whatever degree in getting the word out on the arts scene in Eau Claire, WI and the surrounding communities of the Chippewa Valley because it is really something! Those of you who even five or ten years ago moved away from this town, in agony over the lack of culture would be wise to check in on us again. I moved to EC in 2000 and also felt the agony -like being in a timewarp of old radio stations playing songs from decades ago as though they were today's hits, feeling cut off from the culture of the Twin Cities. But let me tell you (and through this blog, show you) how different things are today. What was the turning point - going from cultural wasteland to arts mecca? I think a big catalyst was the advent of the culture 'zine Volume One. Finally was born a one-stop shopping source for all the happenings in the valley, and who knew prior to this what was going on around town or in neighboring communities? Apparently, not a whole lot. In the time since I've been here, I've seen a radical change for the better. New and vibrant festivals, a revitalized downtown, a superb reclamation of old polluted land at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers into the very beautiful Phoenix Park - home of one of the very best Farmer's Markets in the country, an extensive and expanding bike trail system connecting not only the various areas of Eau Claire, but also to neighboring communities, and a wonderful grassroots upswelling of those interested in green living and environmental consciousness - an idea that city planners are taking serious interest in. Madison's own culture 'zine Isthmus has given strong praise for the incredible musical talent coming from Eau Claire, notably Justin Vernon's Bon Iver, and the host of bands under Amble Down Records.
I won't kid you though. I am not a professional critic of music, art, politics or whathaveyou, nor do I hold an arts degree. Though I'm a follower of this scene, and a contributor, I don't follow these areas as closely as I want to. I am a busy and devoted father of a young child, so I do not make it to every show or even half the shows. However, I do make it to enough of them to give you, common reader, a taste of what the fine community of Eau Claire and the fine family of communities in the Chippewa Valley does, and does right. I feel an excitement about this town the likes of which I've never felt before, and you can feel it everywhere, in every district, on every street, coming out of establishments like the Joynt Bar on Water St., Acoustic Cafe or The Stone's Throw on Barstow St. or mingling with the view at Phoenix Park. And it is exciting to be a part of it, even as a common man. So what will you see here in the Golden Moon? You'll see announcements of upcoming shows and matters of interest. You'll see reviews of shows that have been. And you'll see ideas as they come out of the community of fine artists and musicians that make this small midwestern town a truly beautiful place to live. Thanks for coming.