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.
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