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!