Volume One

Tonight's Concert Is Cancelled, but You Just Can't Keep It Down

Due to an excessively drenched and super-slick Phoenix Park (and the threat of more rain), tonight's concert with Snifter and Downer's Grove has been canceled, but the bands aren't about to call it quits. The Stones Throw is stepping in as a rain location – and lucky for us because it's "Buck-a-Bone" rib night and there's all kinds of drink specials. Check it out!

Snifter + Downer's Grove • Thursday, August 14 • The Stones Throw, 304 Eau Claire St., Eau Claire • 6:30pm • 21+ • FREE • 552-5882

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Meridene + The Wars of 1812

Phark it up tonight with a duo of fresh-faced musical acts! Meridene is a young indie rock band known for excellent and catchy songwriting. The Wars of 1812 are a foursome of passionate musicians from Minnesota writing mature rock tunes.

Weather: All signs point to sunny skies.

Sounds Like Summer: Meridene + The Wars of 1812 • Thursday, Aug. 7 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: Deborah Becker/State Farm Insurance,  RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Clear Channel.

Posted by Mike

Sunday: WHYS Bluegrass Festival

Twiddle up your twangers and polish up those washboards – it’s time for the WHYS (radio) Bluegrass Festival! Rain or shine, this family-friendly festival features the New North String Band, Blue Drifters, River City Ramblers (pictured), Seeger Boys, East Hill Bluegrass Band, and the Evergreen Grass Band. There’ll be food, root beer, and non-root beer. Ski Sprites show at 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at Altoona Family Restaurant, Crossroad Books, and Just Local Food.

WHYS Bluegrass Festival • Sunday, Aug. 10 • Lake Altoona County Park • noon-9pm • In advance: $8 per person, $12 family, Day of: $10 per person, $15 family • 831-WHYS • www.whysradio.org

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Little Willie + Ultimate Frisbee Orchestra + Go Green! Fair

Both of tonight’s Pharkin' good bands are adventurous jam/rock bands that are not afraid to experiment and get their hands dirty from time to time, laying out solid grooves and exploratory solos. Tonight’s show is part of Volume One’s mini Go Green! fair – booths and displays from local green businesses. Check it out.

Weather: The weather looks fine – come on down!

Sounds Like Summer: Little Willie + Ultimate Frisbee Orchestra + The Go Green! Fair • Thursday, July 31 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: Eau Claire Transit, RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Clear Channel.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Mike Perry, Long Beds, Billy Krause

Thursday's Pharkapalooza features some of the area's best country/rock/folk/stuff. Michael Perry and the Long Beds are a collection of talented musicians centered around best-selling author Mike Perry’s down home country rock sensibilities. Billy Krause is a local folk staple and Eau Claire scene veteran with an original, mature sound.

Weather Update: The weather looks great – see you tonight!

Sounds Like Summer: Michael Perry and the Long Beds + Billy Krause • Thursday, July 24 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: Eau Claire Transit, RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Clear Channel. And a big thanks to our special, one night sponsor Midwest Dental.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Daredevil Christopher Wright + Laarks Storm the Phark

Thursday evening brings you a duo of local indie rock favorites down at the Phark. The Daredevil Christopher Wright  are a singer-songwriter based alternative indie folk trio with amazing three part harmonies and creative songcraft. Laarks are a keyboard driven art-pop four-piece. A trio plus a four-piece can mean one of two things: a) way too much chicken to eat in once sitting, or b) a rocking good time. Let's hope for the latter.

NOTE: We're on. It's a go. Come on down. The radar (this one) is not showing any storms behind what came through today. So yee-haw!

Sounds Like Summer: Daredevil Christopher Wright + Laarks • Thursday, July 17 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: Eau Claire Transit, RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Clear Channel.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: The Klenz/Walk Sextet

Tonight's concert in the phark features the six-man jazz attack of The Klenz/Walk Sextet – a group featuring a healthy mix of UWEC Jazz I-level musicians and a dose of local jazz scene veterans. So get on down there tonight and get your jazz on.

NOTE: Despite some afternoon rain, the concert is still on!

Sounds Like Summer: Klenz/Walk Sextet  • Thursday, July 10 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: Eau Claire Transit, Culvers, RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Clear Channel.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Jim Pullman Band

Check out this little Jim Pullman fan's handiwork upon one of Eau Claire's fine pedestrian walkways. (Click the pic for a biggie. Also here and here). The chalk don't lie – the Jim Pullman Band takes the stage labyrinth on Thursday night down in the Phark – a rock and roll trio playing a mix of melodic, guitar-driven originals and well-selected cover tunes. Joining them will be local female-fronted rockers Myrna Loy.

Bonus: If you leave a comment listing the street on which this artwork is located, you win free tickets to Thursday's concert!!

Sounds Like Summer: Jim Pullman Band  + Myrna Loy • Thursday, July 3 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: RCU, Clear Channel, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, and the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Everyone Gets the Blues

Down at the Phark tonight you’ll see a man named after his instrument. That’s probably a good sign. Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Blue Max have become one of the Chippewa Valley’s premier rockin’ electric blues acts. With scorching originals and covers, they’ve shared stages with the likes of George Thorogood, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, and many others. Important: Bring a fire extinguisher to keep at the ready in case your hair bursts into flames from the lightening-hot six-string solos.

Sounds Like Summer: Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Blue Max • Thursday, June 26 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: RCU, Clear Channel, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, and the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Irie Sol + Juneteenth

Tonight in the Phoenix Park amphitheater, you'll groove to the reggae/hip-hop/jam ensemble Irie Sol. This band is chock full of local talent, and they've been hard at work spreading their special blend of musical herbs and spices all over Eau Claire like tasty mayonnaise. (Just go with the metaphor.) You can expect horns and drums and lots and lots of love. The performance is part of Eau Claire's own Juneteenth celebration, happening down in the Phark all day.

Sounds Like Summer: Irie Sol (part of Juneteenth) • Thursday, June 19 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, and the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Yam Cannon + Max Power and the Feedback

Hey! With our summer concert series winding back into action, we can once again start calling Phoenix Park “The Phark.” Yep, good times. Tonight at the Phark, Yam Cannon – shown here hanging out in some sort of grain storage facility – will emerge from the cave in which they dwell to rock your socks off with alternating shots of jam and hard rock. Both Yam Cannon and Max Power are Eau Claire-based, hot, up-and-coming jam rock bands that lay out some killer grooves and melodies. Enjoy.

Sounds Like Summer: Yam Cannon + Max Power and the Feedback • Thursday, June 12 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, and the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Posted by Mike

Cancelled: East Hill Bluegrass Band

The Sounds Like Summer Concert Series is back! Down at Phoenix Park tonight you’ll hear Eau Claire’s own East Hill Bluegrass Band, a band that ain't got no stupid MySpace page because they don't need no stupid MySpace page. Together these musicians have over 70 years of bluegrass playing experience. Combine fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, dobro and upright bass and the result is a powerful mix of acoustic instrumentation and high lonesome harmonies ranging from old-time to newgrass.

Sounds Like Summer: East Hill Bluegrass Band • Thursday, June 5 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Hillside Dental, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Chilson Subaru, and the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. 

Posted by Mike

You Know You've Made It When ...

So, I'm a shameless Lost addict. It's one of my few vices. Grey's Anatomy is on before Lost, so I caught the last 15 minutes or so the other night. Much to my surprise, Bon Iver's "The Wolves" was the background music. It's the episode called "Losing My Mind" (last segment if you watch it online). Whoa.

Love Jagjaguwar's advance theory about the episode:

Will McDreamy disappear into the woods after a bad break up, set up shop at his father's surgery cabin only to re-emerge months later with a beard and a collection of surgical procedures that leave the medical blogosphere a buzz with admiration and wonder?!?!

... you'll have to tune in to find out.

Posted by Karline

New Quick Web Poll!

With today’s amazing music-based electronic video games allowing us unprecedented access to top-notch rock star fantasies, we’ve been wondering – when you imagine yourself upon that imaginary stage of rock … what are you holding? Check out the left sidebar and vote on the instrument you’d like to wield. And leave a comment on this post if your weapon of choice isn’t listed.

Posted by Mike

New Quick Web Poll!

Hey, Chippewa Valley – whatchya drinkin’?! Check out our new poll in the left sidebar and pick your favorite beverage. If you’d like to be more specific about what you like to drink and where you like to drink it, leave a comment on this post!

Picture: A V1 staffer experiences the glorious results of an all-day coffee binge.

Posted by Mike

Firsthand Reports Indicate Justin Vernon’s Sweat “Tastes Like Milk”

Okay, a lot of us in Eau Claire are currently following the relative rocketship career that local Justin Vernon is suddenly having with his new project, Bon Iver. The dude cannot be stopped. A major tour, big festival appearances, getting nation-wide airplay, featured in rave reviews, magazine spreads, radio interviews – the list goes on and on. He's undoubtedly already Eau Claire's biggest music scene success story in quite some time and the Jagjaguwar album, For Emma Forever Ago, has only been out about a month. Every last bit of this is awesome – his local family is cheering him on all the way. But for those of us who know him (and many in this town do) you just HAVE to stop and take stock of the hilarity of parts of this situation:

FADER magazine recently produced a short video interview with Justin – a video where you watch him get a massage and talk about himself. For seven minutes. You don't even see the guy’s face. It’s amazing. A video of a pasty-white, half-naked man with a Midwestern drawl must certainly say something about the state of indie rock (and celebrity) in America – but what, I don’t know. Justin, we love you, but this is really funny. Good luck out there.

BONUS VIDEO FUN FACT: Vernon says the word “like,” like 76 times. That’s about one every 10 seconds. It peaks somewhere in the middle.

Just announced: Bon Iver is playing The Current's (Minnesota Public Radio) Rock the Garden event at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis on June 21 with some serious talent: Andrew Bird, The New Pornographers, and Cloud Cult. Tickets are on sale.

Posted by Nick

V1 Contributor On Air Sunday Night

V1 writer and former editorial intern Kara Banker is set to appear on the new local/independent music and arts program Local Independence at 7pm Sunday night on 89.7 WUEC. Description from WPR:

February 3, 2008: Guest reader Kara Banker focuses on local music and features interviews with members of the Chippewa Valley community. In addition to the reading, the music of local artists Jack O’Connor, Fine and Silverring will be played.

Posted by Karline

Tuesday: Idea Lounge 6

On Tuesday we’ll be hosting the sixth Idea Lounge: a laidback discussion series with our buddies at Downtown Eau Claire Inc. It's gonna be a hot one. The new topic:

State of the Arts
Embracing and expanding the Chippewa Valley’s arts, music, and cultural scene

Exactly what do you think about when someone mentions “The Arts?” Ballet at the State Theatre? Paintings in some hard-to-find gallery? An evening of chamber music? For too many people, these images completely define “the arts.” These kinds of events are important, but there’s so much more to it. A narrow perception of the arts and the impact it has on our area (both economically and culturally) is but one of the many hurdles we face in sustaining our local arts scene. And it’s time to address some of these issues.

Are local venues (from large non-profits like the State Theatre to smaller for-profit venues) booking and producing the acts you want to see? What strategies do we need for creating and supporting stronger arts organizations? What are the common pitfalls when planning and promoting art, music, theater, or dance events? What’s out there as far as state and local funding? What examples exist of thriving arts initiatives? Let’s discuss ways to make our very own arts scene something to be proud of.

Click "Continue Reading" to check out the panelists.

Idea Lounge 6 (a laidback discussion series) • Tuesday, Jan. 22 • Pizza Plus Eatery, 208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • schmooze 6:30pm, talk 7-8:30pm • all ages • FREE • cash bar • 552-0457

Posted by Mike

Amble Down’s Big Holiday Giveaway

From our friends over at Amble Down Records in Chippewa ...

In the spirit of the season and all else that goes along with joyous holiday cheer, we're giving away (for free) all four records of the Amble Down Records '07 catalogue!

The way it works: today through Christmas Eve, every 25th person to email us at store@ambledown.com, with the word "snow" in the subject line, will be the recipient of all four records – sent directly, free of charge!

Also, we've been running our "Holiday Special" for about a week now and will be through New Years – simply click here to order the complete ADR '07 catalogue for he limited price of only *$15.00.*

There you go, music lovers. Free awesome local stuff – git sum.

Posted by Mike

New Quick Web Poll!

We’ve got a new web poll up in the left sidebar about your attraction to/repulsion from cigarette smoke at local shows. Some Chippewa Valley venues are experimenting with smoke-free gigs, and here’s your chance to voice an opinion on the matter. Leave specific comments right on this post.

Posted by Mike

Sunday: State Of The Scene

This is a message from Mr. Zach Felling ...

The next State of the Scene discussion is scheduled for this Sunday night. The first “State of the Scene” discussion on Sept., 29th was described “as a fun, informal discussion on the issues surrounding local music, including venues, bands, promoting, city regulations, festivals, special events, touring acts, etc.” Several in attendance thought it would be worthwhile to continue this discussion and explore the possibility of a more formal organization that could work to promote an even more vibrant live music scene in Eau Claire (and the surrounding area). So with that in mind, the agenda for this Sunday will mainly include three items:

• A discussion of the organizational structure and goals of the group. The group could organize informally or formally. An informal group might have some value – networking, generating ideas, sharing information, fun. A formal group would have more ability to actually do things and accomplish goals but would obviously require people to step forward and volunteer to be leaders.

• Whether this thing continues as informal discussions or becomes something more, it need leaders. On Sunday, I would like to nominate a committee of people to help organize this.

More discussion on actions that people would like to see happen includes kiosks for hanging posters, working with UWEC’s concert committee, addressing city ordinances that make all age shows difficult to pull off, and getting the city to allow more events with alcohol, etc., etc.

See you Sunday evening at the Nucleus,
Zach Felling

State of the Scene • Sunday, Nov. 18 • Racy’s/The Nucleus, 404 Riverside Ave. • 7pm • all ages • smoke-free • FREE

Posted by Mike

The Big Sh-Bang Ticket Giveaway 2: Match’em Up!

Here’s your second chance to win a pair of free-free-free tickets to Eau Claire’s biggest local music scene celebration ever – The Big Sh-Bang! It starts on Thursday. Never heard of the Big Sh-Bang? Well, check out pages 30-35 of the current issue of Volume One. Basically, it’s a big ol’ music festival spanning three (three!) days and eight (eight!) local venues, featuring over fifty (fifty!) local bands.

The tickets (worth ten bucks apiece) are “all show passes” and they’ll get you in free to the whole damn deal. To win them, you must leave a comment below matching up the following Eau Claire/Altoona venues with the big-time band that’s played there. (You must enter your name and email address when commenting.) Each band has only played at one of the venues. We’re pretty sure. Go!

The Bands
Metallica
Fugazi
Buddy Holly
Candlebox
Reverend Horton Heat
Ritchie Havens
Citizen King
Dizzy Gillespie
Jimmy Eat World
Tori Amos

The Venues
The Stone's Throw
Fournier's Ballroom
Zorn Arena
The Joynt
Altoona Hobbs Sports Center
Old Mill Center
House of Rock
Council Fire Room
The Golden Chair
The State Theatre

Just click “comments” below and enter your matches. Previous winners are not eligible. We’ll let you know right away if you are wrong or right. Good luck! Sh-Bangin’ details are available at www.bigshbang.com.

UPDATE: We have a winner! (See comments.)

Posted by Mike

Local Music Scene Discussion

Check this out: the upcoming Big Sh-Bang Music Festival (snazzy website here) includes a panel discussion on Eau Claire's local music scene. Everyone's welcome for an informal talk on what is and what isn't working in the area as far as local shows and bands are concerned. Unfortunately, we misprinted the discussion's date on page 30 of the current (Sept. 20) issue. The correct date/time is below – as well as on page 34 of the magazine. This very well could be an amazing night of important interaction. Check it out.

The State of the Scene • Saturday, Sept. 29 • Racy's/The Nucleus, 404 Riverside Ave. • 5pm • all ages • smoke-free • FREE

Posted by Mike

Winner!

Congratulations to Aaron who won our awesome local music trivia contest, winning two all-show passes the Big Sh-Bang Music Festival. The correct responses:

1. The Golden Chair
2. TU = Truckers Union (as in TU Trax)
3. The Edgar Allen Pose

We'll be giving away more tickets next week!

Posted by Mike

The Big Sh-Bang Big Ticket Giveaway!

Here’s your chance to win a pair of free-free-free tickets to Eau Claire’s biggest local music scene celebration ever – The Big Sh-Bang! Never heard of the BS-B? Well, read this:

The Big Sh-Bang! Music Festival runs Thursday through Saturday, September 27-29. Eight diverse local venues have come together as never before, organizing a three-day tour of the area’s original music scene. More than 50(!) acts are slated to make appearances throughout the weekend including acoustic acts, rock bands, hip-hop groups, jazz combos, solo performers, and more. There’s an opening night party, a discussion event, and there’s even a compilation CD you can buy that supports not only the artists of the Big Sh-Bang!, but the music departments of the Eau Claire Area School District as well.

Now you’re educated. The tickets (worth ten bucks apiece) are “all show passes” and they’ll get you in free to the whole damn deal. To win them, you must be the first to email Webmaster Mike (mike@volumeone.org) with correct answers to the following questions:

1. What music venue used to be housed at a Water Street location where instead of hot guitar licks, people now enjoy hot light bulbs?
2. Eau Claire’s last independently-owned record store was known by a couple of names. One of those names contained two letters all by themselves. What did those letters stand for?
3. What current local band is comprised of musicians who used to play for  former and current bands Franklin Airmen, The Nicotines, The Crawlin’ Kingsnakes, Echo Bravo, Naked Aggression, and Death of a Ladies’ Man?

Good luck! Sh-Bangin’ details will eventually be available at www.bigshbang.com (keep checking), and we’ll have a big guide to the whole thing in our Sept. 22 issue.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Last Concert in the Phark

Update: Tonight's concert is most definitely still on, people. So grab a sweater and a lawn chair (the grass is a bit moist), and get ready for the end of the season blowout!

This is the final night of Volume One’s 2007 Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, and we’re going out with a bluesy bang with the Eau Claire Blues All-Stars. Take a powerhouse collection of some of the area’s most seasoned rock and blues musicians, add a hot horn section and a touch of indie cred, and you get the EC Blues All-Stars. A favorite of the concert series and various local festivals, the All-Stars know how to heat up an outdoor party.

Sounds Like Summer: Eau Claire Blues All-Stars • Thursday, Sept. 12 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these mind boggling sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers Pizza, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Eau Claire Jaycees, and Group Health Cooperative.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: DigiPullman

The Phark comes alive tonight with a double shot of good tunes: Minneapolis’s Digitata and Eau Claire’s Jim Pullman Band. Digitata is a trio of former locals comprising a splashy electro pop band. Fronted by vintage keys and gripping female vocals, backed by deep grooves and tight drum ‘n’ bass rhythms, Digitata and their two full-length records have caused repeated stirrings in the Twin Cities and beyond. When they’re done, the Jim Pullman Band takes the stage labyrinth – a rock and roll trio playing a mix of melodic, guitar-driven originals and well-selected cover tunes.

Sounds Like Summer: Digitata + Jim Pullman Band • Thursday, Sept. 6 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these mind boggling sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers Pizza, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Eau Claire Jaycees, and Group Health Cooperative.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Michael Perry and the Long Beds

Tonight’s Phark-based musical magic will come courtesy of Michael Perry and the Long Beds. (This is a rescheduled show.) The Long Beds are a long-suffering bunch of rotating musicians who feed into Michael Perry’s Waylon Jennings-meets-Patty Griffin fantasies. They furthermore help him remember lyrics and which way to point his guitar. The music they create has been described as “like Gordon Lightfoot ... only zippier!” See you there!

Sounds Like Summer: Michael Perry and the Long Beds • Thursday, Aug. 30 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these mind boggling sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers Pizza, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Eau Claire Jaycees, and Group Health Cooperative.

Posted by Mike

CANCELLED Tonight: Jim

Update: Unfortunately, the Phark is completely soaked with little hope of drying out, and the powers that be are forecasting much moisture. Sorry, but tonight's concert is off.

A hopefully non-soggy Phoenix Park will host The Jim Pullman Band tonight – a rock and roll trio playing a mix of melodic, guitar-driven originals and well-selected cover tunes. It's looking kind of gloomy – so keep checking to see if it’s still on.

Sounds Like Summer: Jim Pullman Band • Thursday, Aug. 23 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these mind boggling sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers Pizza, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Eau Claire Jaycees. 

Posted by Mike

Thursday: A Pluckin’ Good Time

Down at the Phark tonight you’ll here Eau Claire’s own East Hill Bluegrass Band, a band that ain't got no stupid MySpace page because they don't need no stupid MySpace page. Together these musicians have over 70 years of bluegrass playing experience. Combine fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, dobro and upright bass and the result is a powerful mix of acoustic instrumentation and high lonesome harmonies ranging from old-time to newgrass.

Sounds Like Summer: East Hill Bluegrass Band • Thursday, Aug. 16 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out the sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers Pizza, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Eau Claire Jaycees, and Group Health Corporative.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Wailing Gee-tars

Down at the Phark tonight you’ll see a man named after his instrument. That’s probably a good sign. Howard “Guitar” Luedtke and Blue Max have become one of the Chippewa Valley’s premier rockin’ electric blues acts. With scorching originals and covers, they’ve shared stages with the likes of George Thorogood, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, and many others. Important note: Bring a fire extinguisher to keep at the ready in case your hair bursts into flames from the lightening-hot six-string solos.

Sounds Like Summer: Howard “Guitar” Luedtke & Blue Max • Thursday, Aug. 2 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these mind boggling sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers Pizza, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, the Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Eau Claire Jaycees, and Group Health Corporative.

Posted by Mike

Last Night’s Concert Footage from Phoenix Park

Chippewa Valley Community Television’s Rob Mattison was out at Phoenix Park last night to film the Eau Claire Blues All-Stars. He got some rockin’ concert footage. Click here the watch and please be patient as the video loads ...  

More info here.

Posted by Mike

CANCELLED Thursday: Eau Claire Blues All-Stars

Update: Tonight's concert is canceled because the Perfect Storm is coming for us. Head for the hills. Fly, you fools.

If you come down to the Phark tonight, you’ll get the blues ... music, that is! Take a smattering of some of the area’s most seasoned rock and blues musicians, add a hot horn section and a touch of indie cred, and you get the EC Blues All-Stars. A favorite of the concert series and various local festivals, the All-Stars know how to heat up an outdoor party.

.

Sounds Like Summer: Eau Claire Blues All-Stars • Thursday, July 26 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these absolutely stunning sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: A switcheroo!

Unfortunately, Mike Perry and the Long Beds will not able to play tonight’s concert in the Phark. Vadliantly taking their place will be two bands: The Shouting Matches and Three Amigos. The Shouting Matches are a local duo featuring songwriter Justin Vernon along with drummer Brian Moen. They play vintage blues souped up, loud and dirty. Think the Black Keys, Black-Eyed Snakes. Maybe even some Black Dice, Black Eyes, Black Flag, Black Rebel Motorcylce Club, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The Three Amigos feature Bill Hamilton (of the Space Rangers), Cory Dahl, and another guy. They’re kind of a funk band capable of reeling out the grooves all night long.

Sounds Like Summer: The Shouting Matches + The Three Amigos • Thursday, July 19 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these absolutely stunning sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: DCW and JV, OMG!

Tonight’s park-based sonic delights include local indie favorites The Daredevil Christopher Wright and singer/songwriter Justin Vernon’s new deal called “Bon Iver.” DCW has amazing three-part harmonies and truly original, exciting songwritng. Think Sufjan Stevens, Mason Jennings, Bright Eyes, or Elliott Smith. Bon Iver features soaring falsetto vocals over breath-taking and sparse acoustic instrumentation. PLUS: A special pre-show performance (just after 6pm) from the often-hysterical Eau Claire Improv Company.

Sounds Like Summer: The Daredevil Christopher Wright + Justin Vernon • Thursday, July 12 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457 • MySpaces here and here

Check out these absolutely stunning sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Back in action: Nate’s Dungeon

Rumor has it defunct Eau Claire punk institution Nate’s Dungeon will make its triumphant return this month with a trio of local and non-local hardcore bands guaranteed to rattle your skull inside out. Nate says, “Nate's Dungeon rises from the grave to terrorize the living, and lame rock 'n' roll. Awesome all age shows return with Weekend Nachos, Dead Radical, and Dios Mio.” Check it out, rockers.

Nate’s Dungeon: Weekend Nachos + Dead Radical + Dios Mio • Sunday, July 22 • Nate’s Dungeon (1515 Altoona Ave., Eau Claire) • 6pm • all ages • $5 • 828-4683

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Sue Orfield Band!

Get ready for some hot sax action down in the Phark this evening! Sue Orfield has been playing the tenor saxophone for close to 30 years and fronts her own group called The Sue Orfield Band (SOB) which features much of her original material. Sue’s artistry, individuality, and powerful presence on stage make her one of the Midwest’s favorite saxophone players.

Sounds Like Summer: Sue Orfield Band • Thursday, July 5 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these absolutely stunning sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: QuinnElizabeth + The Green Mountain Rebels

The Phark is the place to be tonight if you like singin’ and/or guitarin’. Two great bands take to the labyrinth ... QuinnElizabeth is an Eau Claire band of sisters. You’ll hear Jerissa playing the Irish tin whistle, maracas, rain stick, and djembe; Jerrika on djembe; Elizabeth (pictured) on vocals and guitar. Together they deliver bright explosive vocals, colorful lyrics, bursting djembe beats, and rhythm acoustic guitar with a rock flair. The Green Mountain rebels are a high energy acoustic rock band, featuring lead male and female vocals.   

Sounds Like Summer: QuinnElizabeth + Green Mountain Rebels • Thursday, June 28 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these absolutely stunning sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Irie Sol + Solstice Party in Phoenix Park

Tonight’s kind of a twofer down in the Phark. Part one: Summer Solstice Celebration. The International Folk Dancers will lead dancing on the labyrinth. Members of the audience are invited to participate. Dancing will be followed by “Awakening to the Sun,” choreographed for this occasion by the Summer Solstice “Modigenous” Dancers, accompanied by the West African Music Society. Pre-program entertainment will be provided by volunteers from the community that are invited to do intuitive drumming and flute playing. Persons intending to be part of this are welcome any time after 5pm and will have the opportunity to perform until the show begins at 6:30pm. Part two: Irie Sol, a 7+ member blend of reggae, dancehall, jazz, soul, rock, and hip-hop featuring Jamacian-style vocals backed by a horn section. Members hail from Canada, Jamacia, Korea, and all over the United States.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series/Summer Solstice Celebration w/ Irie Sol • Thursday, June 21 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • solstice 6:30pm, music 7:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these absolutely stunning sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Point B in Phoenix Park

We’ll be rocking the Phark tonight with the help of Point B – Point B plays an eclectic mix of country, blues, and rock ’n’ roll. Building on a large body of original material, their repertoire is rounded out with covers from the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Jerry Reed, and a few standards.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series: Point B • Thursday, June 14 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm to 8:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these stupendous sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, Clear Channel Radio, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Local Bands on the Internets

Hey! Our keen eyes have noticed that PeerValidated.com points its readers to St. Paul blog www.auralfitness.com where there’s a write-up on Eau Claire’s music scene. It’s basically a rundown of three local bands and a fourth band that broke up, like, a gazillion two and a half years ago. Also, the post goes a long way in promoting the Chippewa Valley by describing how drunk you can get for 10 bucks. We’re forwarding the link to the Convetion and Visitor’s Bureau.

Good stuff - check it out.

Posted by Mike

Thursday: Sounds Like Summer!

Hey! Volume One’s Sounds Like Summer Concert Series kicks off tomorrow night down in the Phark. So grab a lawn chair and get ready for your socks to be rocked clean off. In fact, just plan on leaving the socks at home – it’s just easier all around. The first slot will be filled by the formidable Tommy Bentz – one of the area’s musical veterans. His band excels in jamming and improvising over a solid foundation of classic rock/pop songwriting. Tommy’s slide guitar playing will leave you breathless like your first kiss.

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series: The Tommy Bentz Band • Thursday, June 7 • Phoenix Park amphitheater in Downtown Eau Claire • 6:30pm to 8:30pm • all ages • FREE • 552-0457

Check out these stupendous sponsors: RCU, Downtown Eau Claire Inc., Rental Resources of Eau Claire, Toppers, Deborah K. Becker Insurance Inc., Xcel Energy, the Wisconsin Arts Board, and Chippewa Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Posted by Mike

Name This Band: Final Five!

OK, band-naming fans, now is your chance to decide the fate of fine rockers pictured above. They’ve boiled your band name suggestions down to a final five – all you have to do is vote. They’re stuck with whatever you pick, so choose wisely ...

VOTING IS CLOSED! WATCH VOLUME ONE FOR THE WINNER.

Posted by Mike

This Band Needs a Name!

You can get the full story on page 13 of the May 17 issue, but here’s the gist: the band shown above wants you to name them. Basically, they’ve devoted one hundred (and ten) percent of their creative juices to honing their tunes, and as a result, they’ve got no leftover juice to think up a good name. So they’re turning to you, dear readers. Leave a suggestion (or twenty) below. After a couple of weeks, the band will boil the list down to a final five, and then you – the beautiful, seething masses of the Chippewa Valley – will get to vote on your favorite. And the band is stuck with whatever you choose.

When asked to describe their sound in ten words or less, guitarist John Kleven needed only one. “Awesome,” he said. But our surveillance has revealed indications of straight up rock with some jangly edges and dashes of (non-top-40-ish) pop sprinkled throughout.

To name the band, just click “Comments” below (or click here) and type in your name, your email address, and your name ideas. You may have to scroll down.

Posted by Mike

SATURDAY: Big Honkin’ Anniversary Party + Big Honkin’ Book Release

Take a few minutes and try to recall what life was like five years ago. It was truly a different time. People still traveled in three-wheeled, steam-powered wagons. South America had not yet been birthed from the ocean. Most startling of all, Volume One magazine was still in its infancy, the bio page did not exist, and all the contributors had mullets. In celebration of five years’ worth of changes in both and magazine and our hairstyles, Volume One will be hosting a (smoke-free) birthday party on May 12th at the Stones Throw. What to expect: bands (including Mike Perry and The Long Beds, The Daredevil Christopher Wright, and Laarks), prizes (including books, shirts, CDs, and more), free anniversary cake, caricatures, and a whole heap of nostalgia.

Most exciting, though, is that this party is the first stop on the book release tour for The Best of Volume One, Vol. 1, a 300+ page compilation of V1’s best attempts at humor, entertainment, and local culture coverage. Long-time Volume One contributors Ken Szymanski, Mike Paulus, Karline Koehler, Ian Jacoby, Patti See, Nick Meyer, and Eric Rasmussen will stage a special spoken word reading. Books will be on sale for $15, and everyone who buys a book gets a free V1 Card!

Click ‘continue reading’ to see the dates, times, and places of our other spoken word programs!

Our Big Damn Anniversary Party • Saturday, May 12 • The Stones Throw, downtown Eau Claire • reading at 8pm, bands at 10pm • $5 • 21+ • smoke free! • 552-0457

Posted by Eric and Mike

Updated: This Week: Garage Band Sale

Some local folks are having a 3-day garage sale/art sale/rock concert extravaganza of sweetness. It’s like a thrift sale with live music. In addition to original art from local artists, you’ll be able to buy clothes, CDs, furniture, and miscellaneous junk. The live music goes from noon to 5pm on Thursday and Friday, and noon to 3pm on Saturday.

Update: Hotdogs and lemonade for sale! More music details emerge:

Thursday
12-3pm Open Mic
3pm 2/3 of The Daredevil Christopher Wright

Friday
1-2pm Open Mic
2pm Shane Leonard
3pm Aaron Schasse
4pm DJ Erotic Vulture (Scott Morfitt)

Saturday
Noon Jack O'Conner
2pm Meridene

Garage Band Sale • May 10, 11, & 12 • 1715 Park Ave. (corner of Park and Roosevelt), Eau Claire • Thurs. & Fri. 9am-6pm, Sat. 9am-4pm • all ages

Posted by Mike

Saturday: Justin Vernon at The Nucleus

Justin Vernon, former front man of EC bands Mount Vernon and DeYarmond Edison, will play the songs of his latest solo project, called Bon Iver. Modern folk with soaring, often falsetto vocals over his well-known guitar work along with the occasional kick drum. This is your first chance to check out Eau Claire’s newest all ages music venue – the “back room” of The Nucleus café. This show hasn’t gotten a whole lot of press, so you can feel all cool and in-the-know when you go.

Bon Iver + Lowtel • Saturday, April 21 • The Nucleus (back room), 408 Riverside Ave. • doors 7:30pm, show 8pm • $3 • all ages, smoke free • 834-7777

Posted by Mike

Saturday: Mighty Fairly + Daredevil

Tomorrow night’s Winter Carnival concert at UWEC features a great Minneapolis band called Mighty Fairly and our own Daredevil Christopher Wright ...

Rapidly gaining popularity with their catchy melodic pop music, Mighty Fairly's debut release, "Perfectly Good Airplanes" is currently being spun nationwide at over 260 college radio, specialty and online stations. The UW-Eau Claire show will feature a scaled-back acoustic performance by Mighty Fairly band members Mischa Suemnig and Kellie Nitz.

"Full of hooks, bright harmonies and irresistible synthesizer fills, (Mischa) Suemnig writes songs that lodge themselves in the listener's brain and beg to be played again and again." wrote Andrea Myers in The Pulse of the Twin Cities.

Opening the show will be local favorites The Daredevil Christopher Wright. Rapidly gaining popularity in Midwest, The Daredevil Christopher Wright's self-titled EP has been widely acknowledged and praised by critics and fans alike.

Get tickets at UWEC’s service center.

Mighty Fairly + Daredevil Christopher Wright • Saturday, Feb. 17 • Council Fire Room, Davies Center, UWEC • 8pm • $5 public/$3 students • all ages • Ph: 836-3727

Posted by Mike

Friday: Rockin’ for Eats

This Friday, Chippewa Falls High School will continue its grand study of “rocking for food.” Sponsored by the Chi-Hi National English Honor Society and ITW Deltar, the concert aims to collect an abundant amount of non-perishable food items for the Chippewa Valley’s food pantries. The show will feature five great local and regional bands of a wide spectrum of musical genres – from hardcore to rock to folk: Overred (Kyle Frenette), Meridene, Aralyn & Adalia, At Least It’s Not Cancer, and TBA. A contribution of two or more non-perishable food items will get $1 off the cost of admission. Good music, good cause, good heavens you should go.

Chi-Hi Rock for Food // Friday, Feb. 2 // Chippewa Falls High School Commons, 735 Terrill St., Chippewa Falls // 6:30pm doors, 7:00pm show // All ages, $6 ($1 off w/2 or more non-perishable food items)

Posted by Mike

FUSE: A Call for Artists

The Stones Throw is looking for artists who'd like to showcase their work at the venue's upcoming FUSE: A Celebration of Electronic Music and Art event. The event will feature DJ's playing upstairs and local artists showcasing their work in the downstairs lounge. It'll be a full blown party. If you're interested in showing your work – they're looking for a little bit of everything – email prognition@gmail.com. (The downstairs will be smoke-free for the night.) Featured DJs:

Jon Hester - Jon keeps busy running his own successful night called Convergence in Minneapolis, working at Vital Vinyl, and staying on top of a wide range of quality dance music. Expect a funky mix of minimal tech house, some techno classics, shameless melody, and pure dance floor burning madness.

Moksha - He's stopping by to rock the Stones Throw before heading off to Milwaukee where he'll be playing after Green Velvet, DJ Funk, and DJ Swamp in the main room at one of the Midwest's largest NYE parties, Stellar Spark IV.

Phil Good - A staple in the Minneapolis dance music community. Phil runs eccentricbeats.com, his own Friday night at Fahrenheit night club in mpls, and promotes some of the hottest shows with some of the best DJ's from across the globe.

FUSE (feat. Jon Hester + Moksha + Phil Good + Jason Van Nurden + Curtiss Reed). Saturday, Dec. 30 at The Stones Throw. 9:00pm, 21+, $2. Ph: 715-552-5882.

Posted by Mike

Friday: Jam Your Damn Face Off w/ God Johnson and Friends

Check out the lineup for the jam-tastic concert at UWEC on Friday...

Minneapolis-based God Johnson is rapidly gaining popularity with its unique blend of fusion jam and funk. Still playing several times a year with The Big Wu, God Johnson has also enjoyed opening for national touring acts in and around the Twin Cities. This past summer they were featured for the second time at the 10,000 Lakes Festival in Detroit Lakes, Minn., an annual concert featuring acts such as Phil Lesh, Trey Anastasio and The String Cheese Incident. God Johnson has released one album, "Multiples," and the band is currently working on its second.

Family Groove Company first formed in January 2001 while the members were studying music at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Now based in Chicago, Family Groove Company integrates the groove sensibility developed by James Brown and Herbie Hancock with the more traditional song structure and consciousness of the hook revolutionized by The Beatles. The group avoids the ubiquitous jam-band formula of the hip-hop/funk/rock groove combined with endless guitar solos, and has managed to supplement its passion for improvisation with a fierce attentiveness to compositional coherence and ingenuity. Rich vocal harmonies and a passionate dedication to improvisation are the threads that tie the music together, creating a sound that captivates audiences ranging from the most casual music fan to the most critical musician.

Irie Sol's music is a blend of reggae, dancehall, jazz, soul, rock, and hip hop. Such an eclectic blend reflects the diverse origins and influences of bandmembers who hail from Canada, Jamaica, Korea, the east coast, Minneapolis, and northern Wisconsin. Bandmembers have performed with UWEC's award-winning jazz bands, the St. Paul Cathedral Choir, Minneapolis hip hop outfits Hyder Ali and Mel Gibson & the Pants. Melodic vocals and Jamaican-style rap are backed by a full horn section and band. Classic tunes from Stevie Wonder to Wayne Wonder are revisited over a reggae backdrop. Don't miss this fusion of your favorite musical genres.

And there you have it, jam fans.

God Johnson + Family Groove Company + Irie Sol. Friday, Nov. 17 in the Council Fire Room, Davies Center on the campus of UWEC. 7:30pm, $5/$3 for students. Ph: 1-800-949-UWEC. Ticket info.

Posted by Mike

Anything Going On Tonight Last Night?

You bet your sweet mama’s rump there is was. Here’s a small smattering of tonight’s last night's mind-boggling (and totally free) options...

Idea Lounge 2: From Passion to Profit