THIS IS THE OLD SITE

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

Wanna See Some Chalkfest Pictures?

OK, so the response to Chalkfest was overwhelming. I don't have time to go into it, so let's break it down:

• Nearly 40 artists participated.
• Over 800 audience choice ballots turned in.
• We've got 1 big 'thank you' to everyone who came, participated, and/or volunteered.

Click "continue reading" for a bunch more pictures, mostly taken by Jesse Johnson.

Posted by Mike

Monday's Movie: Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure

The imaginative, hilarious comedy, stars happy-go-lucky Pee-Wee Herman (aka comedian Paul Reubens.) Pee-Wee Herman is not an average little boy – he exists in a grown-up body, has a penchant for 1950s Retro memorabilia, and lives in a zany, make-believe world. He is on a mission to find his beloved red bicycle, which has been stolen, and on the way Pee-Wee has a series of cartoon-like adventures. When a fortune teller instructs Pee-Wee to look for his bike in the basement of the Alamo, he takes her advice. Embarking on a kind of Hero’s Journey, Pee-Wee comes into contact with characters even crazier than he is. With imaginative sets and dream sequences that use claymation and pixilated models, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is a side-splitting comedy that references almost every Hollywood genre, especially the perennial favorite Road Movie.

This year’s Back-Alley Summer Cinema Series is brought to you by Kadinger Event Production, WHYS community radio, Benny HaHa Art Supply and Gallery, and of course, the fine folks typing these words, Volume One Magazine.

Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (PG/92min/1985) • Monday, Aug. 11 • the alley that would be 205 Graham Ave., downtown Eau Claire •  9:30pm • all ages • FREE • concessions available • 552-0457 

Posted by Mike

Phat Phriday Phun

I hope you all know that “Phat Phriday Phun” is spelled ironically. You know that, right? I’m not lame. Anyway, who’s up for some mini-golf? Forest Challenge 2!

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

Seen Any Good Murals Lately?

Click the pic for a biggie. Location: Corner of Eau Claire and South Farwell Streets. Artists: Lori Chilifone, Mauricea Zeihr, Steve Bateman. Other views: here and here.

Posted by Nick

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

Monday's Movie: Shaun of the Dead

Edgar Wright’s horror-comedy cult classic film, Shaun of the Dead, follows the title character through his mundane life in London. Joined by his immature and ever-present roommate, Ed, Shaun excels at nothing except drinking pints of ale and watching television, which causes friction with his girlfriend. Before Shaun can save his relationship, however, he’s got to fend off a horde of zombies that are slowly taking over the city. Armed with a cricket bat and a vague sense of direction, Shaun must rescue his friends and loved ones, and bring them to the only safe place he can think of – the pub. Ridiculous and heartfelt, Shaun of the Dead is both the funniest zombie movie and the scariest romantic comedy you’re likely to ever see. (Re-scheduled from a rain-out in 2007).

This year’s Back-Alley Summer Cinema Series is brought to you by Kadinger Event Production, WHYS community radio, Benny HaHa Art Supply and Gallery, and of course, the fine folks typing these words, Volume One Magazine.

Weather Update: The weather looks fine, see you there!

Shaun of the Dead (R/100min/2004) • Monday, Aug. 4 • the alley that would be 205 Graham Ave., downtown Eau Claire •  9:30pm • all ages • FREE • concessions available • 552-0457 

Posted by Mike

New Quick Web Poll!

Check out the left sidebar for a shot of super-hot pollin' action. If you had to replace your car / truck / van / hoover craft with something that uses less gas, what would it be? Leave comments right on this post.

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