Pierce and Maggie took a break from their Philadelphia band to write a book while residing in a shanty by the sea in Maine. Long story short, cabin fever assisted in the conception of a child and the book remains to be finished. And although their literary skills have taken a break, their lust for creating music has yet to cease. After welcoming the birth of their child in spring 2007, Pierce and Maggie began writing an album focusing around the essentials of their live performances: two guitars and two voices.  Once the creative groundwork had been laid, it was back up to Maine to record the album and down to Philadelphia to mix and master the music – just in time to avoid another bout of cabin fever. Pierce and Maggie became Hymn for Her and recently released their debut album, Year of the Golden Pig. I wonder what the book is going to be about? Joining the duo for two upcoming shows is The Sidekicks – another duo of musicians – who carry an assault of percussive ability and shared musicianship. Both Jeff White and James Ignacio are accomplished singer-songwriters who share saxophone, harmonica, and guitar skills while exchanging beat-producing duties using their “skiffle” drum set. And distributing the laughs during a triple-bill at Stones Throw are Eau Claire natives Herbal T & NB with their hilarious musical jesting.

    Hymn for Her + The Sidekicks • Friday, Nov. 21 • Heyde Center for the Arts, 3 S. High St., Chippewa Falls • 7pm • $6 • 726-9000 • www.cvca.net // Herbal T & NB + Hymn For Her + The Sidekicks • Wednesday, Nov. 26 • The Stones Throw, 304 Eau Claire St. • 9pm • $5 adults • 21+ • (715) 552-5882 • www.thestonesthrow.com