ian

New Venue?

By this time it’s extremely well established that a community’s investment in their music and arts scene pays significant dividends toward economic development in the long run. Dozens of researchers, socio-economists, and cultural think tanks have proven that communities who work towards building a strong and creative nightlife and arts scene are better at inspiring entrepreneurship, retaining talented workers, and attracting new business. A thriving music scene is not just about rock and roll – it’s about quality of life, and quality of place.

Vernons’ plans to convert 2 S. Barstow into cultural space gain momentum

Another chapter in the storied history of the 2 S. Barstow building opened today when the city’s Redevelopment Authority approved the plans of Nate and Justin Vernon.

Vernons’ plans to convert 2 S. Barstow into cultural space gain momentum

Another chapter in the storied history of the 2 S. Barstow building opened today when the city’s Redevelopment Authority approved the plans of Nate and Justin Vernon.

Comedy Legend Gallagher

With over 100 shows per year and countless watermelons destroyed, comedy legend Gallagher, best known for his prop comedy with his Sledge-O-Matic hammer, aims for a smashing time at the Ramada Convention Center.

Volume One Gets Back
into Poetry

V1 is now accepting original, unpublished, poetic entries for our first-ever poetry contest.

WI court settles $5 million beef jerky quarrel

A $5 million lawsuit set against the dynamic backdrop of the high steaks world of global beef jerky sales.

The Blanks perform at Luther Midelfort

If you've seen the hit ABC comedy "Scrubs," you've probably heard of The Blanks, where they're known as "Ted's Band." The a cappella comedy quartet serenaded a standing-room only crowd Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at Luther Midelfort in Eau Claire. These are some of the highlights.

Low

Volume One's Big Week, Episode 55

In this episode: in this special Halloween episode, we go on location and spend the entire episode hunting for ghosts in and under the State Theatre in downtown Eau Claire. And, we give away a $50 Sandy's Clothing and Art gift certificate and 2 free movie tickets to Micon Cinemas. If you'd like to enter a contest, go here.

This episode is supported by Deborah Becker of State Farm Insurance.

What not to wear in Wisconsin this Halloween

Strike out on your own and avoid these popular Wisconsin Halloween costumes.

Mark McElwain

When you meet Mark McElwain for the first time, you get the idea that something interesting is about to happen. About as enthusiastic a conversationalist as you can imagine, it soon becomes apparent that McElwain has the capacity to enlighten and entertain at the same time. His latest album, The Astounding Feat, exemplifies this aspect of the experienced musician, mixing densely packed, oftentimes dark lyrics with upbeat and mysteriously fitting rock music.

Local Archeological Mysteries!

Who’s been sneaking onto an island where pre-historic remains were discovered … and digging?

Interview: Breakneck the Mage

This week, Local Independence looks at the Eau Claire hip-hop scene with an interview with Tyler Fanz, perhaps better known as Breakneck the Mage. It was an awesome opportunity to be able to sit down and talk to one of the most popular acts in the city, and hear a new perspective on the music scene in Eau Claire. Tune in, sit back, and listen to me get schooled.

Ski Sprites Haunted Factory 2008

Video from the 2008 "Haunted Factory" haunted house attraction presented by the Eau Claire Ski Sprites. Boo.

Cavalry, Cannons, and Keezer

Pleased to bring back jazz pianist and Eau Claire native Geoffrey Keezer for his third performance with the Chippewa Valley Symphony. Time Magazine wrote: "He has more than enough virtuosity and sheer musical wit and intelligence to weave all of his apparently disparate strands of influence into an original and compelling whole.

FEATURE: A Throw of the Dice

It is said that change is a good thing. For better or for worse, downtown Eau Claire’s music scene has seen plenty of change over the last few decades. Eau Claire has been fortunate to attract world-class musical acts through the popularity of jazz and blues in the 1980s to the emergence of alternative rock in the early 1990s, and the booming popularity of hip-hop and electronic music in the 2000s.

   In 30 years the music establishment most commonly known as The Stone’s Throw has weathered changes beyond music trends; it has had more than nine owners or operators, each experiencing successes and failures before ultimately closing the doors. After the closure this June, another tally will be added to that count, leaving live music lovers to wonder what constant, besides the beverages, they can expect from the bar.

Monster of a Show

It’s not exactly Mary Shelley. Nor is it Mel Brooks. Lot Turner’s original adaptation of Frankenstein – the debut production for an up-and-coming theater group called Chapter 13 Productions – is itself a creature that has been “dead and resurrected dozens of times,” according to Turner.

FEATURE: A Throw of the Dice

It is said that change is a good thing. For better or for worse, downtown Eau Claire’s music scene has seen plenty of change over the last few decades. Eau Claire has been fortunate to attract world-class musical acts through the popularity of jazz and blues in the 1980s to the emergence of alternative rock in the early 1990s, and the booming popularity of hip-hop and electronic music in the 2000s.

   In 30 years the music establishment most commonly known as The Stone’s Throw has weathered changes beyond music trends; it has had more than nine owners or operators, each experiencing successes and failures before ultimately closing the doors. After the closure this June, another tally will be added to that count, leaving live music lovers to wonder what constant, besides the beverages, they can expect from the bar.

Laarks' $99 Music Video

The world premiere video from Wisconsin based band Laarks. Directed by (once local) Justin Johnson this music video was made for about 59 bucks and was shot in a day and edited in a day. Starring: Caitlin Hill (courtesy of Hitviews), and Doug Cheesman. It's all part of $99 Music Videos.