Music

Bon Iver plans back-to-back hometown shows for December

V1 Staff |

Photo: Jagjaguwar
 
Photo: Jagjaguwar

We're both excited and titillated this morning because Volume One is lucky enough to announce the news below – pretty much before anyone else anywhere. So enjoy ...

Justin Vernon teased about it in the interview he did for Volume One back in June, before dropping Bon Iver’s anticipated sophomore LP and heading off on a bajillion-mile tour – but now the band has followed through on their promise and is finishing their 2011 tour right here at home.

And we’re not talking about a Bon Iver show right here in Eau Claire. We’re talking about two of them. Yep, double the homecoming hoopla for which so many locals have been clamoring. These will be their first hometown performances since late 2008.

Justin Vernon at the State Theatre, December 2008
 
Justin Vernon at the State Theatre,
December 2008

“We want our show in Eau Claire to feel special ... something that gives back to the place that holds us,” Justin Vernon told us in June. “When it happens, my goal is to play for as many people in town who want to see us play as possible. If that means Country Jam grounds, or multiple nights somewhere, that’s what we’ll do.”

As it turns out, fans will not be trekking out to the Country Jam campgrounds to get their dose of Bon Iver. UW-Eau Claire’s Zorn Arena will have to do. And that’s good news because the shows are on Dec. 12 and 13, so ... no one will need to wear snowsuits. Together, the two shows will serve up Bon Ivery goods to a combined total of 6,000 people.

The Monday, Dec. 12 show will be a general admission affair (standing floor plus bleachers), while the Tuesday, Dec. 13 show is a fully seated option (floor seating plus bleachers). The doors for both shows open at 7pm, and the support act is still to be announced, though it will likely be the band traveling with them on the final leg of their tour.

Tickets will go on sale this week: 7am–9pm on Friday, Oct. 28 at UWEC’s Zorn Arena Box Office. And this is very cool – initially, tickets will not be available online so as to give locals a first crack at purchase. Sales will continue at the Zorn Office on Saturday Oct. 29 from 10am–4pm. Then sales will move to the UW-Eau Claire Service Center and continue Oct. 30–Nov. 4. Starting Nov. 5, tickets will be available online (and in person) until the show date or until they’re sold out.

Tickets are $22 (though the Dec. 12 show will also have a $17 UWEC student discount option), and there’s a limit of five tickets per person. UAC and Volume One are presenting sponsors. Details:

Bon Iver + TBA • Dec. 12 and 13 • UW-Eau Claire’s Zorn Arena • 7pm (both nights ) • $22 ($17 for UWEC students on Dec. 12 only) • all ages • tickets will be only available on campus Oct. 28–Nov. 4; then on campus and online starting Nov. 5

You could also win a pair of tickets to this highly coveted show at Volume One’s Local Store One Year Anniversary event on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5. Your in-store purchase qualifies you for that weekend’s drawing.