Flags Will Cover The Coffins, rocking last year’s Decadent.

After last year’s milestone 30-year anniversary, this edition of Decadent Cabaret promises just as much fun with, for the first time ever, a three-night event with Acousti-Cabaret on Thursday. “This year we have a big turn over in bands – a lot of younger acts,” said Joe Gunderson, in charge of booking for the House Of Rock and co-“CEO” of the Decadent Cabaret. The overhaul is an effort to ensure a future for the longtime Eau Claire event. “We still have the old-school scantly clad, leather and lace mentality,” said Gunderson. “It’s the original formula. But the sense of fun is the real tradition – Mardi Gras and Halloween all rolled into one.” A notable change this year is the Aousti-Cabaret. The brainchild of Noel Hanson of The Jaggernauts,’ the extra night is an idea the creators have been toying with for years. “We’ve always kind of wanted to do solo, acoustic acts between sets,” said Gunderson. The extra, acoustic night will feature the likes of Jim Pullman, The Procrastinators, Billy Krause, and six other unplugged acts. Highlights this year are The Jim Pullman Band channeling Wilco on Saturday night along with Meridene and Drunk Drivers. Newcomers Passing Shadows will do a Ween set on Friday along with South Farwell’s Huey Lewis and the News tribute. “The bands do some original stuff, some covers,” said Gunderson. “It’s a chance to play something they don’t usually get to play.” Check out Decadent Cabaret on Facebook for the full line-up. “People are in for a special treat this year, in my opinion,” said Gunderson. “The bands are going all out; it’s some really fun stuff.”

Decadent Cabaret • March 4-6 • House of Rock, 422 Water St. • 9pm Thursday, 7pm Sat. and Sun. • FREE on Thurs., $5 on Sat. + Sun. • ages 21+ • www.house-of-rock.com