Chester Bar Bay

The audience that packs Hobbs Ice Center for nine hours in late September may very well be shoeless, shirtless, … and a little damp. Organizers are encouraging river floaters to exit at the boat dock behind Hobbs and come join the fun indoors, where there will be pizza, soda, and beer for sale. Those who plan ahead, FATFAR-style, can enter their decorated float into a competition and arrive in costume for additional prizes. The main attraction, however, will be the bands, each playing for about an hour and a half. First up, there’s Fathom – a hip-hop group that will throw down some catchy beats and heated lyrics. Playing next will be newcomer Cadence, who typically play pop-rock but cite influences such as Taking Back Sunday and Jimmy Eat World. Frozen Tundra, the third band, will show off their blend of “hard rap lyrics and smooth choruses.” Popular bluesy-rock group South Farwell will play fourth, delivering goose bump-inducing vocals supported by solid grooves. Minneapolis-based band Chester Bay will round out the night with their command of funk, blues, reggae, and rock. The Center Ice Club Foundation, a nonprofit that acts as a booster club for the UW-Eau Claire Men’s and Women’s Hockey Programs (but is separate from the university) acquired a beer license last year that they intend to put to good use with this event, according to Vice President Darcy Fields. He says the foundation typically raises “in excess of $30,000,” 95 percent of which goes directly toward university hockey.

    Septemberfest • Sept. 25 • Hobbs Ice Center, Eau Claire • 2-11pm • $5 • 18+ to enter, 21+ to enter beer garden • 579-8859