A couple of Bodeans in their natural habitat.

Babies from the 80s prepare to rejoice; the Bodeans are coming to Eau Claire! With the theme song from Party of Five, a Billboard Top 10 song, and an ASCAP award for being one of the most played songs on the radio in 1996, Closer to Free will always hold a little piece of my heart. Kurt Neumann and Sammy Llanas formed the Bodeans in 1983 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Since then, they have released eight albums in the Billboard Top 200 and toured with major names such as U2. When listening to the Bodeans newest release from April of last year, Mr. Sad Clown, I felt that the album had a bit of a U2 influence. Almost three decades after they were formed, the Bodeans are still selling albums and going on tour. Album sales are down from their peak popularity in 1996, and the Bodeans tour now consists of the more local audience of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. It doesn’t matter what way you spin that; the Bodeans are still selling albums and selling out local tour venues. Today’s music industry is one of flash-fame. Celebrate the fact that the Bodeans are sticking around and they have been for nearly 30 years – plan to head to The State to support this great local talent.

The Bodeans · Sunday, Feb. 20 · The State Theatre, 316 Eau Claire St. · 7:30pm · $30-$35 · 832-ARTS • eauclairearts.com