Evan Middlesworth

Local sound engineer Evan Middlesworth and owner of Pine Hollow Audio just announced he’s joining the sound team for critically-acclaimed indie rock band The National. Middlesworth has previously worked with members of the band via side project EL VY, but he’ll head out on tour with The National later this year as they travel the world in support of their forthcoming new album “Sleep Well Beast” out Sept. 8.

The Thursday night before the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival is gonna be insane in downtown Eau Claire. Just added to mix of already stellar shows happening at different downtown venues, is an after party at The Plus that will feature Alpha Consumer (who played Eaux Claires 2016) and Invisible Boy (a side project of Chris Bierden, bassist for Polica). Plus, there will be special super secret guest DJs spinning tunes until the wee hours of the morning, and you never know who could show up at stuff like this. Either way, get your schedules set.

Eau Claire house venue Vivian shut its doors last week for the last time. The venue in the Eastside Hill neighborhood became a home to tons of unique musical performances, as well as poetry readings, improv shows, benefits, and more over the last couple years. The final show featured an impressive slate of bands that have played there including Idle Empress,  P•PL, Vagabond Maurice, Hemma, Pit Wagon, Two Castles, Sniffle Party, and Blvck Spirit.

Everyone’s favorite bar-room funk band Love Taxi is reuniting with a show at The Mousetrap on June 22. Love Taxi is made up of a ton of former UWEC students who brought the house down with funk covers until they parted ways a few years ago. The show is free (as always at The Mousetrap).