SHOWING SUPPORT. Nebula Fest is slated for Oct. 21 in honor of a pair of late local musicians, Eric Giardina (left) and Rick St. Germaine.

In 2022, the Eau Claire music scene lost two of its most vibrant, dynamic players: Eric Giardina and Rick St. Germaine. Aside from the public loss of their considerable artistic talent, many were also bereft of a friend. One of those close friends is Jeremy Goss. Aware that the nature of life is to go on, to dim our memories with the passage of time, Goss is determined we never forget Eric and Rick by celebrating them through the medium most dear to both: music. Enter Nebula Fest Vol. 1.

The fest is Goss’s brainchild, and while he’s the core engine driving it, he’s quick to point out it wouldn’t be happening without the generosity and effort of others. “Our venue has been donated,” Goss said. “And our crew is made up of volunteers, which speaks to how much Eric and Rick were loved.” And continue to be loved.

The musical lineup for the evening is rife with peers, former bandmates, and fans. Taking the stage are Magna Sonus (featuring Brent K of Giants of Midgard, ex-Desolatevoid, ex-Three Liter Hit, et.al.), Thunderlung (ascendant and transcendent heavy metal), Stare Across (featuring Tony Stamm, ex-No Loving Place), and False Heather (a cover band focused on rock and roll spanning the past four decades). Attendees can also expect a raffle plus other surprises yet to be revealed. There is a $10 cover for the event, and Goss says all proceeds go to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Goss adds, “My hopes are to make this an annual thing, to raise some money for mental illness awareness, and maybe even save one life as a result.”

Doors open at 6pm and bands go on at 7pm on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Brickhouse Pub and Grub (2233 Birch St., Eau Claire).