SUNDAY S. CAREYS. The Pablo Center officially launched its Musicians in Residence program in May when it announced S. Carey, pictured, as the inaugural artist. (Photo by Peter Larson)

The Pablo Center at the Confluence frequently announces new shows slated to hit one of its numerous stages, as it did on May 14, when it announced 10 more performances of various kinds were joining its 2024-25 lineup. For locals tuned into the music scene, perhaps one jumped out above the rest: Grammy Award-winning, Eau Claire-based artist Sean Carey is slated to perform four total shows from June-July as part of the new Musician in Residence program.

The Pablo Center’s mission revolves around art, education, and entertainment, and while the center certainly hosts an array of arts-focused events and supports a variety of organizations and efforts, including local and traveling artists, it had yet to welcome a Musician in Residence. Thanks to the center’s collaboration with local radio show host and events organizer Jordan Duroe, and musician S. Carey, that changed.

An Artist in Residence or Musician in Residence program is a collaboration between artists and an institution or community, allowing the artist(s) to hold space to produce and/or perform their work for a defined amount of time. Duroe has been to several artist residency events in the Twin Cities, featuring musicians such as Charlie Parr and Cactus Blossoms.

“It’s just altogether really exciting to see artists you enjoy have an opportunity to play around a bit more than a standard show usually allows for. As such, it’s a model I’ve hoped to see more regularly here in E.C. for a long time,” Duroe explained.

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who better to help bring attention to a new listening room than someone with the musical pedigree (SEAN CAREY) has?

... In other words, the Musicians in Residence wasn't an idea we plugged Sean into. It was something that developed thanks to him.

JORDAN DUROE

FAREWELL TRANSMISSION HOST, EVENTS ORGANIZER

After Sarah Magill (musically known as Quiet Takes) held her Regrets Only album release at Gibson Street Entry, one of the Pablo Center’s venues, in February this year – which Converge Media's Farewell Transmission radio show co-sponsored – Magill introduced Duroe to Hannah Hidaka, assistant director of development at the Pablo. After meeting, the two began discussing what other collaborative events could find a home at Gibson Street Entry.

“It immediately felt like a natural partnership and a good fit – Pablo had just recently relaunched the space as the Robert Manz Gibson Street Entry and hoped to utilize it more regularly,” Duroe said. “I am particularly passionate about a few things this space can offer: a listening room atmosphere and an all-ages environment.”

Enter Sean Carey, musically known as S. Carey. Perhaps most widely known as the drummer and supporting vocalist of Bon Iver, his numerous solo works and additional collaborations have garnered national attention, awards, and more to earn him a significant following of his own.

S. Carey connected with Duroe shortly after Duroe’s discussions with Hidaka – “fortuitous timing,” Duroe called it. “He wanted to play a few shows this summer when not touring, and who better to help bring attention to a new listening room than someone with the musical pedigree Sean has?” Duroe said.

From there, the idea for a residency program at the Pablo Center lit up and took off. “In other words the Musicians in Residence wasn’t an idea we plugged Sean into. It was something that developed thanks to him,” Duroe continued.

“Here’s all I can say for certain (about the guest performers): There will be local musicians, there will be visiting musicians, and each show will be completely distinctive.”

JORDAN DUROE

For the inaugural Musicians in Residence run, “S. Carey & Friends,” four shows are slated: Sunday, June 9; Sunday, June 16; Sunday, June 23; and Friday, July 12, all at 7:30pm. Tickets are now on sale for all dates with a recommended $15 donation at the door, though Pablo members will gain access for free. With a 65-person maximum, the Musicians in Residence shows are guaranteed to offer a more intimate performance, and with mystery guests at each date, an individual experience will unfold at each.

Though the “friends” set to join S. Carey will only be revealed at each show, Duroe offered some insight into what attendees can expect. All shows will pull from S. Carey’s catalog, though they are simply a jumping-off point. “There’ll be plenty of room to improvise ,too,” Duroe explained. “Where (S. Carey) takes it, what it sounds like, and who joins him is all up to Sean. It’s an essential part of this program to give the artist full and complete autonomy over the residency.”

“Here’s all I can say for certain: there will be local musicians, there will be visiting musicians, and each show will be completely distinctive.”

“I feel like Pablo Center is in a unique position to be able to create an unmatched listening environment in the city,” Hidaka said. “We’re hoping this brings new people into Pablo Center who maybe have never come before.”

Snag your tickets to Pablo Center’s inaugural Musicians in Residence run featuring S. Carey & Friends. These one-of-a-kind performances are a can’t-miss – so don’t miss ’em.

Secure a spot to any of the “S. Carey & Friends” shows on The Pablo Center website.