MY TEARS FILLED AN OCEAN. Hearing the track "Rio Grande" live — during Hemma's album, Abalone Sky, release show — made for an unforgettable experience, one that quickly moved me to tears. The event took place at 7pm on April 26, at Stones Throw (304 Eau Claire St.) in Eau Claire.

The simple act of entering a room — to discover the space full of cherished individuals in your life — is an unparalleled joy. These are moments where familiarity, affection, and entertainment come together, instantly creating a sense of warmth and belonging.

These feelings and more were shared during Hemma's Abalone Sky album release concert, which took place at 7pm on April 26, at Stones Throw (304 Eau Claire St.) in Eau Claire. Having been released just the previous day, the album offered a chance to immerse myself in a tapestry of Americana, folk, and jazz influences.

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Live music isn’t just heard — it’s felt

Don't miss your chance to be part of these irreplaceable moments.

Evelyn Nelson

associate editor

A solitary listening session lacks the incomparable experience of seeing familiar faces, family, and the cherished reputations of musicians and community members who convened on Saturday night.

Between conversations, laughter, and long-overdue catch-ups, live shows often begin much later than the time printed on the posters. My friends laugh knowingly at this familiar truth, but I just feel lucky to have a seat at the table — to share space with such talented individuals whose creativity sparks something in me, too.

To set the tone for the evening and introduce the audience to Hemma’s nostalgic sound, the band Luray opened the night’s performance. Audience members were delighted to see Shannon Carey carrying a tune with her banjo in hand, joined by cherished friends — and none other than her brother, Colin Carey, on drums.

The sibling motif continued throughout the evening, as Hemma also featured a Carey family member — Sean Carey — whose percussion work intertwined beautifully with Hannah Hebl’s soaring vocals, reverberating through the stained-glass room where the late spring sunset still peeked in. The ensemble also included contributions from Jeremy Boettcher (upright bass), Ben Lester (keyboard, pedal steel guitar), and Courtney Hartman (violin, guitar).

Hearing the track "Rio Grande" live — surrounded by creatives, friends, and family — made for an unforgettable experience, one that quickly moved me to tears. Moments like these are singular, impossible to replicate, and best experienced when you’re fully immersed in the performance.

Live music isn’t just heard — it’s felt. Don't miss your chance to be part of these irreplaceable moments (click here to learn about Graham Jams, a new local venue bringing this spirit to life). Step into the room and let yourself be moved — you never know when a night will stay with you forever.