A 'LONG' TIME COMING. Michael Perry (pictured center, red jacket) will return to the Pablo Center in downtown Eau Claire for a one-night performance with his ensemble, the Long Beds. The current ensemble released its latest track, “Sunday Morning Perfect,” along with the promise of new music in the works.

For bestselling author and proud Wisconsinite Michael Perry, the act of songwriting isn’t a departure from his literary ventures, but rather a creative shift – a “break without taking a break.” When he trades his pen and paper for a guitar, Perry channels the world around him into a lyrical form alongside his band, the Long Beds.

Michael Perry and the Long Beds will return to its roots at the Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) on Feb. 14 for a one-night performance, and with it, offer the promise of joy and community.

These days, the Long Beds ensemble consists of its primary singer-songwriter, Perry, along with Chippewa Valley multi-instrumentalists Ben Lester, Charlee Hero, Dave Power, Evan Middlesworth, Jeremy Boettcher, Mary Cutrufello and Paul Brandt.

The current iteration of the Long Beds consists of both long-time collaborators and new members, yet Perry believes the band has always embodied the essence of live performance and what he values in a music collective.

“(The Pablo Center show) is just a chance to reassure each other of our humanity ... it feels like our own living room.”

Michael Perry

bestselling author, singer-songwriter

“The biggest lesson I’ve drawn from being in a band – that applies to all of life, in any group effort or project – is you want people who are fluent and skilled in their instrument,” Perry said. “But what you really need is – and the phrase I’ve come to use – ‘are you good in the van?’ ”

In other words, Perry has sought a group where storytellers and travelers can coexist – whether it be the intimate group of locals he collaborates with or the abundance of Eau Clairians who meet those criteria. This spirit, he believes, will be evident in their upcoming show.

Perry said while most of what he writes depicts straightforward verses and lyrics – often influenced by other literary, songwriting figures and his lived experiences – working with the current iteration of the Long Beds has allowed an exploration of new rhythms and structures.

“One of the wonderful things about working with these musicians, as we've gotten to know each other, we have started to (co-write),” Perry said. “They lead me in new directions – sonically,” Perry said.

Perry alluded to new tracks in development, some which may appear for the first time in a live setting on Feb. 14, he said.

Looking ahead to the Feb. 14 performance at the Pablo Center, Perry (pictured above) noted, “we have built in a couple of songs where I'm going to get out of the way and just let the band cook, which is exciting for me.”

Perry and the Long Beds’ most recent offering, “Sunday Morning Perfect,” is a track which echoes the tangible life experiences often found in Perry’s literary work and four previous studio albums.

Perry’s lyrics and accompanying instrumentals tell a story of childhood upbringings and the effort to do one’s “level best” in life.

“When I wrote this one I was thinking about how I value the precepts I was raised on, and yet often find myself skeptical of those who proclaim them most loudly,” Perry shared online following the “Sunday Morning Perfect” release on Jan. 26.

With the support of co-writers like Middlesworth – welcoming the process of songwriting in unexpected places – any new music by Perry and the Long Beds will represent a continuation of the ensemble’s broad explorations.

Ultimately, their upcoming show will keep true to the ethos of the “blue jeans informality,” which has rung true for Perry since the very inception of his musical pursuits.

“(The Pablo Center show) is just a chance to reassure each other of our humanity,” Perry said. “But, there is also that nice blue jeans informality at our shows; there’s jokes and banter with the band, because we are all friends … it feels like our own living room.”

The element Perry anticipates the most? The chance to step back, let the band take the lead and witness the powerful connection that will unfold between the audience and the players.

Tickets for Michael Perry and the Long Beds ($44.02/person) – scheduled for 7:30pm on Feb. 14 at Pablo Center at the Confluence (128 Graham Ave., Eau Claire) – can be purchased online through pablocenter.org. Learn more about Michael Perry’s published books and music online.