MASTERFUL GROOVES. As the month of March unfolds, Evan Minsker of See/Saw will bring two punk infused performances to town. On March 6, Greg Wheeler & The Poly Mall Cops, Panel, and Two Castles will perform at to LIVE at LEONA’s in Eau Claire; TAKAAT (pictured above) and Censer will arrive to SHIFT on March 18. (Photo by Amghy Chacon and Cem Misirlioglu)

Live performance spotlights more than just a band’s latest tracks; it’s become a foundation to sustain in-person connection. Attendees of past-and-future punk shows in the Chippewa Valley, with the help of punk and rock-and-roll organization See/Saw, are encouraged to not only discover music which challenges them, but to foster friendship with like-minded creatives.

Evan Minsker, the founder of See/Saw – in all of its media formats – has also taken on the role of a non-traditional music promoter in the Valley. In his collection of roles, he’s become a crucial link between artists, record labels, venues and more.

Since its inception in 2024, See/Saw events have been welcomed to venues of all shapes and sizes throughout the Midwest, with a focus on Minneapolis, Minn. and Eau Claire. Through these spaces, Minsker has discovered profound purpose and forged significant friendships with creatives of the very scenes he covers.

“I could really see a lot of both the Minneapolis punk scene and the Eau Claire D.I.Y. local music community all coalescing into one space,” Minsker said. “Musicians just talk, and they have so many friends who are always touring and trying to figure out what’s the best way to throw a show in this town.”

See/Saw – as per its ethos – has already featured a variety of alternative music, including “Punk and Pride” with artists from Madison and Minneapolis, a themed “Ghoulish Night of Punk Music,” and showcases for local Eau Claire acts, such as Pit Wagon or Gash – which have been paired with dystopiacore ensemble Ekko Astral.

As the month of March unfolds, See/Saw will once again bring two punk infused performances to Eau Claire: March 6 will bring Greg Wheeler & The Poly Mall Cops (Iowa), Panel (Minneapolis), and Two Castles (Eau Claire) to LIVE at LEONA’s (406 Galloway St., Eau Claire).

See/Saw will also host TAKAAT (Minneapolis) and Censer on March 18 at SHIFT (615 Graham Ave., Eau Claire).

Event posters, pictured above, for See/Saw events in the month of March. (Submitted photos)

Minsker has become known for featuring several acts – from three to seven or more bands – on a single bill, a characteristic of both upcoming Eau Claire shows and past performances curated and put on by See/Saw.

When asked about the role of curating shows, Minsker described the responsibility as “thinking in contrast” – while also searching for harmony between genres, stylistic choices and audience interests.

“For any bill (or) for shows where a touring band wants to plan a show with you, you have to think of a local band who would be a good fit… or a good contrast,” Minsker shared. “I'm just trying to think about ‘Is there a way that I can open people up to different voices.’ ”

Evan Minsker, pictured, wearing “the best punk shirt of 2025”: Panel’s merchandise. (Submitted photo)

“I feel like – at least from myself – there has to be that element of discovery,” he continued. “Ultimately, punk is divisive in some capacity, so there are going to be some (acts) that are such crowd pleasers... and there are going to be some that (that are) a wild card.”

These same truths will likely unfold during See/Saw’s March shows; Minsker describes the TAKAAT trio as a band with “masterful groove building” and incredible shredding – a punk style representing sonic chaos, improvisation and freedom of exploration.

In the same bill, Censer will offer something uncharted and brand new – with a collection of new tracks reminiscent of British rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees, Minsker added.

Between Two Castles, Panel, and Greg Wheeler & The Poly Mall Cops on March 6, one might consider the common thread to be something of a “manic garage punk slime” feeling, or a combination of “post-punk” and power pop songwriting.

In these local spaces, Minsker has fostered relationships with business owners and fellow punk creatives who share a dedication to create – despite the world’s unavoidable disorder.

It is through these connections he believes See/Saw will continue to link up with bands based in the Chippewa Valley, and to be spotlighted through the newsletter platform.

“I have always felt at some of my most peaceful, my most content, when I’m just inundated by noise: fast music, loud music, aggressive music – any of those adjectives that I would use to describe punk music in the live setting,” Minsker said. “Being in a room with a lot of people you feel safe (with) – for that 30 minute set – it’s the best feeling.”

Whether it be at SHIFT or LIVE at LEONA’s (the venue side of Leona’s Pizzeria), See/Saw invites all walks of life to immerse themselves and become “at the mercy” of the music which echoes through the venues he’s called home.

Learn more about See/Saw’s punk, rock-and-roll newsletter, podcast and radio show online at see-saw.fun. For more information about the March 6 show with LIVE at LEONA’s (18+, $15/person) or March 18 show at SHIFT ($15/person advance, $20/person at door), visit the See/Saw Instagram page (@see_saw.fun).