Folk music remains woven into the fabric of the Chippewa Valley, and the same can be true for Them Coulee Boys — who placed first in the category this year. This folk band blends together the live energy and sincerity of its audience to create music made for the community. Eggplant Heroes, the Chippewa Valley’s vote for second-best folk performer, can be seen sharing folk hymns and tall tales across stages in downtown Eau Claire and beyond. In third this year, Wyatt Thomson is often spotted at open mic nights at The Lakely and around the Chippewa Valley. With his film camera in hand, he’s passionate about documenting the music scene, and if you’re lucky, he might just snap your photo! —Evelyn Nelson