Volume One Contributors

Jun. 23, 2020

UWEC Grad Maierhofer Releases Two New Books

while working on his solo-authored book, "Works," Maierhofer's work on a collaborative title was a "nice change of pace."

Rebecca Mennecke, photos by Kelsey Smith

UW-Eau Claire grad Grant Maierhofer is releasing two books, Works and a collaborative title Collected Voices in the Expanded Field . . .

Apr. 17, 2019

Eau Claire Keys up for 52nd Annual Jazz Festival

Rebecca Mennecke, photos by Kelsey Smith

The 52nd Eau Claire Jazz Festival is set to swing into Eau Claire from April 26 to 27. “It is a jazz festival, but it’s really a music festival,” said Breanna DeNure, the communication coordinator of Eau Claire Jazz Inc. ...

Mar. 8, 2019

Be a Good Sport: 10th Wisconsin Sport Show Arrives at Expo Center

Lauren Fisher, photos by Kelsey Smith

Dogs, docks, deer, door prizes, and more await at the 10th annual Wisconsin Sport Show. The event begins at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center Friday, March 15, from 3-8pm and continues into the weekend ...

Jan. 10, 2019

Boat and RV Expo Features More Than Ever in New Location

Lauren Fisher, photos by Kelsey Smith

The 20th annual Boat and RV Expo will take place at the Chippewa Valley Expo Center, featuring the area’s largest display of recreational vehicles the weekend ...

Sep. 5, 2018

Dancing with the Eau Claire Stars celebrates 10 years

Broc Seigneurie, photos by Kelsey Smith

There’s a buzz around town as everyone gears up for this year’s All-Star edition of Dancing with the Eau Claire Stars! Inspired by the hit ABC television show, this will be the 10th anniversary of the benefit held by the Eau Claire Children’s Theatre.

Aug. 9, 2018

FEATURE: The Life and Death and Life of the State Theatre

Once a shuttered movie palace, the State Theatre became a beloved arts center and a key element of Eau Claire's artistic renaissance.

Tom Giffey, design by Eric Christenson, photos by Andrea Paulseth, Luong Huynh, Lee Butterworth, Timothy Mather, Caitlyn Berlin, Brandon Jenness, Frank H. Robinson, Kelsey Smith

Aug. 2, 2018

Dragon Boat Festival Fundraises to Fight Cancer

Emilee Wentland, photos by Kelsey Smith

Come one, come all to watch the fourth annual Half Moon Dragon Boat Festival. The one-day event raises funds to fight against cancer, donating to charities such as Joshua’s Camp, the American Cancer Society ...

Jun. 13, 2018

5 Common Mistakes Runners Make

and how to avoid them

Adam Condit, photos by Branden Nall, Kelsey Smith

You’re all fired up and ready to run! In fact, you might have a longer term goal you’re working towards and want to make this year your fittest year yet! Motivation is at an all-time high and you have daydreams ...

Jun. 4, 2018

Cinder-Ella Story: Live music, carnival rides & summer joy at Cinder City Days

Emilee Wentland, photos by Kelsey Smith

The clock is ticking down to the Altoona Lions Club’s Cinder City Days – there’s even a by-the-second countdown on their website to remind everyone. This 45th annual event features activities for the whole family ...

May. 3, 2018

Taking a Drink in Stride

World Beer Races combine running, brew-fest

Kendra Lamer, photos by Kelsey Smith

The 2018 World Beer Races are here to put some extra hops in your stride. The timed races will kick off Saturday, May 19, in Altoona. Runners have the option of completing a 5K or 10K and will receive ...

May. 2, 2018

It Keeps You Running

EC Marathon turns 10 with no plans of slowing down

Samantha Kobs, photos by Kelsey Smith

This year marks the 10th anniversary of one of Eau Claire’s most exciting events: the Eau Claire Marathon. On Sunday, May 6, entire streets will be shut down and taken over by a flash mob of over 4,700 ...

Apr. 4, 2018

6th Annual Improv Festival Gives Eau Claire a Taste of the Second City

Lauren Fisher, photos by Kelsey Smith

The Eau Claire Improv Festival is back for its sixth year with a new location and a big headliner. For the first time, the festival will host Chicago-based Second City Improv, a world-renowned organization that comedians ...

Nov. 28, 2017

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks

yes, it’s Christmastime in the City (of Eau Claire!)

Emily Kinzel, photos by Kelsey Smith

Soon enough “Jingle Bell Rock,” Santa Claus paraphernalia, and glittery ornaments will engulf each American city in a Christmas tidal wave ...

Aug. 22, 2017

Buckshot's Big Birthday

Eau Claire’s original run celebrates 35 years helping Special Olympics

Haley Wright, photos by Kelsey Smith

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Buckshot Run – an event that originated in the Chippewa Valley, is exclusive to the Chippewa Valley, and is named after a Chippewa Valley notable. The anniversary is cause for special celebration ...

Jul. 12, 2017

FEATURE: A Look Back at the House of Rock (and Then Forward)

Over the last 17 years, the House of Rock united an eclectic Eau Claire music scene

Eric Christenson, photos by Lee Butterworth, Luong Huynh, Mike O'Brien, Kelsey Smith, Frank H. Robinson, SpinVision 

Jun. 1, 2017

Cinder City Heats Up

Altoona kicks off summer with annual festival

Haley Wright, photos by Kelsey Smith

The one and only Cinder City Days, one of the first of the area summer festivals, runs June 8-11 in Altoona’s Cinder City Park. The festival, put on annually by the Altoona Lions Club, has been a draw for locals for more than four decades, offering a little something for everyone ...

May. 31, 2017

2 Can't Miss Big Local Shows

V1 Staff, photos by Kelsey Smith

Earlier this month, it was announced that The House of Rock, the long-running rock club staple of the Eau Claire music scene, will be shutting its doors for good. The venerable Water Street venue has long been home to Decadent Cabaret ...

May. 17, 2017

Rock No More

The House of Rock will shut its doors in July

Eric Christenson, photos by Kelsey Smith, Lee Butterworth

One of Eau Claire’s longest running music venues, the House of Rock, is closing this summer, its owner announced in early May. The Water Street rock club’s owner, Steve Geitz ...

May. 16, 2017

House of Rock: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

celebrating our creative economy while examining the loss of a mainstay music venue

Nick Meyer, illustrated by Janae Breunig, photos by Kelsey Smith

However, somewhat simultaneously, music fans in the area are processing last week’s announcement that a mainstay live venue for the last 17 years, The House of Rock on Water Street in Eau Claire, will permanently close its doors in July ...

Apr. 19, 2017

Opening Shot | April 19, 2017

photos by Kelsey Smith

IT GROWS ON YOU. At Fashion Without Fabric, UW-Stout’s art and design students showcase unique fashion creations using anything but fabric. This year’s show was April 8 ...

Mar. 10, 2017

Big Plans Are A-Brewin' at Lazy Monk

Phase 2 will consolidate the brewery and bier hall – and Phase 3 is a German / Czech restaurant

Hillary Bell, photos by Kelsey Smith

Lazy Monk Brewing, a local brewery and popular German-style bier hall in Eau Claire, will soon begin Phase 2 of its transition from its previous location in Banbury Place to its new, spacious home ...

Mar. 10, 2017

Spontaneous Laughs

Eau Claire Improv Festival gears up for year five

Hannah Mumm, photos by Kelsey Smith

Eau Claire has long been a small city with a big personality. Its citizens pump out Grammy-winning albums, bestselling literature, and events that draw people from across the world ...

Dec. 28, 2016

Rebuilding Pinehurst

local nonprofit, volunteers turning vision into reality

Brendon Paucek, photos by Kelsey Smith

The former ski hill at Pinehurst Park has steadily evolved into a fresh and exciting new recreation area. Led by local nonprofit OutdoorMore Inc., Pinehurst Park is on its way to becoming not only ...

Oct. 4, 2016

No Joke! Big Comics on the Way

check out Clear Water Comedy’s awesome fall 2016 lineup

Eric Christenson, photos by Kelsey Smith

About a year and a half ago, a group of local standup comedians started throwing weekly shows every Thursday night at The Plus in downtown Eau Claire. And already they’re booking some pretty huge, nationally-recognized comedians ...

Sep. 22, 2016

This Is Land Is My Land

new local art show Land:Mine explores our precious land

Hope Greene, photos by Kelsey Smith

Land is a solid that extends down as rock until rock becomes fluid. Land is an idea, a memory, a promise – evoking borders, blood, and belonging. Land is the word for arriving at the edge of an unnamed ...

Jun. 29, 2016

The Fairest of Them All

the Northern Wisconsin State Fair's fun and fried food

Sammy Gibbons, photos by Kelsey Smith

The Northern Wisconsin State Fair features everything you and the family can hope for in a summer day. Your favorite carnival rides, an abundance of fried food and cold beverages ...