Volume One Contributors

Jan. 27, 2016

Slow-Fi Project

Two Castles adds emotional weight on new lo-fi EP

Sam Clark, photos by Kelsey Smith

Eric Christenson began making sparse lo-fi slices of pop music more than five years ago, a craft he’s meticulously honed into his most recent work as Two Castles ...

Jan. 7, 2015

Some Jazz for the Record

in the face of live-only jazz, ’58 Belvedere records

Sam Clark

Venture out of your house on any given weeknight and there’s a fair chance you’ll stumble upon some live jazz being performed around Eau Claire. The Plus and Shanghai Bistro harbor some of the Chippewa Valley’s most creative minds ...

Apr. 3, 2014

Passion Project

after much toil, Island of Dr. Lee releases its debut

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Jaime Hansen wanted to write a metal record and tried valiantly, but it just didn’t work out that way. That’s no reason for him to hang his head, however: The outcome of this musical endeavor yielded The Island of Dr. Lee, a fearsome force of ...

Feb. 4, 2014

A Way Out of the Ordinary

Adelyn Rose cements position in indie rock scene

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

A persistent work ethic and a knack for networking skills, not to mention a bevy of musical talent, have helped to define Adelyn Rose as one of the preeminent indie rock bands in the Chippewa Valley. Since releasing their debut album ...

Jan. 9, 2014

New Adventures in Lo-Fi

Wisconsin Built focuses on storytelling

Sam Clark

Eric Charles Christenson has been a man in transition. After graduating from UW-Eau Claire in the winter of 2012, he worked a stint for the Green Bay Press-Gazette before moving on to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. His brief Midwestern odyssey ...

Oct. 10, 2013

Hear In There

sound installation project puts twist on ‘Ode to Joy’

Sam Clark

Davy Sumner’s young musical career knows no boundaries. Although Sumner, who graduated from UW-Eau Claire this past May with a degree in music composition, has been busy ...

Sep. 11, 2013

Darkness and Light

trio shows classical music’s contemporary colors

Sam Clark

In a university setting where classical tradition is firmly cemented into the curriculum, three music professors are helping contemporary art music gain more exposure. As the Chiaroscuro Trio, UW-Eau Claire faculty members (and spouses) Elizabeth ...

May. 24, 2013

Expect the Best. Night. Ever.

an extravaganza of stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy

Sam Clark

Comedy is about to get a lot bigger in Eau Claire. While stand-ups and improv comedy have existed and even thrived independently in the Chippewa Valley, a sense of unity has never quite been attained. A collection of local comedians is ...

May. 22, 2013

Adding onto the House

electronic music project North House goes cinematic

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Music’s evolution into the digital age has made it infinitely easier for artists to immediately share their songs with fans from around the world, and it has also altered the way in which music is produced. Instead of relying on a bevy ...

May. 20, 2013

Taking a Quick Ride

short drive trips around the state of Wisconsin

Sam Clark

We wanted to find the best destinations for a quick weekend road trip around Wisconsin, whether it’s for the gorgeous natural beauty, an interesting educational experience or just a wacky, weird attraction. So we asked you to give us suggestions...

May. 16, 2013

A Hero Is Rising

Adam Oster’s superhero novel is just the beginning

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

The Chippewa Valley never seems to be short on talent. The region is practically a breeding ground for musicians and artists, and it also plays host to a number of fantastic authors. One of those aforementioned scribes who is sure to be ...

Apr. 23, 2013

Wrapping It All Up

entrepreneur brings tasty (and musical) wraps to mall

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

A new local business is vying for attention among the big-name fast food restaurants that populate the Oakwood Mall food court. The Wrap Factory (three guesses...

Apr. 23, 2013

Malone Together

jazz drummer draws on EC talent pool for debut album

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Ever since coming to UW-Eau Claire in the fall of 2009, Mike Malone has worked hard to establish himself in the Chippewa Valley jazz scene. He’ll be the first to tell you...

Apr. 10, 2013

Acoustihoo's Playing

local sax goddess Orfield’s side project finally on disc

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Sue Orfield is it. The tenor sax player is one of the definitive jazz figures in the Chippewa Valley, and she has the credentials to back that statement up. Whether she’s playing with the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra, the Butanes, or...

Mar. 26, 2013

Duet: Keezer + Perry

former local piano master teams with Michael Perry

Sam Clark

A hometown hero is returning for the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. Geoffrey Keezer, a Grammy-nominated jazz pianist, is one of two guest artists who will be featured at the headliner concerts held at Memorial High on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6. Keezer was born in Eau Claire...

Mar. 26, 2013

All That Jazz

Sam Clark, photos by Zach Oliphant

One of the biggest jazz festivals in the Midwest happens right here in our back yard. Jazz Fest returns this year April 5-7 at locations around the Chippewa Valley. The festival includes performances and classes and brings in hundreds of...

Feb. 13, 2013

A Night at the Opera

UWEC production goes all out with Strauss classic

Sam Clark, photos by Andrea Paulseth

The music and theater department at UW-Eau Claire is a multi-faceted universe. Students are expected to be well-versed in the classical repertoire of their respective instruments, but many go above and beyond this requirement by immersing ...

Feb. 13, 2013

Flamenco Troupe Brings Global Flair to UWEC

Sam Clark

UW-Eau Claire’s Artist Series provides members of the community with frequent opportunities to experience various cultures from around the world. On Wednesday, Feb. 27, the campus will play host to the Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Company, a group...