… was thinking today that there are so many people to thank and that I should make a list and put it out at Christmas, just saying … you know, "We owe you our life", kind of thing.

But was also thinking whats better than the moment of thanks, to give that thanks.

So, today, I was thinking about Ryan Matteson. The man behind the Muzzle of Bees blog.

Now, we're thankful for a lot of people, and plan on thanking all of them at some point; publicly as they come. But today, Ryan has just been in mind.

We first met when Bon Iver was just a 'demo' in the back pocket at South-By in 2007, when I was playing with the Rosebuds there. We kept in touch, which rarely happens when you meet people out on the road, but we had a super Wisconsin bro-down, with beer in hand.

Ever since, Ryan has been a champion and a friend. And now, he is even working with the unbelievably wonderful crew at the Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee, doing great things to create art and atmosphere in our state. The Pabst, in our humble opinion, is quite possibly the most beautiful venue in America.

Bon Iver says thanks, Ryan.

See you on State St. soon.

Love,
Bon Iver