Soren Staff, the singer-songwriter for Them Coulee Boys and Arlen, launched his three-month residency debut at LIVE at LEONA's (406 Galloway St., Eau Claire) with a heartfelt acknowledgement of attendees and those who chose to gather together on Friday, Jan. 16.

"I just want to recognize the community here (at Leona's) ... we always have these fights for human rights, and you guys are a part of that," Staff said, setting the tone for the next three performances in the residency.

Throughout Leona's inaugural winter residency series, "Soren Staff & Friends," Staff will invite different guests to play a collection of tracks which pay homage to his various projects, along with songs rooted in his connections to the Midwest.

Night one, on Jan. 16, welcomed Ben Lester on the pedal steel. Though Lester has performed with Them Coulee Boys in previous years, this performance marked his first solo appearance with Staff.

The air was filled with a gentle hum from attendees, who accompanied the Driftless-inspired folk music of No Fun in the Chrysalis and Namesake, among other songs. In between songs, Staff shared stories about growing up in the region and the specific Eau Claire places and spaces that influenced him.

"Soren Staff & Friends," hosted by LIVE at LEONA's and in partnership with Property Shoppe Realty, will look ahead to its second night of the residency at 8:30pm on Friday, Feb. 27.