WHO TO LISTEN FOR
Eau Claire does pretty well on the music front. Beyond the worldwide acclaim of some of our indie bands and jazz musicians, this city has a little something for everyone.
THEM COULEE BOYS
For a group of down-to-earth Wisconsin kids, Them Coulee Boys are takin’ their high energy folk tunes all over the country, and blowing up big time. Their latest album Die Happy came together with the help of Dave Simonett from Trampled By Turtles, and they’ve been touring every nook and cranny of the U.S. near constantly for the last few years. There’s plenty to be excited about for the future of Them Coulee Boys, and their songs are rich with foot-stompin’ energy and poignant emotional turns as well. Don’t sleep on ‘em.
FOR FANS OF:The Avett Brothers, Trampled By Turtles, cowboy boots WHERE TO START:
“Midnight Manifestos” from Die Happy (2019)
SLOSLYLOVE
Eau Claire producer Sloslylove uses hardware to make complex and infectious beats, over catchy ‘80s synthwave vibes, perfect for dance functions.
Washed Out, Toro Y Moi, lasers, the beach WHERE TO START:
“Can’t Let Go” from The Haunted (2014)
NAALIA
This sister/brother group formed in 2019 and makes songs chock full of lush R&B vibes that blend old school with modern feelings.
Alicia Keys, Solange, getting the chills WHERE TO START:
“No One But You” a single from 2019
SNIFFLE PARTY
Sniffle Party’s dreamy synthpop tunes combine experimental sounds with catchy synths, moody ‘80s inspired beats, and stadium pop hooks.
Sylvan Esso, Grimes, the Drive soundtrack, crying WHERE TO START:
“Peach Dream” from Peach Dream EP (2016)
ARMS ALOFT
Arms Aloft are the definitive punk band in Eau Claire with hard-hitting lyrics, sweltering guitar licks, and an unextinguishable DIY spirit to boot.
The Gaslight Anthem, getting sweaty with a Sharpie-d ‘X’ on your hand WHERE TO START:
“Skinny Love” from Sawdust City (2012)
TEAWHYB
Rapper TeawhYB makes infectious poppy trap music with positive affirmations and tons of energy. Catch a live show or some of his unique videos.
Travis Scott, Post Malone, hugs, doing the woah WHERE TO START:
“Far Away” from Letters Inbetween EP (2019)
Every other year, Eau Claire is host to the World Flute Society Convention, which is actually a pretty big deal, with hundreds flocking here to participate.
Prolific songwriter Will Jennings was a UW-Eau Claire professor for a short time. The lyricist penned some Grammy-nominated tunes, including “My Heart Will Go On,” “Higher Love,” and “Tears In Heaven.”
Music Festivals
The Eau Claire area loves a big music festival - especially in the summertime. Between our long-running country and rock festivals and some other unique options, there’s a lot in store for every music lover in the great outdoors.
Chance The Rapper at Eaux Claires 2017
EAUX CLAIRES
Location: Foster Farm, Eau Claire
When: TBD
Year founded: 2015
Average attendance: 20,000
Music: Eaux Claires and its eclectic musical acts and art installations have plans to take over downtown Eau Claire each summer, curated by Bon Iver and The National. Recent headliners include Chance The Rapper, James Blake, Pussy Riot, and Sylvan Esso.
Web: eauxclaires.com
COUNTRY FEST
Location: Festival grounds, Cadott
When: June
Year founded: 1987
Average attendance: 20,000
Music: Modern country. Recent headliners include Sugarland, Luke Bryan, Little Big Town.
Web: countryfest.com
ROCK FEST
Location: Festival grounds, Cadott
When: July
Year founded: 1994
Average attendance: 20,000
Music: Metal, modern rock, and classic rock. Recent headliners include Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, Breaking Benjamin
Web: rock-fest.com
COUNTRY JAM
Location: Foster Farm, Eau Claire
When: July
Year founded: 1990
Average attendance: 24,000
Music: Modern country. Recent headliners include Toby Keith, Maren Morris, Chris Kroeze, Keith Urban.
Web: countryjamwi.com
BLUE OX
Location: Whispering Pines, Eau Claire
When: Usually June
Year founded: 2015
Average attendance: 4,000
Music: Modern and tradtitional bluegrass, roots, and Americana. Recent headliners include the Trampled By Turtles, Del McCoury, Sam Bush, Pert Near Sandstone.
Web: blueoxmusicfestival.com
Music Venues
Pablo Center
128 Graham Ave.pablocenter.org
What you’ll see: National touring acts, classical, jazz, indie, country, theater, comedy.
all ages - price varies
The Metro
201 E. Lake St.facebook.com/THEMETROEC
What you’ll see: National touring acts, regional headliners, local bands across genres
all ages - price varies
Acoustic Cafe
505 S. Barstow St.theacoustic.com
What you’ll see: Local bands, folk, singer-songwriters, jazz, bluegrass
all ages - FREE
The Cabin
Davies Centeruwec.edu/uac/
What you’ll see: Local bands, folk, indie rock, jazz, small touring acts
all ages - FREE
The Plus
208 S. Barstow St.pizzapluseauclaire.com
What you’ll see: Local bands, folk, indie rock, jazz, small touring acts
ages depend on show - FREE-$10
The Lakely
516 Galloway St.thelakely.com
What you’ll see: Jazz several nights a week, local and touring bands on gallery nights, bluegrass during brunch.
all ages - price varies
Revival Records
128 S. Barstow St.revivalrecords.co/
What you’ll see: Local bands, stripped down, indie rock, folk, small touring acts
all ages - FREE
The Mousetrap
311 S. Barstow St.What you’ll see: Local bands, folk, bluegrass, indie rock, funk, open mics, small to mid-sized touring acts
21+ - FREE
House + Garage Shows
The plethora of musicians surrounding the university and downtown breeds house venues throughout the Randall Park and Third Ward neighborhoods, often publicized on Facebook and posters around town. The house shows in Eau Claire are the perfect, intimate place to see your favorite bands or discover something new.
All That Jazz
UW-Eau Claire and Eau Claire’s high schools have extensive and successful jazz programs, creating a great scene of jazz in the area. Look out for Eau Claire’s Jazz Fest in spring of 2015, where an entire stretch of downtown turns into a collection of historically themed jazz venues. Can’t wait ’til then? Check out jazz every Friday and Saturday nights at Shanghai Bistro or other weekly jazz nights around the area.
205 N. Dewey St.
Eau Claire, WI 54703
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