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:Pit Wagon supply the Midwest with a dose of Southern tunes bound to please fans of outlaw country music looking for a fix.
They’ve made a name for themselves through catchy rock songs laden with their youthful energy and soulful harmonies.
Known for easygoing acoustic laden jams, Idle Empress is staking their claim in the indie rock scene through personal anecdotes and melodies.
Making a name for himself with viral videos and hit songs, TeawhYB is supplying the Valley with the hip-hop/rap bangers it has been looking for.
A veteran of the Eau Claire music community, Pullman’s unique timbre and songwriting ability continues to make him a local living legend.
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.”
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.
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
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
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
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
Location: N.W. State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls
When: July
Year founded: 2018
Average attendance: 4,000
Music: Contemporary Christian rock, pop, singer/songwriter. Recent headliners include Rend Collective, Danny Gokey, and Newsboys.
Web: one-fest.com
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.
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.