IT'S HERE, IT'S NOW. Live Here Now, a new variety and comedy show in the area, held its first performance on April 4. Hosted by Andy Spencer, the show blends comedy, genuine conversation and live music, and will continue with a limited run of shows on April 7 and 10 in downtown Menomonie's the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts (205 Main St. E.). (Submitted photo)

The Chippewa Valley’s wide pool of talent and local narratives are set to take center stage through “Live Here Now,” a new variety and comedy show brought to life by Vision Space LLC.

Hosted by Andy Spencer, an Eau Claire-based entertainer and comedian, the show – hosted at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts (205 Main St. E., Menomonie) – blends together comedy, genuine conversation and live music all in one.

“Our focus is always going to be on Midwestern culture, Wisconsin culture and Chippewa Valley culture and highlight the area,” Spencer said. “But if (we) do a good job of that and show and showcase our area – which is very easy to do – (we) can get a broader audience.”

Spencer shared that the foundation of Live Here Now is built on community investment; the show will shine a spotlight on local writers, comedic talent, special guests and live music performance.

Through genuine conversations – paired with laugh-out-loud moments – Spencer will welcome some familiar faces in the Valley, including BJ Hollars and Steve Dayton (Fireside Productions), Eau Claire City Council President Emily Berge and clown college instructor Steve Russell.

For the live music acts, Spencer has recruited the talents of blues ensemble Tommy Bentz Band and alternative-pop and grunge folk vocalist, Aly Dyg.

“(Live Here Now) is something that could really thrive here because of all the talented musicians, talented people and interesting stories we have from the Midwest – specifically (in the) Chippewa Valley,” Spencer said. “We are just trying to find the place where the audience is going to be receptive, but we also are providing quality entertainment that we feel happy about.”

Live Here Now began with its first performance on April 4 and will continue its limited run of shows at 8pm on April 7 and April 10 in downtown Menomonie.

"The best version of this show is going to be a packed house and as many people who can watch it."

ANDY SPENCER

ENTERTAINER AND COMEDIAN, HOST OF "LIVE HERE NOW"

From the looks of it, the inaugural in-person performance (and live stream) offered viewers an upbeat experience complete with audience participation, antics with a “human chicken” – plus a rotisserie chicken – special guests including “Bigfoot” (err, Littlefoot? If you know, you know) and live musical jams.

Spencer said the Live Here Now showcase is also intended to connect with audiences beyond the confines of the historic Mabel Tainter.

In addition to the three in-person shows, each performance will be live-streamed nightly – extending its reach to digital viewers not only in the Chippewa Valley but also nationwide and beyond.

“The best version of this show is going to be a packed house and as many people who can watch it,” Spencer said of the dual live-steam and in-person components.  “If people in California want to watch (Live Here Now.), great! Live streams just give us that possibility.”

Tickets are available to purchase through the Mabel Tainter Center, both online and in person at the box office. All proceeds from the three shows will support three local nonprofits: the Mabel Tainter, Menomonie Theater Guild and Converge Media.

As the project’s future path encourages audiences outside of the Midwest to tune into our pocket of the world, the Chippewa Valley's “hometown heroes” will always be central to Live Here Now.

According to Spencer, a hometown hero can be defined as “someone who draws upon where they are from in their art and profession.”

“No matter how you ended up here, you draw upon that area to reach success,” he said. “Whatever that means in your life, whether it's artistic or political or technical.”

But you’ll just have to catch the remaining Live Here Now performances to see how these locals bring their stories to life on the stage.

Live Here Now, created with Vision Space LLC and hosted at the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts (205 Main St. E., Menomonie), will continue its in person shows through April 10. Access the digital live stream for each performance online through Facebook and liveherenow.show.