5 Non-Holiday Shows to Cleanse Your Palate
this season's holly-jolliness is great and all, but here are some non-holiday themed shows to check out too
If you've had your fill of holiday-themed shows, we won't poke too much fun at you. If you're looking to switch things up or are just straight up over the season jolliness already, there are still many happenings throughout the Chippewa Valley to hit through the end of the year. Here are five shows, from local rock bands to live comedy and others, to consider putting on your calendar!
1. Nick Anderson + The Skinny Lovers, The Over Unders, Parker Reed + The Lucid Dreamers, and Pullstring
Friday, Dec. 15 | 7:30pm | The Plus (208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) | $10
Frequent fliers in the Chippewa Valley, these rock bands are pulling up to The Plus on Friday, Dec. 15, for a four-in-one show – and it’s just $10 to get in! Nick Anderson and The Skinny Lovers have had their music featured on MTV, Netflix, and other platforms, have played Summerfest, and charted on independent radio, and they call Eau Claire their home base, which is pretty sweet. The Over Unders are an alternative rock trio also based out of E.C., having performed out of Minneapolis’ legendary 7th St. Entry rock club and Rockfest 2023. Parker Reed and The Lucid Dreamers have previously played at Sounds Like Summer and frequently pop up at venues around the Valley, the five-person rock band is certainly no stranger to area crowds. Pullstring hails from the Twin Cities, bringing a nostalgia-driven rock sound that will round out the night.
2. The Found Footage Festival
Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7:30pm | Pablo Center, Eau Claire | $35+ | Ages 17+
The Found Footage Festival is winding its way back to the Chippewa Valley, its hosts Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (The Late Show), UW-Eau Claire alum, have found major success across the country with their Found Footage Festival work. Debuting in New York City in 2004, the festival has sold out hundreds of live shows both in the U.S. as well as Canada and the UK and was named a critics’ pick in The New York Times and The Guardian. Dec. 16’s event will take viewers on a guided tour through the duo’s latest and greatest VHS tape finds, including rare footage from a short-lived video dating service featuring 1987’s most eligible bachelorettes, a mysterious New Age seminar called “Elimination: The First Step,” and more. Snag your tickets online.
3. Chris Kroeze
Friday, Dec. 22 | 7:30pm | Pablo Center, Eau Claire | $35-$63+
Acclaimed country singer and songwriter Chris Kroeze is swinging back to Eau Claire for a performance at The Pablo Center, the Barron native is continuing to connect with audiences across the nation with his alluring sound. Since his runner-up placing during season 15 of The Voice, Kroeze has been featured in Rolling Stone, USA Today, and traveled overseas many times to perform for international fans and U.S. military members. A local favorite, you won’t be disappointed to spend an evening with Kroeze. Tickets are available online.
4. Clear Water Comedy Presents: The Roast of 2023
Thursday, Dec. 28 | 7:30-9:30pm | The Plus (208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) | $7 (buy in advance to get a free drink ticket) | Recommended for ages 18+
Clear Water Comedy is bringing the heat to the wintry end of the year with its show, The Roast of 2023. A group of local comedians is prepared to deliver fast-paced jokes and several sets telling 2023 exactly what they think of it. As described by the group, expect topics ranging from “Hurricanes. Submarines. Politics. Putin.” Make sure to buy your ticket in advance to also score a free drink at The Plus for the show.
5. ECCT Presents: "Peter and the Starcatcher"
Jan. 5-7 | 1:30pm or 7:30pm | The Oxford Theatre, Eau Claire | $12+
The Eau Claire Children’s Theater is bringing the Tony Award-winning play, Peter and the Starcatcher, to an E.C. stage to break in the new year. Based on the best-selling novels, the play tells the story of the legendary Peter Pan meeting his nemesis, Captain Hook. Get ready to experience the depths of greed and despair, and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love. Buy tickets online – shows slated for Jan. 5, 7:30pm; Jan. 6, 1:30pm; Jan. 7, 1:30pm – recommended for ages 8 and up.
Check out Volume One’s full event calendar for more local happenings.
