Riggs Calvero Returns to Favorite E.C. ‘Honky Tonk’ Venue
Chippewa Valley ensemble will be joined by Official Claire, LeRoy Bach at the Mousetrap Tavern
Evelyn Nelson, photos by Zachary Oliphant |
A night of old-and-new musical talent awaits as Riggs Calvero and Official Claire (featuring LeRoy Bach) share the stage for one night only in downtown Eau Claire.
Riggs Calvero will return to their “home club” at 8pm this Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the Mousetrap Tavern (311 S Barstow St.). Bar regulars, newcomers, and fans alike are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot for what Keith Killoren, guitarist and frontman of Riggs Calvero, promises to be an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
Keith has observed the evolution of Eau Claire's music scene for decades. Riggs Calvero bassist Noah Smit and Keith first found their collaborative sound while attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the 1990s, forming the group Three Liter Hit. Years later, after extensive national tours and the formation of new music ensembles, Keith returned to the city that first ignited his urge to collaborate with other musicians.
“The second I got back (to Eau Claire), I wanted to start up with my old pals again,” Keith said. “We love the Mousetrap — it's our 'home club.’ ”
Today, Noah and Keith are joined by Joe Christopherson on drums (formerly of the '90s Eau Claire group Sled Napkin) and Soma Smit on violin. Riggs Calvero’s lyric-focused soundscapes incorporate pop, punk, and heartland rock melodies reminiscent of Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen.
Killoren eagerly anticipates the debut performance of Official Claire and LeRoy Bach together in the Chippewa Valley; both musicians worked together on Official Claire's 2024 EP, Midnight Dickbiter.
The Chicago-based artists are both known for their multi-instrumental contributions to the alternative country genre. Claire draws influences from both feminine crowd rock and bliss drone psych rock, while LeRoy rose to acclaim within the alt-country ensemble Wilco in the late '90s and early 2000s.
“(I am) really looking forward to debuting Official Claire in your town,” Claire said of the forthcoming show. “Thank you for welcoming me and my band — I think we're going to get along great.”
The Aug. 13 show at the Mousetrap Tavern is free to attend, with music beginning promptly at 8pm.
For more information on Riggs Calvero, Official Claire, and LeRoy Bach, visit their respective social media webpages online.
