HE IS THE INSTRUMENT. Alan Sparhawk of Low will perform live on Sept. 5 in Eau Claire at the LIVE at LEONA's music venue alongside the pizzeria. Attendees can expect songs from his two solo releases, "White Roses, My God" and "With Trampled By Turtles." (Photo by Alexa Viscius)

An intimate, fairy light-lit downtown Eau Claire venue welcomes you to experience honesty and individuality — where the beauty of grief and joy coexist through chords and lyrics. At 8pm on Friday, Sept. 5, LIVE at LEONA’s (406 Galloway St., Eau Claire) will welcome Alan Sparhawk of Low to their stage alongside the pizzeria.

The performance will feature electronic anthems from Sparhawk's 2024 solo debut, "White Roses, My God," along with tracks from his recent collaboration with Duluth's Trampled By Turtles, succinctly titled "With Trampled by Turtles."

As he actively promotes and tours in support of these new records, Sparhawk and band have expanded their sound to include high-spirited and “joyful shredding,” which fans might consider to be a debut of new sonic landscapes for Sparhawk.

Still, an undercurrent of familiarity flows through each track, connecting back to the same unfiltered energy he brought to projects like Low, the Black Eyed Snakes, and his many other musical collaborations.

“He’s pathbreaking, yet again, invested as ever in the endless process of becoming himself,” the album description reads.

Having performed in Eau Claire from time to time — and recorded his own music at April Base in Fall Creek — Sparhawk describes the community as having a sense of "eclectic individuality." Similar to his home in Duluth, both cities foster a strong work ethic and a drive to create, he said.

"We are small but have thrived in our underdog energy," Sparhawk said to describe the two distinct, yet interconnected cities.

Many artists and creatives of the Chippewa Valley have been impacted by the role Sparhawk, Low, and his other ensembles have brought to their own musical vocations and everyday beliefs.

"the guy doesn't play his instrument, he is the instrument."

jakob paulsrud

co-owner of leona's pizzeria, on Alan Sparhawk's Distinct sound

Jakob Paulsrud, co-owner of Leona’s Pizzeria who once equally called Duluth home (and is a musician in his own right), remembers the first show where he witnessed Sparhawk’s “infections aura.”

Paulsrud had no preconceived notions when he saw Sparhawk perform live during his time with Retribution Gospel Choir, but walked out with a longing to be their drummer.

“His stage persona is certainly something I wish everyone had — but if they did, it wouldn't be as special,” Paulsrud said. “His whole being contorts with each passing chord; the guy doesn't play his instrument, he is the instrument.”

Also being a musician with Duluth roots, Paulsrud values the connection between the two cities and the chance to feature such talented acts not only in Eau Claire but at his own Leona's Pizzeria.

Alan Sparhawk, pictured above, performs live at The Bishop Bar in Bloomington, Ind. during his ongoing tour this yrar. (Photo by Anna Powell Denton)

“Sparhawk is an anomaly. His name is this bigger-than-life thing but in person, he's this soft, gentle,  and warm being,” Paulsrud said. “We're absolutely stoked to have a guy like that — that's toured the world, made and still makes amazing music — bless us on our little stage. It's really just an honor.”

Lanue, the musical project of Sarah Krueger, now resides in her native Eau Claire after previously living near the shores of Lake Superior. With anticipation for Sparhawk’s return to Eau Claire, Krueger reflected on his role as a producer and guide to her sophomore release, “Fire in My Mind.”

Whilst writing and recording in his home studio, she noted, Sparhawk welcomed a space for Krueger to depart from the sounds and instrumentation of her previous record, “Lanue,” and explore new sonic territories.

“I learned a valuable lesson from (Sparhawk): you should never pigeonhole yourself into one type of genre,” Krueger said. “I appreciated that a lot because I got a chance to just explore where I wanted to take these songs.”

Krueger's exploration at the time led her right back to her Eau Claire roots, as she and Sparhawk welcomed fellow Eau Claire musician, S. Carey, to appear on the title track, "Fire in My Mind." She noted, "the Eau Claire to Duluth connection got tuned a little bit tighter — just in those small moments.”

Krueger said new listeners can anticipate the truest expression of Sparhawk's essence when performing live in front of an audience.

“(Alan is) not trying to set himself apart as an artist,” Krueger said. “He is really trying to thrive off of connection; connection is I think what moves him and grounds him.”

Grief and joy — two emotions that have brought Krueger and Sparhawk closer together over the years — continue to inspire his songwriting and stage presence, she added.

"(Alan is) not trying to set himself apart as an artist. He is really trying to thrive off of connection."

sarah krueger

musician, artist behind lanue

Sparhawk urges those who are inspired by his story and life's work to constantly engage with their music or art form. Conversely, he encouraged immersing oneself in the beauty of everyday responsibilities and activities as a means to cultivate new creative channels.

“Having a family, caring about the community, taking care of my home — even mowing the lawn — has made me see things more clearly and given me perspective on creativity,” Sparhawk added.

Regardless of the musical approach Sparhawk will bring to Eau Claire, audience members are sure to leave wanting more. As Paulsrud and Krueger shared, it's best to walk in with no expectations and await not only the brilliance of a multi-faceted artist, but the honesty and compassion of a dear friend.

In Sparhawk's own words, “I think people resonate with someone who is just being true to themselves and letting out what needs to come out. If you are honest with yourself, the truth will flow easily and you won’t need to steer it to match anyone else’s truth.”

Alan Sparhawk will perform at LIVE at LEONA’s (406 Galloway St., Eau Claire) on Sept. 5; doors open at 8pm, with music beginning at 8:30pm. Tickets are available for $20 in advance and $25 at the door. To purchase tickets online, visit VolumeOneTickets.org.