WHO TO LISTEN FOR Eau Claire does pretty well on the music front. Beyond the worldwide acclaim of some of our indie bands and jazz musicians, this city has a little something for everyone.
MOTHERWIND
This four-piece rock band has brought the kind of grunge shredder music that makes everyone want to headbang – even if they’ve never headbanged before. Since their start in 2020, their natural talent and electric stage presence (often featuring piñatas filled with goodies beyond candy) quickly made them an up-and-comer on the rock scene. With a flair that’s reminiscent of ’70s rock and alternative groove, they’ve proven themselves as through-and-through rockers, and their 2022 single “Leesa” displayed their broadening sound.
FOR FANS OF:Greta Van Fleet, Brand New, headbanging with a smile. WHERE TO START:
The 2022 single, “Leesa”
THEM COULEE BOYS
For a group of down-to-earth Wisco guys, they still swing back to the area with foot-stompin’ energy – when they’re not touring all over the nation.
The Avett Brothers, Trampled By Turtles, cowboy boots WHERE TO START:
“10 ft. Tall” from Dancing in the Dim Light (2016)
THE NUNNERY
Sarah Elstran brings a new type of sound to the area by creating live musical and vocal loops that mesmerizes audiences.
Beach House, Humbird, ascending time and space through music WHERE TO START:
“Take a Walk” from We Are the Stars (2019)
MILES BLVD
Known for his low-key flow and vibey sound, this Eau Claire hip-hop artist is deeply dedicated to the craft and isn’t afraid to get real with his lyrics.
Mac Miller, spilling your darkest secrets to someone you just met at a party WHERE TO START:
The 2022 single, “Melrose”
DOG PAULSON
A music collective made up of Eau Claire transplants, Dog Paulson just hit the scene and feels like the next big thing in the alternative hip-hop space.
Tyler, the Creator, Brock Hampton, driving at sunset with the windows down WHERE TO START:
“Coloring Book” from Pog Daulson (2023)
Nick Anderson & the Skinny Lovers
They’ve made a name for themselves through catchy rock songs laden with their youthful energy and soulful harmonies.
Blink-182, Green Day, stylish hats, cow tippin’ WHERE TO START:
“24” from Ephrem (2018)
PIT WAGON
Pit Wagon supply the Midwest with a dose of Southern tunes bound to please fans of outlaw country music looking for a fix.
Johnny Cash, outlaw country, deep gravely voices WHERE TO START:
“Metal” from Well (2017)
Noah Estrada
@NoahEstradaMusic on Facebook »
Winner of the “Best Hip-Hop Artist” in Volume One’s ‘Best of the Chippewa Valley’ poll, his rap is personal and purposeful.
Drake, Post Malone, being in your feelings, vibing WHERE TO START:
“On My Mind” from Through My Eyes (2022)
TEAWHYB
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.
Post Malone, Travis Scott, dancing all night, doing the Bob Ross WHERE TO START:
“Controller 2” from What We Were EP (2020)
If you actually love live music and want to dive into what our local bands have goin’ on, don’t miss the annual multi-day Decadent Cabaret event in the spring.
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.”
Music Festivals
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.
HOOFBEAT
Former name: Country Fest
Location: Festival grounds, Cadott
When: June
Year founded: 1987
Music: Modern country. Recent headliners include Recent headliners include Zac Brown Band, Dan + Shay, and Jon Pardi.
Web: hoofbeatfestival.com
ROCK FEST
Location: Festival grounds, Cadott
When: July
Year founded: 1994
Music: Metal, modern rock, and classic rock. Recent headliners include Slipknot, Pantera, Jelly Roll, and Shinedown.
Web: rock-fest.com
COUNTRY JAM
Location: Foster Farm, Eau Claire
When: July
Year founded: 1990
Music: Modern country. Recent headliners include Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, and Brothers Osborne.
Web: countryjamwi.com
BLUE OX
Location: Whispering Pines, Eau Claire
When: Usually June
Year founded: 2015
Music: Modern and traditional bluegrass, roots, and Americana. Recent headliners include The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell, Pert Near Sandstone, and Eau Claire’s own Them Coulee Boys.
Web: blueoxmusicfestival.com
ONEFEST
Location: N.W. State Fairgrounds, Chippewa Falls
When: July
Year founded: 2018
Music: Contemporary Christian rock, pop, singer/songwriter. Recent headliners include Skillet, Tauren Wells, and Cain.
Web: one-fest.com
REVERB
Location: Eau Claire Event District
When: August
Year founded: 2023
Music: A new multi-genre music festival featuring big names in emo, punk pop, alt-rock and hip-hop music. Acts have included All Time Low, Mayday Parade, Plain White T’s, T.I., Ginuwine, and more.
Web: reverbwi.com
Music Venues
Pablo Center
128 Graham Ave.pablocenter.org
What you’ll see: National touring acts, classical, jazz, indie, country, theater, comedy.
all ages - price varies
The Cabin
Davies Centeruwec.edu/uac/
What you’ll see: Local bands, folk, indie rock, jazz, small touring acts
all ages - FREE
The Mousetrap
311 S. Barstow St.What you’ll see: Local bands, folk, bluegrass, indie rock, funk, open mics, small to mid-sized touring acts
21+ - FREE
The Lakely at The Oxbow Hotel
516 Galloway St.theoxbowhotel.com/events
What you’ll see: Jazz several nights a week, local and touring bands on gallery nights, bluegrass during brunch.
all ages - price varies
The Plus
208 S. Barstow St.theplusec.com »
Clear Water Comedy acts, local bands, live jazz every Monday in summer, open mic nights on Tuesdays, and themed Trivia nights on Thursdays.
all ages - price varies
2 ROOTS ART & WINE GALLERY
216 S. Barstow St.Regional and local singer/songwriters, acoustic artists, jazz, and more.
all ages - price varies
The Stones Throw
304 Eau Claire St.Local and regional touring groups, booked by Converge Radio and more.
21+ - price varies
RED MIXER
2526 Golf Rd.Local and regional acts spanning metal, rock, country, and more.
all ages - price varies
EAU CLAIRE JAZZ FESTIVAL & JAZZ CRAWL
All That Jazz
UW-Eau Claire and Eau Claire’s high schools have extensive and successful jazz programs, creating a great jazz scene in the area. Look out for Eau Claire’s annual Jazz Fest in April, which features concerts with nationally known headliners as well as the Jazz Crawl, a downtown festival full of tons of performances and jazzy energy. In November, Gatsby’s Gala, a swingin’ tribute to the Jazz Age of the Roaring Twenties, is held on campus, and the Clearwater Jazz & Art festival is hosted in late August.
205 N. Dewey St.
Eau Claire, WI 54703
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