Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival
July 17-18
Justin and Aaron
It’s a festival in the making, and it has never been done before. Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival will be making its debut this upcoming summer. It’s a two day festival that will be in action from July 17 to July 18. The people running and curating the festival are Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner. Do these names mean anything to you? How about this: Justin Vernon is the mastermind behind Bon Iver and Aaron Dessner is the guitarist and co-songwriter for The National.
The Festival will be taking place on the banks of the Chippewa River located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Justin Vernon’s hometown. Tickets are on sale now for this rain or shine event. Tickets are $135 for standard GA passes and $250 for V.I.P., which includes unlimited beverages. Tickets are available here, camping is separate but listed on the site.
Lineup:
Aero Flynn, Allan Kingdom, Blind Boys of Alabama, Bon Iver, Boys Noize, Charles Bradley, Colin Stetson, Doomtree, Elliot Moss, Field Report, Francis and the Lights, Givers, Grandma Sparrow, Haley Bonar, Hiss Golden Messenger, Indigo Girls, Liturgy, Lizzo, Low, Marijuana Deathsquads, Melt-Banana, Mueller, No BS! Brass Band, Phil Cook, PHOX, Polica, Retribution Gospel Choir, Rosenau, S. Carey, Sam Amidon, Spooky Black, Spoon, Sturgill Simpson, Sufjan Stevens, Sylvan Esso, The Lone Bellow, The National, The Staves, The Tallest Man on Earth, yMusic.
Top 10 Acts To See:
Announcing our 2015 lineup. We'll join you there.
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2. Sufjan Stevens - Just announced a new album titled Carrie & Lowell which he is accompanying with a tour. Every show is either already sold out or close to being sold out. I’m expecting Eaux Claires to assume this performance will be a 10/10 on the intimacy level.
3. The National - I started listening to The National 10 years ago, “Secret Meeting” on Alligator was my jam. Then there was Boxer, High Violet, and a lot in-between. Aaron Dessner, one of the Festival’s curators is also a part of the group. I could imagine that The National would be so psyched to play this fest.
4. The Staves - A super mellow acoustic folk rock trio (sisters) from England. Justin Vernon produced their Blood I Bled EP that was released late last year. Check out my friend’s rad cover of “Icarus”.
5. The Tallest Man On Earth - Amazing and harsh voice, wouldn’t be wise to miss this show.
6. Sturgill Simpson - Not a fan of country, except for maybe Johnny Cash. Sturgill is a great musician, was nominated for a Grammy for the Best Americana Album. He has significantly grown in the past year.
7. Sylvan Esso - I’m going to be honest, I only really know “Hey Mami” and “Coffee” by this fantastic group that is made up of Amelia from Mountain Man and Nick of Megafaun. Totally a group that would engage well with their crowd, especially at a unique festival such as this one.
8. Doomtree - Doomtree rolls deep! Midwestern rap at it’s finest. Big group, would love to see “Bangarang” live.
9. Givers - they describe their music as “Afro-beat, dancey pants, indie pop love music”, hard not be sold after that.
10. Spoon. It’s Spoon. Would want to see “The Underdog”, “Written in Reverse”, and “I Turn My Camera On” live.
Honorable Mentions:
People need to know who Allan Kingdom is. Check it.
Poliça - Many people enjoy them, electro-pop.
Phox - Would breathe phoxygen over oxygen if that was an option.
By Ben Schechter