Bon Iver’s ‘Eaux Claires’ In Eau Claire

After playing just about everyone else’s mega-music events, Justin Vernon has his own festival.  The Bon Iver frontman along with The National’s Aaron Dessner will curate the first ever “Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival” this summer in Vernon’s hometown.

Planned for July 17-18, Eaux Claires will take place in Eau Claire, Wis., at the 20-acre Foster Farm, home to the annual Country Jam music fests.

Photo: Dario Cantatore / Invision / AP
Radio City Music Hall, New York City

Eaux Claires will be produced by Crash Line Productions, the company that founded and produces the Boston Calling Music Festival. Together with Vernon and Dessner, the master plan calls for “visual art, innovative integrations of music and light, locally sourced food and beverages” and other delights.

“After several years of touring and playing music festivals of all different types around the world, I wanted to put together an event that would honor what we love about this place – including an independent attitude and blaze orange caps – but also shine a light on less familiar and surprising elements that are already weaving themselves into our future,” Vernon said.

“Having this festival right in my backyard gives me and the guest artists a chance to share familiar work and new creations in a setting close to my heart and different than any other stage in the world.  To create this event within view of the Chippewa River – the very river that defines this place – makes it all the more meaningful.  We’re fortunate because the Chippewa Valley already has a history of great music festivals.  Everyone – the city, the country, and the Country Jam folks – has been very supportive.  They’re helping us take it beyond music and into a celebration of film, art and things still in the works … just walking around the place is going to be an experience.”

Dessner adds, “Justin and I have been friends and collaborators for years.  Working together to create and curate Eaux Claires is something we’ve been talking about for a long time.  To finally see it come together, and to imagine the music, art and community the festival will bring together, is very exciting.”

Although Vernon & Co. won’t be talking about the lineup until 2015, limited amounts of two-day general admission tickets and three-night camping passes will go on sale Dec. 18 at 12 p.m. CST.  Head over to EauxClaires.com for more information.