Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon announced back in October of 2014 that he would be launching a two-day music festival in his hometown of Eaux Claire, Wisconsin. The now second annual Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival is set to take place August 12 & 13 and will bring Bon Iver back to the stage, alongside Erykah Badu, Beach House, Mavis Staples, Vince Staples, and Phosphorescent.
Of note is the inclusion of Day Of The Dead, a tribute to the Grateful Dead led by Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National. Some tracks from that band’s recorded tribute recently leaked, but this will be the first and only live performance of “Day Of The Dead.” Hopefully, a number of acts on the festival lineup join in for this one-of-a-kind performance.
Also included in the initial lineup are Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Melvins, Little Scream, and so many more. There will even be special full-length album performances from Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers doing 1986’s The Way It Is, and Cornelius performing the 1997 classic record Fantasma. More musical additions to be announced, though perhaps the most unique part of this festival are the less recognizable names that will grow to become your new favorite artists.
A statement from Vernon reads: “Our mission for Eaux Claires is to create a deeply meaningful experience of togetherness and expression. We feel like everyone, whether interested in the fashion of popularized music or not, will be entertained, moved, and surprised by our festival. The inaugural edition proved that Eaux Claires can inspire and generate power beyond just the big names. We believe that every single artist will bring an equal amount of importance and uniqueness to the culture we’ve created. We’re excited to grow in that spirit and push ourselves forward every year, to grow with our audience and celebrate art in all of its forms.”
We can’t wait to see what this year’s new talent brings. Tickets go on-sale tomorrow at 10 AM CST. More information can be found on the festival’s website. Time to Return To The River! Check out the full lineup card below.
