Eau Claire is French for “clear water”. The nearly eponymously named music festival took place in the unlikely, but bucolic setting of Eau Claire, WI. Clearly Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Aaron Dessner (The National) had a crystal clear idea of how to curate a very special weekend. Their aim was to showcase musical talent with the best sound, scenery, and sensations in a very spontaneous way. It happened.

The Vibe

Eaux Claires delivered everything I have always wanted in a music festival. Fantastic (diverse) music, comfortable confines, and a communal feel. Trees, river, grass, space, lights, art, and personal space. Refreshing.

The Tunes

Friday: Hiss Golden Messenger opened the weekend strongly at the Flambeaux Stage with his country twinged indie folk, relying on great cuts from his recent release, Lateness of Dancers. Through the woods and up the hill brought me to the Dells Stage, where Field Report, fronted by Christopher Porterfield played to pseudo-hometown crowd, relying heavily on their stellar sophomore release, Marigolden with the highlight being the hushed cut “Marigolden.”  An hour of Spoon just isn’t enough for me. With a deep catalog, two hours might not have been enough. They are pros, mixing tempo and energy. Customarily, they ended with the anthem “The Underdog.” Backed by a full band, Tallest Man on Earth, shined. It was hot, but he was not bothered. A highlight of the weekend for many. Sing-a-long ensued when they broke into “1904” off their 2012 release There’s No Leaving Now. The National closed out the evening with a robust two hour set in which Matt Berninger was more engaging than I have ever seen him. Twenty-two songs, Sufjan Stevens and Justin Vernon jumping in at times, capped an incredible day one. The lights and sound rivaled any show I’ve seen in 35 years of concert going.

Saturday: Back up to the Dells. Elliot Moss with his synth heavy fuzzy folk sound played to a huge crowd for a day’s opener. New fan earned here. Back down the hill. Charles Bradley graced a massive crowd with an all-too short set of soul and funk. As an authentic a performer as there is. Backup the hill. A massive hometown crowd soaked in Phox’s indie pop sound. Monica Martin clearly felt blessed. As anticipated, Sylvan Esso delivered the show of the weekend. Infectious energy. Period. Enormous crowd. Period. Can’t get their songs out of my head. Period. Could headline any festival. Back down the hill. Sufjan Stevens almost seemed to be the headliner today. A self-proclaimed non-festival act, he shook that off quickly. His fans are rabid. He satisfied their appetite with a truly inspiring set relying heavily on the stellar 2015 release, Carrie and Lowell, and faves from Illinois, Chicago and Casmir Pulaski Day. The day ended with Bon Iver (and guests). I laid my head down and soaked it all in. Inaugural Eaux Claires complete. Best festival experience to date.