Live music doesn’t really exist without the people in the room. In this episode, Kathy Wright sits down with two passionate fans of the live experience, Michael Strubel and Nick White, to talk about what keeps them coming back show after show.

Michael shares the story behind his “Year 50” challenge, attending fifty live performances across the region to mark his 50th birthday, and the moments and artists that made it unforgettable. Nick dives into the energy of local house shows and the unique spaces where live music thrives, including experiences like the 715 Series.

Together, they reflect on what makes live music feel so personal, so powerful, and why the audience is just as essential as the artists on stage.

Get ready to feel the rhythm return to downtown Eau Claire. In this episode, Quentin Volk joins us to preview the 2026 Eau Claire Jazz Festival, happening April 17–18.

From intimate sets to high-energy performances, Jazz Fest fills the city with sound in all the right ways. Quentin shares a behind-the-scenes look at what’s in store this year, reflects on favorite moments from festivals past, and talks about what makes this event such a standout on the spring calendar. It’s a celebration of music, community, and a festival that continues to grow year after year.

Spring arrives a little early at the Pablo Center. Before gardens begin to bloom across the Chippewa Valley, the galleries come to life with color, texture, and fresh inspiration during Fabulous Florals.

In this episode, Erika Crotty joins us to share a behind-the-scenes look at this beloved annual exhibit, on view March 26–29. Blending live floral design with works of fine art, Fabulous Florals transforms the gallery into a living, breathing experience. Erika talks about what goes into creating the exhibit, the collaboration between artists and florists, and why it continues to be a favorite for both staff and visitors year after year.