The Oxbow Hotel

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Irie
2025-11-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
Lifetime musician and writer, Irie, brings her passionate vocals and her lyrical style together to forage a blend of indie pop/rock ballads. Born as Irelyn Ulrich in Madison, Wisconsin, she was thrown into a life of creative thinking from a young age. The daughter of a Creative Writer and English Professor, Irie was raised reading 10 books a night before bed, and her exposure to outside the box thinking from a young age set the stage for her future career as a musician. Inspired by the likes of music icons like Sinead O’Connor and Alanis Morissette as well as more recent stars such as Renee Rapp and Maggie Rogers, Irie never stops writing music. When she isn’t playing music with her friends or waiting tables at The Lakely, she is hunkered down in her living room spinning words and melodies into the perfect arrangement. Studying at UWEC to earn her degree in recording arts and songwriting, she is excited to see where this long and winding road of expression takes her.

Open Mic Night
2025-11-05 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-12 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-19 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-03 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-12-10 19:00 - 22:00
Join us each week on Wednesday for Open Mic Night hosted by Philville Records!
With a plethora of entertainment and experiences, from singer/songwriters and instrumentals to poetry and spoken word — anything goes, and you never know what (or who!) you might see or hear! Both established and emerging artists in the Chippewa Valley are encouraged to perform!
🎙️ PERFORMING AT OPEN MIC?
All performers get BOGO beers (21+) and no-proof drinks!
🎙️ EVENT DETAILS:
Artists will perform on The Lakely Stage
Showtime is at 7:00 pm
Everyone is welcome, and the show is free to attend (but please come thirsty!)
🎙️ PERFORMER DETAILS:
Artists will perform on The Lakely Stage
Sign-ups begin at 6:30 pm
(must be present to sign up – no phone calls, no friend sign up, etc.)
Sign-up is first come, first served
Each musician gets two songs
Each performer doing a spoken piece (visual arts, magic, poetry, etc.) gets five minutes.
PLEASE NOTE: The Lakely reserves the right to stop someone’s performance if they make racist, sexist, transphobic, or homophobic comments. Profanity is not welcome. The Lakely is a venue based on inclusivity for all, and we expect all performers to respect that.
Showtime is at 7:00 pm
Whether this is your first live performance or you’ve been around the block a few times, we welcome you to share your gift!

VINYL NIGHT: DJ Matt Sayles + Vinyl Swap!
2025-11-06 18:00 - 21:00
Matt will be spinning some rarities and oddities spanning early jazz, hillbilly, country, blues, and roots rock & roll.
Matthew R. Sayles is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and founder of Philville Records, an independent label he formed in 2000 in Marquette, Michigan.

LIVE MUSIC: Simon Cropp
2025-11-07 18:00 - 21:00
Simon Cropp is a flatpick guitarist and country and bluegrass songwriter. His performance style is equal parts dive bar bravado and fireside introspection. Simon’s songwriting style is plainspoken storytelling, channeling classic country themes of love, heartbreak, and the landscapes he travels through. Both as a solo act and with his band Slapdash Bluegrass, Simon has had the chance to share the stage with songwriting inspirations in The Last Revel, Possessed by Paul James, Margo Cilker, Clay Street Unit, and Joseph Huber. With a dreadnought guitar in hand, Simon’s flatpicking style blends country-inspired crosspicking with melodic sensibility to produce a sound that is as comfortable on a front porch as it is on a festival stage.

LIVE MUSIC: The Gilmore Family Band
2025-11-08 18:00 - 21:00
A romance depicted through the Art of Music
In 2000, Shannon and Jason Gilmore embarked on their musical journey, sharing the stage with The Old Dog Band in Colorado Springs. Their friendship was forged through Shannon’s vocals and Jason’s mastery of the guitar and mandolin. Despite Shannon relocating to California in 2005, their connection endured, while Jason continued to explore his musical path, contributing to various bands in the Colorado Springs area. By 2016, Shannon returned, engaging in the local music scene and taking ownership of a significant music venue. More than a decade later, Shannon and Jason rekindled their musical partnership, spanning multiple genres and evolving their friendship into something deeper. This evolution led to the birth of The Gilmore Family Band in 2019. After a brief stint in Boulder, CO, the Gilmore’s ventured north to Wisconsin’s driftless plains in October of 2023, embracing a new musical chapter and unveiling their debut album, MESS THAT WE MADE. Marking another exciting turn in their ongoing adventures.

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Emily V.
2025-11-11 18:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday nights at The Lakely we’re turning things up with Tune-In Tuesdays—a live music series featuring rising artists and fresh sounds. From indie and folk to soulful acoustic sets, each performance is a chance to discover new talent in a cozy, cocktail-forward setting. Whether you’re winding down or gearing up, Tune-In Tuesday is your perfect midweek reset.
Come early for the craft cocktails, stay for dinner and the music.
Interested in performing? Send us a message at Events@TheOxbowHotel.com
Emily V is a hospice music therapist by day and open mic attendee by night. She is passionate about fostering expression, connection, and community through music making. She plays acoustic versions of a wide variety of music spanning from classic country, rock, and modern pop to provide an experience that can resonate with anyone.

Drag Bingo with Khloe Wold
2025-11-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00
Forget boring game night—Drag Bingo is the real deal. We’re talking free-to-play rounds, prizes that keep the energy high, and plenty of food and cocktails to fuel the fun. It all kicks off at 7 PM, so bring your appetite and your loudest BINGO voice.

LIVE MUSIC: Songa with Sue Orfield
2025-11-14 19:00 - 22:00
Songa is a roots folk band led by Mario and Sherry Friedel based in the Chippewa Valley. An acoustic duo weaving a rich sonic tapestry rooted in the heart of Nashville’s songwriting tradition, their music is a soulful blend of folk, blues, country, and jazz, delivered with raw authenticity. With heartfelt lyrics and the harmonies that come from a lifetime of making music together, this will be an intimate night of music to remember. Songa is excited to announce that Sue Orfield will be joining the duo for this special evening.

LIVE MUSIC: The Baja Blasters
2025-11-15 18:00 - 21:00
Get ready for a night of high-energy grooves and adventurous sounds with The Baja Blasters! Featuring Dr. Aaron Hedenstrom on saxophone, Josh Gallagher on keyboards, and Jeremy Boettcher on bass, this trio blends jazz, fusion, and merengue with a playful twist. Longtime collaborators Josh and Jeremy bring over two decades of musical chemistry to the stage, while Aaron — who earned his Doctorate in Music from the University of North Texas — adds his monster saxophone chops to the mix. Inspired by jazz greats, pop hits, and folk melodies, The Baja Blasters deliver a vibrant evening of rhythm and improvisation.

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Jade Jones with Special Opening by Grant Schroeder
2025-11-18 18:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday nights at The Lakely we’re turning things up with Tune-In Tuesdays—a live music series featuring rising artists and fresh sounds. From indie and folk to soulful acoustic sets, each performance is a chance to discover new talent in a cozy, cocktail-forward setting. Whether you’re winding down or gearing up, Tune-In Tuesday is your perfect midweek reset.
Come early for the craft cocktails, stay for dinner and the music.
Interested in performing? Send us a message at Events@TheOxbowHotel.com
Jade Nicole Jones is a local vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who enjoys performing multiple styles. She has been performing music for over ten years in a variety of settings, and is happy to join you at The Lakely for dinner hour with her keyboard in tow for an evening of motown and pop hits from the 1950s to today!
Grant Schroeder is a skilled guitarist with relaxed indie rock vibes and vocals. He is a local leatherworker and owner of Gramps Creative.

CANCELLED! Petal Perfection: A Holiday-Focused Flower Arranging Workshop
2025-11-20 18:00 - 19:30
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.
Get into the autumn spirit with an interactive flower arranging workshop at The Oxbow Hotel and The Lakely on Thursday, November 20th, at 6pm. Learn how to elevate your floral designs with simple, professional techniques that will help you impress and entertain guests this holiday season.
Your $50 ticket includes the full workshop experience, a glass vase, fresh flowers, complimentary snacks, and a Lakely coupon to enjoy after class. Come create something beautiful and seasonal — space is limited.

TH!NK & DR!NK Trivia Night: UWEC International Education Week Trivia
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00
Trivia + Cocktails = Your Thursday Plans
Expect clever questions, great drinks, and a fun, low-pressure vibe—perfect for trivia veterans and casual players alike.
Play on your phone, compete on the big screen, and win prizes just for being the smartest (or luckiest) team (or person) in the room.
Join us select Thursday nights at The Lakely. Doors at 5. Game starts at 7. FREE to play!

LIVE MUSIC: Mélange
2025-11-21 18:00 - 21:00
Mélange is a vocal trio featuring Chase Bucheger, Maggie Sills, and Emily Watkins (who also accompanies the group on guitar.) They play a mix of original music and covers spanning the genres of jazz, soul, folk, country, and pop.

A Cozy Night Out, Presented by DECI
2025-11-21 20:00 - 22:00
Wind down your evening of shopping and get cozy with $4 off our holiday cocktail, the Charles Dickens, beginning at 8pm! This original cocktail is served hot, and features black currant & orange-infused mulled wine, spiced brandy, and maple syrup.
Cozy Night Out is a new series of events for the 2025 Holiday Season, presented by DECI! As a way to spread the holiday cheer, downtown businesses are being encouraged to stay open later on select Friday nights through the beginning of December while offering specials to shoppers.
COZY NIGHT OUT DATES: Nov. 21 | Nov. 28 | Dec. 12

Philville Records Presents: Kathryn Ryan CD Release Party at The Lakely
2025-11-22 18:00 - 21:00
Kathryn Ryan’s debut vinyl release party! Come celebrate with Kathryn, and many of the artists that helped contribute to the record — special opening acts Affidavit, Emily V., and Wyatt Thomson. This will be a beautiful night of original music, harmonies, and a showcase of Kathryn’s songwriting and incredible vocals — she’s flying in from Colorado for this one — don’t miss this show!

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Carlton Fowler
2025-11-25 18:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday nights at The Lakely we’re turning things up with Tune-In Tuesdays—a live music series featuring rising artists and fresh sounds. From indie and folk to soulful acoustic sets, each performance is a chance to discover new talent in a cozy, cocktail-forward setting. Whether you’re winding down or gearing up, Tune-In Tuesday is your perfect midweek reset.
Come early for the craft cocktails, stay for dinner and the music.
Interested in performing? Send us a message at Events@TheOxbowHotel.com
Carlton Fowler is an eclectic musician, drawing from many influences spanning over a century. A musical omnivore, you never know exactly what he has in store, be it a traditional, hundred year-old song, a modern musical marvel, or a concoction of his own creation. He keeps things fresh, fun, and friendly.

FRIENDSGIVING!
2025-11-26 17:00 - 23:59
It’s that time again — the night before Thanksgiving, when old friends roll back into town and new memories get made. Gather your crew for a Lakely tradition full of good friends, good food, good drinks, and a very good time.
6–8:30PM: Open Mic Night with Philville Records
9PM–12AM: Live music from AuroNova — a high-energy, 8-piece funk band bringing fresh takes on hits from the 60s to now.
$5 cover starts at 8:30PM, and your first Spotted Cow is on the house, courtesy of New Glarus Brewing.
Presented in partnership with Philville Records, New Glarus, V. Marchese, Performance Foodservice, and Fortune Fish & Gourmet.
Kick off the long weekend the Lakely way — with music, laughter, and the people who feel like home.

CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
2025-11-27 17:00 - 23:00
Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

LIVE MUSIC: Anicat
2025-11-28 18:00 - 21:00
Anicat is the duo of Annie Jackson and Keith Wojciechowski, blending soulful vocals with masterful guitar. Together, they create a musical experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. Their seamless blend of vocals and guitar showcases their individual talents while highlighting their remarkable collaboration.

A Cozy Night Out, Presented by DECI
2025-11-28 20:00 - 22:00
Wind down your evening of shopping and get cozy with $4 off our holiday cocktail, the Charles Dickens, beginning at 8pm! This original cocktail is served hot, and features black currant & orange-infused mulled wine, spiced brandy, and maple syrup.
Cozy Night Out is a new series of events for the 2025 Holiday Season, presented by DECI! As a way to spread the holiday cheer, downtown businesses are being encouraged to stay open later on select Friday nights through the beginning of December while offering specials to shoppers.
COZY NIGHT OUT DATES: Nov. 28 | Dec. 12

LIVE MUSIC: The Sue Orfield Trio
2025-11-29 18:00 - 21:00

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Jim Phillips
2025-12-02 18:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday nights at The Lakely we’re turning things up with Tune-In Tuesdays—a live music series featuring rising artists and fresh sounds. From indie and folk to soulful acoustic sets, each performance is a chance to discover new talent in a cozy, cocktail-forward setting. Whether you’re winding down or gearing up, Tune-In Tuesday is your perfect midweek reset.
Come early for the craft cocktails, stay for dinner and the music.
Interested in performing? Send us a message at Events@TheOxbowHotel.com
Jim Phillips is a singer, guitarist, and songwriter with a Lakely line-up of Americana, acoustic rock, and originals.

LIVE MUSIC: Garden Party
2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00
Garden Party is a folk rock trio who originally met as players in the Ukulele Club of Eau Claire, finding that their musical ties went deep. The members include Tom Lockhart on bass, Teresa Jolivette on ukulele and Marjorie Craemer on Guitar, with sweet harmony on every song. Folk, pop and American are some of the genres you will hear from this warm acoustic combo.

LIVE MUSIC: Between Howls
2025-12-06 19:00 - 22:00
Between Howls are dynamic vocalist/violinist Ren Cooper Howl & guitarist/singer-songwriter Nick Muska Howl. The two perform a blend of folk, rock and blues featuring a distinctive take on the catalogs of artists past & present alongside their own original material.

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Wyatt Thomson
2025-12-09 18:00 - 20:00
On Tuesday nights at The Lakely we’re turning things up with Tune-In Tuesdays—a live music series featuring rising artists and fresh sounds. From indie and folk to soulful acoustic sets, each performance is a chance to discover new talent in a cozy, cocktail-forward setting. Whether you’re winding down or gearing up, Tune-In Tuesday is your perfect midweek reset.
Come early for the craft cocktails, stay for dinner and the music.
Interested in performing? Send us a message at Events@TheOxbowHotel.com
Wyatt Thomson possesses a voice that echos the soundscapes of the dance halls, supper clubs, and road houses that still litter the landscape of his home in the Chippewa Valley of Wisconsin.
​Citing Tom Waits as his biggest influence, it’s safe to say that Thomson (Like Waits) seems to have skipped right over decades of music that might have otherwise changed his sound for the worst.
One of Thomson’s biggest appeals is that he sounds like an artist transported from the 1950’s honky tonks of the Midwest, and dropped off into the second decade of the 21st century unscathed by the worst aspects of pop country, pop music, and an industry forever changed by technology.
Not unlike a character from a Roger Miller song, Thomson has the bona fides of working pawn shops, odd jobs, and scraping by in the rust belt landscape of NW Wisconsin. As a result, he’s gained the street wise and cynical wisdom that is earned young from such a life.
The world may press onward with its insane pace, but Thomson ambles along with a casual confidence and story telling tales that feel like they’re ripped from old paperbacks in a truck stop, or found in some lost postwar beatnik manuscript.
