General Strike + Community Open Jam + Minneapolis Mutual Aid Fundraiser
2026-01-30 17:00 - 23:00 (America/Chicago)
GENERAL STRIKE FRIDAY:
We acknowledge the importance of the nationwide General Strike taking place tomorrow, Friday, January 30, 2026, and stand with our community here in Eau Claire, our neighbors in Minnesota, and folks across the nation.

Through discussion and collaboration, we are supporting our team in however they choose to participate in Friday’s strike. As some of our staff would prefer to take action through their work, we are proud to share that we will be open from 5-11pm with 100% of Lakely sales on Friday donated to Minneapolis Mutual Aid.

If you would like to make a donation directly in support of Minneapolis Mutual Aid, we encourage you to visit linktr.ee/mplsmutualaid

As ever, The Lakely will be a gathering space for celebrating togetherness, community engagement, delicious food, art, and live music. We’ll have the stage set for folks to contribute to an open jam session, and everyone is invited to participate. There will be art created and displayed live in The Oxbow Hotel lobby, available for bid, with proceeds going to Minneapolis mutual aid—guests are invited to join in and create art of their own (art supplies will be available for use).

And of course, we’ll be serving our Friday night fish fry, alongside a limited dinner menu featuring our Cheeseburger in Paradise, and Spice Up Your Life chicken sandwich, available and served until 8pm; drinks will be served until 11pm. Please be aware that our service times may be slower than usual, as our staffing and operations will look a little different. To further our impact, we’ll be collecting non-perishable food donations that will be distributed to our local and regional neighbors in need.

So please, join us—together, we can make a difference.

We thank you for your support and ask that everyone be respectful with their comments. If you have any service-related concerns, please feel welcome to connect with us directly at (715) 839-0601 or Hello@TheOxbowHotel.com.

CANCELLED: Jeremy Boettcher Trio with Special Guest Tap Dancer Ashley Gonzales
2026-01-30 18:00 - 21:00
This event has been cancelled.
This special performance features Josh Gallagher on piano, Shane Leonard on drums, and Jeremy B. on bass, joined by Minneapolis-based tap dancer Ashley Gonzalez. A prominent and dynamic voice in the Twin Cities tap scene, Ashley brings rhythm, movement, and spontaneous interaction into the music, turning the bandstand into a true conversation between sound and dance. Expect deep grooves, open interplay, and a night where jazz and tap meet in real time.
Renowned bassist Jeremy Boettcher swiftly rose to prominence, captivating audiences nationwide with his remarkable versatility and musical prowess. In recent years, he has graced the global stage, touring extensively with icons like Sean Carey and Richard Johnson. Notably, his exceptional talents have been showcased in prestigious venues such as Jazz At Lincoln Center Doha and Jazz At Lincoln Center Shanghai.

LIVE MUSIC: Sue Orfield Jazz Trio
2026-01-31 19:00 - 22:00
Sue Orfield has been playing the saxophone for close to 40 years, with the last 10 or so right here in the Chippewa Valley.

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Wyatt Thomson
2026-02-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-31 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.

Open Mic Night
2026-02-04 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-18 19:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-25 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!

LIVE MUSIC! Carlton Fowler
2026-02-05 18:00 - 20:00
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.

LIVE MUSIC: Between Howls
2026-02-06 18:00 - 21:00
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.

LIVE MUSIC: Tim Davis Jazz Trio
2026-02-07 19:00 - 22:00
“When he was a junior at Memorial High School, budding jazz pianist Tim Davis decided to get some of his musical friends of various ages together for a holiday performance. Now in its fourth year, Davis’ Christmas Extravaganza has continued to grow and is expected to feature as many as 50 musicians…” – Tom Giffey, Volume One
While that first holiday performance stood as the beginning of the Christmas Extravaganza, it also represented the beginning of Davis’ career in performance. Since then, he has become a fixture in the Chippewa Valley’s entertainment scene, known for his inventive arrangements, collaborative spirit, and commitment to nurturing local talent. As a pianist, Davis blends traditional swing with modern harmonic language, drawing influence from artists like Bill Evans, Keith Jarret and Ryo Fukui.
In 2022, Davis founded Artem Entertainment, an Eau Claire–based organization dedicated to supporting live performance, artistic collaboration, and community-based production. Under his direction, Artem has curated events ranging from intimate jazz nights to large-scale showcases, bringing together musicians across genres and generations.
Davis continues to perform regularly while composing original work, directing ensembles, and mentoring young artists. His efforts reflect a deep belief in the transformative power of music and its role in building sustainable creative culture in smaller communities.

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Emily V.
2026-02-10 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
2026-02-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-12 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-26 19:00 - 20:30
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: Anicat
2026-02-13 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.

LIVE MUSIC: Dang! The Romance of Jazz Fusion
2026-02-14 19:30 - 22:30
Originally, Dang! was created to highlight the voices and styles of the black music artists. Now, with this Valentines Day, it comes natural to us as a jazz collective to celebrate black voices in love. We aim to highlight its many facets and deliver a full experience including gratitude, affection, desire, commitment, joy, and – the greatest of these – love.

KILLER KISSES: A Noir Drag Brunch
2026-02-15 10:00 - 13:00
Valentine’s plans don’t have to be sweet… this year, we’re serving something darker.
On Sunday, February 15, The Lakely invites you to Killer Kisses: A Noir Drag Brunch—a sultry, high-drama drag show paired with a brunch menu that absolutely delivers. Think moody glamour, bold performances, and a brunch spread designed to keep your glass full and your jaw on the floor. Set in The Lakely’s intimate space, where every seat feels close to the action, guests will enjoy performances that flirt, tease, and command the room.
PERFORMERS
This show features a powerhouse lineup of drag performers known for serving looks, attitude, and unforgettable moments:
Khloe Wold
Amber Hudson
Felicia Ashton
Taylor Ashton
Zasha Catz
Krystal Gaga
GET TICKETS
Tickets are available now for $20 per person and are expected to sell fast. Brunch and drinks sold separately. This is an 18+ show. Doors open at 10am, and the show begins at 11am. GET TICKETS NOW
🖤 PRO TIP: make it a weekend! Turn Killer Kisses into a full Valentine’s getaway with a stay at The Oxbow Hotel, just steps from The Lakely. Sleep in, wake up hungry, and stroll into brunch! BOOK NOW

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Katie Jo
2026-02-17 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
Katie Jo is a dynamic local musician whose sound reflects both her roots and her fearless creativity. Blending the storytelling heart of country, the grit of rock, and the infectious hooks of modern pop, she creates music that feels familiar yet unmistakably her own.
On stage, Katie Jo brings more than just songs — she brings real emotion. Whether she’s sharing a stripped-down, heartfelt ballad or igniting the room with high-energy originals, her performances are driven by honesty, passion, and a genuine love for connecting with her audience. Every lyric carries a piece of her journey, shaped by resilience, growth, and the experiences that have made her who she is.
As she continues to carve out her place in the local music scene, Katie Jo stands out as an artist who trusts her instincts, embraces genre-blending, and leaves a lasting impression long after the final note. Her music isn’t just heard — it’s felt.

WPR Wisco Spelling Bee
2026-02-19 18:00 - 19:30
The WPR Wisco Spelling Bee is a spelling showdown featuring the hardest-to-spell people, places and things from around the Badger State.

Join Wisconsin Public Radio for a Spelling Bee with state pride! The WPR Wisco Spelling Bee is a free spelling showdown featuring the hardest-to-spell people, places and things from around the Badger State. Whether you want to test your knowledge as a contestant or cheer from the sidelines as a spectator, get ready for a night of spelling and laughs.

With WPR’s Rob Ferrett, host of Wisconsin Today, as our official pronouncer and local word gurus as judges, spellers will battle head-to-head to become the Eau Claire WPR Wisco Spelling Bee Champion! Catch the Wisco Spelling Bee at The Lakely on Thursday, February 19 at 6 p.m. Register today as a speller, or if you’d rather just provide moral support, register as a spectator!”

Eventbrite page to signup

LIVE MUSIC: Mélange
2026-02-20 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.

LIVE MUSIC: Tyler Lustek & Dean Granros
2026-02-21 19:00 - 22:00
Tyler Lustek is a pianist, composer, arranger and educator from Eau Claire, WI. Tyler is involved with a variety of musical projects around the Chippewa Valley including his own quintet the Tyler Lustek Confluence, avant-garde jazz duet Lustek / Granros, piano/cello duet Duo Vivace, and the Chippewa Valley Jazz Orchestra. Tyler is also co-director of the jazz combo program at UW-Eau Claire.

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Sam McElrone
2026-02-24 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
Sam McElrone plays a wide range of rock, pop, and country acoustic covers from the 60’s to the present with some original music thrown in the mix

LIVE MUSIC: Flutes & Low
2026-02-27 18:00 - 21:00
Flutes & Low is the indie folk duo project of Ben Pichler and Cambria Haen. Since meeting and playing music together in Duluth, they have put their musical talents together to create lush sounds and memorable melodies. Deeply influenced by the rich landscapes of the Midwest, their music is pastoral as it is touching. The pair is excited to share their new debut album “Lay Fallow” early this spring, produced on their own in their Minneapolis apartment. The songs bleed the love, loss, tenderness, and purpose that inspired the poetry of personal experience and imaginative tales.

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Jim Nelson
2026-03-03 18:00 - 20:00
Jim Nelson is a local singer songwriter who likes to think of himself as a “Country-Folk-Americana-Bluegrassy Guitar Picker.” Jim is a retired Elementary School teacher, and a long-time player in the Chippewa Valley music scene. He’s been making music in this area for over twenty-five years, and other parts of the state before that. He has several CDs full of original music, available on all of the usual streaming sites. Jim’s shows consist of singer/songwriter tunes in the spirit of such musical heroes as: John Prine, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and many more lesser-known folksingers. You’ll also hear a healthy smattering of original songs and stories that fit in well with the cover songs. Expect a relaxed evening of good times and good tunes!

TUNE-IN TUESDAY: Tim Case
2026-03-24 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
Tim Case is a folk-inspired, country-adjacent singer-songwriter from Wisconsin. His 2025 album Hall of Mirrors, recorded at Pine Hollow in Eau Claire with producer Evan Middlesworth, moves easily across the Americana spectrum, from sweeping Midwestern epics to playful roots rock, with detours into cosmic country and brooding folk. The album’s nine original songs are grounded in his distinctive lyrical storytelling, balancing warm reflections on family and fatherhood with a wry eye toward the world around him. On stage, Case leans on finger-picked acoustic guitar and raw, heartfelt vocals, earning a reputation as a charming storyteller and compelling live performer.

LIVE MUSIC: Jack Norton
2026-03-27 18:00 - 21:00
Travel back in time with Emmy Award winning songwriter Jack Norton, for a concert of vaudeville blues, old-time country, and vintage Americana folk music.
Singer/songwriter Jack Norton says he was born somewhere in rural Georgia during the summer of 1879 to a family of itinerant workers. He spent his childhood in the Deep South, drifting from town to town, eventually learning how to play the guitar from legendary blues musician Blind Lemon Jefferson.
When he was 12, he ran away from home to join the circus and later worked as a banjo player, vocal contortionist, and comedian in a traveling medicine show.
He eventually resurfaced in New Orleans, playing acoustic guitar in Jelly Roll Morton’s band. It was here that Norton tried his hand at songwriting, crafting songs which were stolen by Buddy Bolden.
Never one to settle down, Norton moved to New York City and quickly found himself in the heart of Tin Pan Alley, penning hit songs for Al Jolson, Rudy Vallee, and a young Bing Crosby.
Norton recorded his first records for Okeh in Asheville, North Carolina, in the summer of 1925. It was here that he influenced Jimmie Rodgers and Emmett Miller. He has been recording and touring ever since. Throughout the 1930s, Norton drifted from town to town, riding the rails and singing for his supper. During the folk boom of the early 1960s, Norton would influence artists such as Dave Van Ronk and Bob Dylan.
Today, Jack Norton is celebrating over 100 years as a recording artist. He continues to perform live, touring the world, playing his unique blend of vintage blues, ragtime jazz, and hokum folk.

PATIO SESSIONS: Dustin DeGolier
2026-06-04 18:00 - 21:00
Dustin DeGolier is a guitarist and vocalist serving greater Northwest Wisconsin. With over 20 years of professional experience, he maintains a busy schedule performing both solo and with a variety of groups spanning jazz, rock, country, blues, and original music. His solo shows incorporate introspective originals alongside an eclectic blend of jazz, classic R&B, and pop, from Duke Ellington and The Beatles to Bill Withers and Neil Young. In addition to performing, Dustin teaches private guitar lessons at the Dancing Bird Art Studio & Music Shop in Cumberland and serves as guitar instructor for the Shell Lake Arts Center’s annual Rock Band Camp. He holds a BFA with emphasis in jazz guitar from UW-Milwaukee.
