PATIO SESSIONS: Jim Nelson

Patio Sessions is a laid-back seasonal series featuring live music performances and intimate storytelling from local singer-songwriters. This is your front-row ticket to Eau Claire’s creative scene, paired with the easy ambiance of an evening spent outdoors. Grab a craft cocktail and get ready to lean in and listen.

Jim Nelson is a retired Elementary School teacher, and a long-time player in the Chippewa Valley music scene. He plays a wide variety of music. The solo and small combo shows consist of singer/songwriter tunes in the spirit of his musical heroes: John Prine, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and many more lesser-known folksingers. There’s a tendency to lean toward a folky-countryish-bluegrassy-Americana sound. Also in the mix will be a smattering of original songs that fit in well with the cover songs. He has been making music in this area for over twenty years, and other parts of the state before that. Jim has recorded several CDs full of original music, available on all of the usual streaming sites. He plays solo gigs, in a small combo, and even with several full bands in the western Wisconsin area.