Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon captivated audiences with a unique 'Bon Dylan' tribute set at the recently revived Eaux Claires music festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The festival, which returned after a hiatus of nearly a decade, saw Vernon lead a band of collaborators through a comprehensive exploration of Bob Dylan's iconic songbook, much to the delight of attendees.
The Eaux Claires festival, co-curated by Vernon and The National's Aaron Dessner, is known for its emphasis on artistic collaboration and community. This year's event, held at the new location of Carson Park, also featured performances from artists such as Aimee Mann, Dijon, and Fred Again. Vernon's 'Bon Dylan' performance was a highlight, following an earlier solo acoustic set where he covered Kevin Morby and performed stripped-back versions of Bon Iver tracks like 'Re:stacks' and 'Speyside'.
Taking to the baseball field stage in a polka-dot shirt and wide-brimmed hat, Vernon embraced Dylan's raw, nasal folk style and humble stage presence. The set spanned Dylan's career, from early classics such as 1963's 'Don't Think Twice, It's All Right' and 'Tangled Up in Blue' from 'Blood on the Tracks', to later fan favourites like 1997's 'Not Dark Yet'. The band, many of whom also sported 'Dylan' hats, included notable musicians such as JT Bates on drums, Bon Iver's Ben Lester on pedal steel guitar, and Phil Cook on harmonica.
Collaborators further enriched the performance. Long-time Bon Iver percussionist S Carey, playfully introduced as 'Sean Iver', took the microphone for renditions of 'Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You' and 'Lay Lady Lay' from Dylan's 'Nashville Skyline' era. Wisconsin songwriter Monica Martin also joined Vernon for a moving duet of 'Boots of Spanish Leather'. The evening concluded with a powerful encore of 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door', which became a thousands-strong singalong, underscoring the collective spirit of the festival.
The return of Eaux Claires, and particularly Vernon's inventive 'Bon Dylan' concept, showcases the enduring appeal of collaborative music projects and the deep respect artists hold for their influences. While this specific performance was a one-off for the festival, it highlights Vernon's versatility and his ability to reimagine classic material in a fresh, engaging way, leaving a lasting impression on those who attended.