Bon Iver

Justin Vernon and the Staves perform new song “Make It Holy”

Justin Vernon earlier this week announced the lineup for his first Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin this summer. The news however did not distract Vernon from other projects, especially with the English folk trip, The Staves.

Bon Iver last night joined the Staveley-Taylor sisters on stage during their show at the Hackney Empire in London. They performed “Make It Holy” together and will appear on the upcoming The Staves album, If I Was which is produced by Vernon. Watch the video here.

Justin Vernon from Bon Iver to launch own music festival

The man behind Bon Iver, Justin Vernon, will follow the footsteps of bands such as Phish, Metallica, and The National by starting his own music festival. Vernon has partnered with the company that has created Boston Calling to launch the Eaux Claire Music and Arts Festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin next year.

According to the permit, the Eaux Claire Festival will be on July 17th and 18th on Foster Farm in Eau Claire. The plan has three performance areas, two stages and a tent, featuring artists that will be chosen by Vernon. The festival will offer the opportunity for people to camp on the festival grounds. The application says that 25,000 people are expected to come both of the days.

Vernon wants the festival to have a positive impact on his Eau Claire, his hometown. The event could bring in “eight or nine million dollars” of money into the economy according to the town’s Chamber of Commerce President Bob McCoy.