La Crosse Local

We got to talk with jam band legend Chris Castino of the Big Wu. We chat about solo albums, musical collaborations, early musical experience in college, jumping around from jamband to bluegrass including his recent album, "Fresh Pickles” in collaboration with bluegrass favorites, Chicken Wire Empire. https://chriscastino.com Chris will be playing with the Chicken Wire Empire at the 2023 La Crosse...

We reconnected with author and musician David Nash, we chatted about short stories, new books, the writing process, dabbling in woodblock printing, new songs, a special artist retreat and where people can follow along. https://linktr.ee/nash_david_ You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music, weekend picks, and events on our website https://lacrosselocal.com .

Today we chatted with Eileen and Alejandro at Frozen River Film Festival, one of our favorite annual festivals offering documentary films, workshops, speakers, performances and more. We get in depth about the film workshops, this season's line-up, award winning films, and 2023 highlights! https://www.frff.org Check out the Frozen River Film Festival February 5-12, 2023 in Winona Minnesota. You can...

We jumped on with Cassie, Chris, and Fernando of the Lavender Project, we talk about their packed LIVE shows, improvisational guests that join the stage, and we also get into what’s coming up for this self described band that features rock guitar solos, disco breakbeats, shoegaze psychedelia, diverse hooks, and positivity energy. https://www.facebook.com/thelavenderproject608 Catch the Lavender Pr...

We connect with painter Colleen Shore to discuss her path to oils and landscapes, plein air painting around the region, and the inspiration for the show “Driftless Wonders” currently at the Myrick Park Center Gallery through January 2023. https://cshoreartwork.blogspot.com You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on our website https://lacrosselocal.com .

We talked with Payton Eilers, a singer/songwriter from SW Wisconsin. We chat about her early influences and the path to music, discuss upcoming plans to record, and touch on the support from the artist management collaborative, Broken Wrist Records. https://www.facebook.com/PaytonEilersMusic You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on our website https://lacrosselocal.c...

We sat down with Ruth of Good Granola, she told us how Good Granola is made with only basic ingredients, including hearty rolled oats blended with various combinations of nuts and dried fruit. We discussed local delivery and pick-up, and got into some of her own favorites. https://www.good-granola.com https://www.facebook.com/goodgranola.wi You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music...

We connect with Darienne Frickson of Frickson Family Farms, we chat about how the farm got its start, what products they offer, how they are 100% committed to a stress free environment for their animals and we dig into Heritage Pork and where people can pick up their goods. https://www.fricksonfamilyfarms.com You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on our website https...

We connect with a few of the band members of Chicken Wire Empire, we chat origins, the intricacies between traditional and progressive bluegrass, their documentary “All It Takes” and get into their recent album "Fresh Pickles" with Chris Castino of the Big Wu and Church Street Blues. https://www.chickenwireempire.com Catch Chicken Wire Empire with Chris Castino LIVE at the 2023 La Crosse Winter Ro...

We talk with the folks at GROW, a non-profit on a mission to connect youth with healthy food and nature through hands-on garden based experiences. We chat about the origins of the organization, programming, how kids experience change through the gardening and where people can follow along. https://growlacrosse.org You can find more conversations, food reviews, weekend picks, live music and events...

We chatted with Ryan of the band Ryan Necci & The Buffalo Gospel. We talk about his intro to music and get into what led to his transition from Jam Band to alternative country. We also discuss the band's prolific song posting and performances on social media and what to expect from their LIVE shows. https://www.buffalogospel.com Check out Ryan Necci & The Buffalo Gospel LIVE during the La Crosse W...

We connected with Corey Kaiser of the Wisconsin Clothing Company. We chatted about getting into design and clothing, the company's concept, where it started, and the La Crosse store in downtown La Crosse. https://www.facebook.com/wisconsinclothingco https://www.wisconsinclothingco.com You can connect with Corey at the 2023 La Crosse Winter Roots Festival on February 11. Wisconsin Clothing Company...

We connect with Lee Berken of La Crosse Distilling, and we talk about his entry into brewing and distilling, why they celebrate organic ingredients and what is “eco-forward” production practices. We also get into the recent “multifaceted partnership with the Green Bay Packers.” You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on our website https://lacrosselocal.com .

We connect with ceramicist Jarred Pfeiffer, making functional and sculptural ceramics. We talk about early entry into ceramics, his specific style of work, working in a series, instruction philosophies, some advice for beginners and where people can find his work. https://www.facebook.com/JarredPfeifferCeramics https://www.instagram.com/jarredpfeiffer You can find more conversations, food reviews,...

We connect with Pat Stephens of the La Crosse Rotary Lights, we talk about the origins of this month-long, 3 million light fundraiser, how volunteers and business can get involved, and learn about the new Rotary Lights Teddy Bear, which will aid WAFER, the largest food pantry in La Crosse with their new food center construction costs, we even get some insight on his own family tradition at the La...

We connect with the one, the only, Pat McCurdy, we chat earliest memories of music, picking up the guitar, influences like Randy Newman, his unique mash up style, his new single “Come Home”, the lyrics of his infamous Sex and Beer anthem and what people can expect at his upcoming show at the Alpine Inn. https://patmccurdy.com You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on...

We jump on with founder Cody Whittle of Big Driftless, offering a collection of t-shirts, bike gear, headwear, posters, hip-packs and more, all celebrating the well-known geographical region in the upper Midwest, the Driftless Area. We talk about formation, the collections, where people can pick up the clothing and hopes for the future. https://bigdriftless.com You can find more conversations, foo...

We connected with Julianne Dahlen of Villa Bellezza Winery, we talked about early beginnings, architecture, their European influence, their yearly Pepin Nouveau release, the Outdoor Christmas Market, and what makes for a good day in Pepin, WI. https://www.villabellezza.com You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on our website https://lacrosselocal.com .

We sit down with Québécois folk-pop musician, Geneviève Racette, we talk early memories of music, her influences growing up, the process for writing and recording her new album “Satellite”, and an upcoming show at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. https://genevieveracette.com https://www.thepumphouse.org/product/genevieve-racette You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and eve...

We talk with Nicholas David, aka “the feelin”, we chat influences growing up, finding his voice, early albums like “The Sacred Play of Life” and “Together We’re Stronger”, we also touch on his upcoming show at the La Crosse Center. https://thefeelin.com See Nicholas David LIVE as he hits the keys during Deece Productions 12 Year Anniversary Party - A Tribute to the Last Waltz, Saturday November 26...

We talk with Sam Brown, music enthusiast and founder of both the Big Turn Music Fest and Mid West Music Fest, we chat about early beginnings, and the history of the Minnesota based music festivals. We also get into his own music moniker, “Bomonro” and what people can anticipate for the Big Turn Music Fest happening February 17-18 in Red Wing, MN. https://www.bigturnmusicfest.com https://www.midwes...

We connect with musician Trapper Schoepp, we talk about early memories of music, his latest album “May Day”, a furry inspiration for the "I Am a Rider" music video, playing LIVE, and his co-write with Bob Dylan. Check out Trapper Schoepp November 12th at the Pump House Regional Arts Center. http://trapperschoepp.com https://www.thepumphouse.org You can find more conversations, food reviews, live m...

We connect with Tim Lochner of the People Brothers Band, we talk about the formation and history of this energetic band, their connection to the Driftless Music Gardens, and what is on the horizon for this band which features some of the best vocalists and musicians in the region. https://www.peoplebrothers.com You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on our website htt...

We jump on a call with Keachen Abing of La Crosse Adventure Films, we learn about the origin of this film series which “seeks to inspire and encourage our community through adventure films” and get a bit into the programming, future plans, and learn about their upcoming film “Magic Hour” which is free to attend but SOLD OUT. https://www.facebook.com/LaCrosseAdventureFilms https://www.laxadventuref...

We connect with Chris Wysong of Bucket of Bread, we chat dough mix, using certified organic ingredients, we chat origins of the business, versatile baked goods, best sellers, and what’s coming down the road for this Veteran owned business. https://bucketofbread.com You can find more conversations, food reviews, live music and events on our website https://lacrosselocal.com .