Live music returned Thursday night to Acoustic Cafe for the first time in years after the COVID-19 pandemic paused performances.
The event, Jagger-Lounge with Todd Barneson, took place on April 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. and marked a new start to the cafe’s live music nights. Manager Bridgette Beck said the show was an effort to reestablish the music scene at the cafe.
Local acts Todd Barneson and Jaggernauts performed original sets during the showcase. Beck said the cafe pushes for consistent performances at their long-time downtown venue.
“Once the pandemic hit, music stopped,” Beck said. “We’ve had some sporadic events here and there, but we have not hosted our own music consistently since.”
The live music event featured original music exclusively — a choice that sets the venue apart from others in the area, Beck said. The cafe is an all-ages space to remain accessible to the community and emphasize forming connections.
Barneson, a singer-songwriter, opened the night. He described his music as a mix of folk and country influences. He said returning to the cafe carried personal significance.
“I used to play here back in the ‘90s,” Barneson said. “So, this is kind of crazy — nostalgic.”
Barneson added that focusing on original music could help build a stronger local music scene.
“If people know it’s going to be original music, those who are into that will come,” he said. “There are a lot of great musicians in Eau Claire, and this gives them a place to share their work.”
Jaggerlounge is a spinoff of the local band Jaggernauts. They closed the evening with a reimagined set for their original songs. Singer Jodi Hanson said the group had to adapt from its louder “horror rock” typical genre to a more relaxed lounge-like style to fit the cafe setting.
“We just made it more all-ages friendly,” Hanson said. “It’s relaxing, for me.”
Beck said the performance was organized under a structure aimed at rebuilding the cafe’s music program. Beck said Acoustic Cafe hired a music manager, revived an old booking email account and began promoting through social media and in-store posters.
“We opened up our old email, which had about 2,000 unread messages,” Beck said. “A lot of people have played here over the years and we’re on a lot of set lists. It was pretty easy to get at least the first few in here.”
The cafe plans to host shows at least once a month, with hopes of increasing frequency. The next scheduled performance is set for May 8.
Beyond the entertainment aspect, organizers and performers said they want to emphasize the role live music plays in strengthening community ties.
“People want to get out of the house,” Beck said. “Having free, all-ages events where people can just come together — it’s a big piece of what makes this place special.”
Barneson echoed that statement while also noting the reunion happening that evening.
“I’ve got friends here I haven’t seen in years,” Barneson said. “Also, everybody’s online all the time, staring at their phones. This is the best way to bring people together — with live music.”
Beck said the cafe is actively seeking more performers of all experience levels, with one requirement: originality.
“We want to give people a space where they can share their art,” Beck said.
Gerlach can be reached at [email protected].
