Rylee Lynn debuted her first-time solo performance from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 16 at The Lakely. 

Lynn is a singer who taught herself to play the acoustic guitar. Her performance consisted of a mix of classic rock, pop and country songs alongside original music. 

The opportunity to headline her own show was both unexpected and deeply meaningful, Lynn said. 

“This meant a lot, actually,” Lynn said. “I never expected that I was going to have a solo show.” 

The performance also featured contributions from fellow musicians, including her partner, one of her girlfriends and Aaron, known locally as “A-A Ron,” Lynn said. 

Her set included a mix of cover songs, as well as an original song called “Landmine”. Lynn described “Landmine” as an emotionally driven piece inspired by personal reflection. She said songwriting allows her to process thoughts and emotions, particularly related to mental health.

Lynn said “Thoughts are just thoughts, and if you can get them down, that’s the best way to express yourself. Expression is the opposite of depression.” 

Lynn said her favorite genre is classic rock. Her inspiration comes from artists such as Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett and Heart. She said those influences have encouraged her to perform with confidence.

“I love any [woman] in classic rock,” Lynn said. “They inspire me to just not hold back.”

Lynn credited her support system when she said she had friends and family coming to support her.

“I’ve just been feeling so grateful,” Lynn said. “I’m kind of on cloud nine right now.”

The live music event reflects a broader effort by The Lakely to cultivate local talent. General manager Jeremy Korger said live music has been central to the venue’s identity. 

“Anyone can go out and eat anywhere, but I think good music is what brings people in,” Korger said. “People just love live music.”

Korger said that live music is tied to the creative influence of one of the founders of the restaurant, Justin Vernon, who began Bon Iver. 

The restaurant regularly hosts open mic nights on Wednesdays according to Kroger. These open mic nights often serve as a pipeline for discovering new performers. That is how Lynn was discovered.

“She went to an open mic, I hired her as a server, and now it’s from server to singer on the big stage,” Korger said. “It was kind of like a Cinderella story.”

The Lakely continues to host local musicians throughout the week, with smaller acts performing on Tuesdays and alternating Thursdays. Korger said as warmer weather approaches, performances are expected to move outdoors to the restaurant’s patio. 

Events like Lynn’s debut concert demonstrate the role live music plays in bringing the community together Kroger said. 

“Having small up and coming local artists, [this] is a lot of the time their first paid gig,” Koger said. “It’s like giving people a change which I think embodies the spirit of community and music.”

Eau Claire’s reputation as a music-centered city — such as university programs, local venues who host live music and a steady stream of performers — helps foster opportunities for emerging artists, Korger said. 

For Lynn, Thursday’s performance was just the beginning. She said she plans to continue writing music and hopes to release songs on streaming platforms in the future.

“My first goal was focusing on this piece,” Lynn said. “Now I can work to the next thing.” 

She also offered advice to other aspiring artists.

“Don’t give up,” Lynn said. “If you’re interested in doing a passion, go for it. Don’t hold yourself back and don’t silence yourself.” 

Gerlach can be reached at [email protected].