The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator

The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator

The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator

Scarlet Runner to open for Big Wu Friday in Davies

Life’s not easy when you’re trying to make it as a band.

Just ask Scarlet Runner frontman Jason Christensen. For the past seven years, the band from Waterloo, Iowa has been away, night after night, trying to make a name for itself. But Christensen wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We’ve just been plugging away,” he said. “You just have to have patience.”

On Friday Scarlet Runner is scheduled to open for The Big Wu at 8 p.m. in the Council Fire Room in Davies Center.

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The opportunity for the band to open the show came about through sophomore Luke Jensen. Originally from Iowa, Jensen is a fan of Scarlet Runner. As co-chair of the UAC concerts committee, Jensen has a say in which bands are sought for opening acts. So when the opportunity came up, he suggested Scarlet Runner to open for The Big Wu.

“They were the best fit,” he said.

Christensen describes his band as original rock. They have a bit of a blues-rock feel, he said, but lean more toward the rock side.

Jensen described the band in a different way.

“Jay (Christensen) is an amazing guitarist,” he said, “He’s got a bluesy, funk sound with Pearl Jam thrown in. It just has a cool sound to it.”

Christensen plays guitar and sings lead vocals while his brother plays bass and a third member plays drums.

While he doesn’t see it as easy work, he said playing in a band beats punching a clock every day.

“That would be bad,” Christensen said with a laugh.

“Sleeping in the front seat of a van is not always fun, but you sort of get used to it,” he said.

Scarlet Runner tours the Midwest and all over the country at times as well, opening shows and playing outdoor festivals. Christensen said his favorite venue is in bars, though.

“When you’re inside, everything sounds better and everybody is right in front of you,” he said.

Christensen estimates Scarlet Runner plays about two shows in Wisconsin a month and has played in Eau Claire several times in the past. This Friday, though, will be the first time the group has played at UW-Eau Claire.

“I’m very excited,” Christensen said. “I know (The Big Wu) is big in the area. We can get up in front of a lot of people and spread our name a bit.”

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Scarlet Runner to open for Big Wu Friday in Davies