Bon Iver’s Eaux Claires Festival returned for the first time in eight years on Friday and Saturday. Once again it took place in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, drawing together a variety of artists, musical and otherwise.
Friday featured a special surprise set by Justin Vernon. Kevin Morby had been slated to appear at the event, however he cancelled his appearance following the birth of his first child. On Wednesday Morby announced that he Katie Crutchfield (Waxahatchee) had welcomed a son into the world.
Morby wrote:
I returned from my European tour just in time
For our little beautiful baby to kick the door in two weeks ahead of schedule
The tour – as amazing as it was – was somewhat tense having to leave a very pregnant Katie at home.
We all found ourselves holding our collective breath that he wouldn’t come too early.
And like clockwork, I was home all but eight hours before Katie’s water broke. I like to think that the little guy waited for me.
His due date was August first but luckily we get some extra time with him. Who we thought would be a Leo is now a Cancer. He is perfect.
Born July 21st 2026
Katie’s such a badass
But yall already knew that
I do have to drop out of my scheduled performance at the Eaux Claires festival this weekend in Wisconsin. I was looking forward to jamming with Justin and Aaron which was going to feel very full circle but I know we will have lots of jamming in our futures. Sending everyone there my love this weekend.
For now, in terms of jamming, I’m going to be holding this little ball of magic while listening to Grouper – Heavy Water/I’d Rather Be Sleeping on repeat. We are so in love with him.
“I opened a mirror up, and saw true love”
God bless! Xoxox
As a result, Justin Vernon took the stage in his stead for a seven song set that opened with a cover of “Die Young” from Morby’s latest album, Little Wide Open. Vernon then presented his first set of Bon Iver music in two years. He performed “Beach Baby,” “Flume,” “S P E Y S I D E,” “Room To Spare,” “Re: Stacks” and “Hayward, WI.”
Vernon later returned to the stage with his Bon Dylan project. Vernon was joined by JT Bates, JP Brooks, Camaja Byrd, Sean Carey, Phil Cook, Ben Lester, Michael Lewis, Katira Lutterman, Courtland Pickens, John Pieter and Jeremy Ylvisaker for a set that reflected Bob Dylan’s 1990s live era.
The performance opened with a version of “Not Dark Yet” from 1997’s Time Out of Mind, followed by “Shooting Star” from 1989’s Oh Mercy. The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan track “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” came next, then “The Man in Me” from 1970’s New Morning. The performance also included animated takes on “Tangled Up In Blue,” “Boots Of Spanish Leather,” “Shot Of Love,” “Lay Lady Lady” and “All Along The Watchtower.” The encore was “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”
The full setlist appears below along with some video from the performance
Bon Dylan:
Not Dark Yet, Shooting Star, Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright, The Man in Me, Make You Feel My Love, Tangled Up In Blue, Tonight I’ll Be Staying Here With You, Meet Me In The Morning, New Morning, Boots Of Spanish Leather, When He Returns, Shot Of Love, Lay Lady Lay, All Along The Watchtower, God On Our Side
Enc: Knockin’ On Heavens Door
