Read Coverage From The Eaux Claires Festival Day 2

Sufficiently dried out from unexpected rain showers the night before, festival-goers returned for the second day of the Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival, greeted with plenty of sunshine (at least for now) and ready for more diverse performances ranging from southern rock to saxophone metal.

In no particular order, here are images and observations from the ground at Eaux Claires’ second day:

Playing together

On the festival website, founder Justin Vernon earnestly introduces the event as an “experience of togetherness.” Maybe more than anything, that idea seems to be borne out in the amount of on-stage collaboration. More times than not through the first day and a half of the festival, artists have punctuated their sets by inviting other performers out on stage for a song, or several. Lucius jumped on stage with Mavis Staples. The Staves joined Jenny Lewis for a few numbers, and Vernon himself sat in with Phil Cook’s “Southland Review.”

Even if it’s just a barely rehearsed sign-along, the musicians seem to be having as much fun together as any of the attendees.

A break from music

You can only stand (or in some cases, girate) in the sun for so long. For something different try browsing some locally made merch or playing a Swedish lawn game.

Heavy Horns

Experimental saxophonist Colin Stetson — a long-time personal favorite — has gone full-on heavy metal with his new project, EX EYE. Bone-shaking and thoroughly enjoyable.

Honoring the dead

Twin brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National have recently produced and curated a massive Grateful Dead tribute album (clocking in at over six hours) featuring covers from an array of indie artists. Saturday evening they performed an abridged live rendition with vocals from Will Oldham, aka Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Jenny Lewis, The National’s Matt Berniger and several others.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

William Tyler