Article Contributed by Tony Mueller
Published on 2026-07-02
Pert Near Sandstone | Blue Ox Music Festival | Eau Claire, WI | photos by Tony Mueller
For the past two years, when late June rolls around, there is one weekend that finds its way onto my calendar. Blue Ox Music Festival has become much more than another stop on the summer festival circuit. It’s three days of reconnecting with old friends, discovering new favorite bands, and spending long days underneath the towering pines with some of the best music you’ll hear anywhere.
This year couldn’t have started better. From the moment campers rolled through the gates, everything seemed to click. Traffic flowed smoothly, campsites filled quickly, and before long, the familiar sound of people catching up with each other echoed throughout the campgrounds. Mother Nature certainly did her part, too. The weather was just about perfect from beginning to end. There was no rain, comfy temps, and sunshine all weekend long. It made setting up camp an absolute breeze and allowed everyone to get right to what they came for: enjoying another unforgettable Blue Ox weekend.
My festival officially kicked off with Mdou Moctar. While he’s typically known for performing with a full band, this appearance was a solo set, and honestly, it never felt like anything was missing. His guitar work was mesmerizing, and his laid-back stage presence made it easy to settle into festival mode. It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend while reminding everyone that Blue Ox has never been afraid to sprinkle a few surprises into an otherwise bluegrass-heavy lineup.
A little later, I wandered over to catch Shadowgrass, and just like that, the weekend officially shifted into bluegrass gear.
Thursday night’s main event belonged to Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and what an introduction it was. Somehow, despite hearing his name for years, this was my very first time seeing him perform live. By the end of his set, I honestly couldn’t believe I’d waited this long. Calling it “Cosmic Country” barely scratches the surface. Donato and his band took the audience on one long musical journey full of extended jams, twisting improvisation, and peak after peak that never seemed to stop coming. Every time it felt like a song had reached its highest point, they’d somehow push it even further. The crowd responded exactly how you’d expect, erupting after nearly every solo and hanging onto every note. It was one of those performances where you suddenly understand why so many people have been telling you to see an artist for years.
As incredible as the main stage was, Thursday night still had plenty left in the tank. The legendary Big Wu closed things down with two late-night sets over on the Backwoods Stage. They’re practically family around these parts, and you could tell from the first song just how excited everyone was to have them back. One of the night’s biggest moments came when my good friend Brownie Dave was invited on stage to sit in for a few songs. The band proudly introduced him by this name, and the crowd rewarded him with plenty of cheers. For many people, it became the highlight of the evening. By the time I finally wandered back toward camp, it was obvious that Blue Ox hadn’t skipped a beat. The weather was perfect, the music had already delivered several unforgettable moments, and the weekend was only getting started.
Friday morning arrived with an impossible decision. Blue Ox somehow managed to stack nearly every hour of the day with artists you don’t want to miss. This meant everyone was forced to make at least a few difficult choices. You could have started things with the legendary Art Stevenson & Highwater, made your way over for Gin Mill Hollow, or held out for one of the many afternoon highlights. For me, though, the day truly began with one of my favorite bands around, Maygen & The Birdwatcher.
If you’ve never caught one of their shows before, do yourself a favor and fix that as soon as possible. Their energy is absolutely contagious. Every member looks like they’re having the time of their lives on stage, and before long, the audience is right there with them. It’s nearly impossible to stand still during one of their sets. And whatever you do, don’t forget your bird whistle next time.
Sierra Hull was next on my schedule, and this was another first for me. I’ve heard her name for years, but somehow never managed to catch one of her live performances until now. Needless to say, she lived up to every bit of the hype. Her voice was absolutely beautiful, and the musicians surrounding her complemented her songwriting perfectly. Whether she was singing or showing off her incredible mandolin playing, the entire performance felt effortless.
Not wanting to stay in one place for too long, I wandered back into the woods for Moonshroom, and I’m glad I did. Their blend of bluegrass and jam continues to carve out a unique route of its own. They can lock into a traditional groove one moment before stretching a song into an adventurous jam the next. They even had my longest and best friend, Ben Majeska of Armchair Boogie, sit in for a song or two. My advice: if they’re playing anywhere near you soon, I’d highly recommend taking the time to catch their set.
From there, it was time for a band that’s become much more personal for me. Chicken Wire Empire took the stage, and seeing them always feels a little different because my roommate happens to be one of the members. At this point, it feels like seeing family. That familiarity doesn’t make me any less impressed every time I see them. Their set was pure energy from beginning to end. Every member seemed completely locked in with one another, feeding off each other’s playing and having an absolute blast while doing it. They’ve built such incredible chemistry over the years that everything they do feels natural. Bassist Jordan Kroeger jokingly told the crowd that if anyone had any complaints about the show, they should direct them toward fellow Milwaukee bluegrass favorites, The MilBillies, instead. It was all in good fun, but it got plenty of laughs from the audience and was one of those little festival moments that reminds you just how close this music community really is.
As afternoon slowly drifted toward evening, it was finally time for Pert Near Sandstone to make their first appearance of the weekend. There are no other bands that embody the spirit of Blue Ox like Pert Near. Every time they step onto that stage, it feels less like another concert and more like a family reunion. Friends find each other in the crowd, and strangers become longtime pals. Their sets always land during one of the most beautiful parts of the day. As the sun slowly dipped behind the beautiful pine trees surrounding the main stage, golden light poured through the forest and created one of my favorite photography opportunities of the entire weekend. It’s simply too beautiful not to capture.
As incredible as Friday had already been, everyone knew the biggest moment was still waiting. Once his name lit up the stage and Charley Crockett stepped on, the excitement throughout the crowd was immaculate. This was the artist I had been looking forward to most all weekend, and somehow, he still managed to exceed every expectation I had. Simply put, this was one of the best live performances I’ve ever witnessed.
Charley has a way of blending country, blues, soul, and western swing into something that feels timeless. His voice is instantly recognizable, carrying the emotion of country legends while still sounding completely his own. Every song felt authentic, and every story he told seemed to pull the audience in even closer. When the opening notes of “$10 Cowboy” rang out across the festival grounds, I felt the moment sinking in. Honestly, he could have played for hours, and I don’t think a single person would have complained. It’s rare that a performance leaves me wanting to immediately look up tour dates and listen to his discography before I even make it back home, but that’s exactly what happened. I cannot wait for the next opportunity to see him again.
Keeping that momentum rolling was no easy task, but Wisconsin favorites Horseshoes & Hand Grenades were more than up for the challenge. Every time they take the stage, they bring an energy that’s impossible to fake. Their songs practically demand crowd participation, and before long, the audience was singing along at the top of their lungs. Whether you’ve seen them once or 100 times, they always find a way to make each performance feel fresh while staying true to the sound that’s made them one of Wisconsin’s most beloved bluegrass bands.
As midnight crept closer, there was still plenty left in the tank. The MilBillies brought their signature jamgrass sound to the Backwoods Stage and proved once again why they’ve become one of Milwaukee’s finest exports. But for me, there was only one way Friday night could end: The Spooklights.
I’ve told people before that the best way to explain The Spooklights is if “Cotton Eye Joe” somehow evolved into an endless bluegrass and EDM dance party. It sounds ridiculous, but it absolutely works, and I love it. The forest transformed into one giant celebration as people danced between the trees late into the night. Their beats stretched on, the energy somehow continued to build, and by the end of the set, the entire Backwoods Stage felt like it was bouncing. I’m pretty sure the neighbors weren’t nearly as thrilled as we were. Oops.
After surviving Friday’s marathon of incredible music, Saturday started a little slower for me. Sometimes the best way to prepare for one last push is to spend a few extra hours relaxing underneath the shade tent, catching up with neighbors, and soaking in the campground atmosphere that makes Blue Ox feel like so much more than just another music festival.
Eventually, it was time to make my way back into the woods, and The Mooncats made for the perfect welcome. It seemed like everyone I talked to had them circled on their schedule, and after seeing their set, it wasn’t hard to understand why. Their mix of theatrics and infectious music felt tailor-made for the Backwoods Stage. Between the space suits, the personalities, and the musicianship, there was always something happening that kept your eyes glued to the stage. They also had one of the widest merch selections I’ve seen from any festival band, and naturally, I walked away with another sticker for the collection.
As much fun as The Mooncats were, the artist I had been anticipating all weekend was still to come. Every year, Blue Ox does an incredible job sprinkling a few artists into the lineup that don’t fit the bluegrass mold at all. Those bookings often end up becoming some of my favorite performances of the weekend, and this year, that honor belonged to Kurt Vile & The Violators. I’ve been listening to Kurt Vile for years, so finally getting the opportunity to see him live felt long overdue. His stage presence was relaxed, understated, and completely authentic. He never needed flashy moments to grab the audience’s attention. Instead, he simply let the songs do the talking.
Before long, our festival hosts returned for one final bash. Pert Near Sandstone’s second set somehow felt even more emotional than the first. Maybe it was because everyone knew the weekend was beginning to wind down, or maybe it’s simply because this band has become so intertwined with the identity of Blue Ox itself. Whatever the reason, smiles stretched across the crowd from start to finish. Kids danced with their parents, and friends wrapped their arms around one another. It was a reminder that Blue Ox has always been about far more than the lineup on the poster.
Then it was time for Saturday night’s headliner, Marcus King Band. The last time I had seen Marcus King perform was more than a decade ago, and to say he’s grown as an artist would be a massive understatement. He walked onto that stage with complete confidence and immediately commanded the attention of everyone there. His guitar playing was electric, his vocals were powerful, and his band sounded absolutely massive. Every song seemed to build into another unforgettable solo, and by the end of the night, it was impossible not to appreciate just how far he’s come over the years.
Next came Them Coulee Boys, playing what would be their final Blue Ox performance in their hometown festival. You could feel the emotion from both the band and the audience throughout the set, knowing this chapter was coming to a close. Then came one of the night’s biggest moments. Beau smashed his guitar, and the crowd absolutely erupted. It was the kind of rock and roll ending nobody saw coming, and one that people will undoubtedly be talking about until next year’s festival rolls around.
Still, there was one more dance party left before everyone packed up for home. Magoo had the honor of closing out Blue Ox 2026, and they couldn’t have been a more fitting choice. Their unique brand of jamgrass had the entire Backwoods Stage moving from the very first note. Long improvisational sections, creative arrangements, and a handful of fantastic covers kept the energy climbing throughout the night. My personal favorite came during their incredible take on Nirvana’s “All Apologies.” What started as a familiar tune slowly transformed into a sprawling 15-minute jam that took on a life of its own. It was one of those festival moments where everyone around you realizes they’re witnessing something miraculous.
As the band began building toward what felt like an enormous finale, everything suddenly came to a stop. A medical emergency in the crowd required immediate attention, and the performance was cut short. Of course, nobody wanted the music to end that way, but moments like that serve as an important reminder that the people come first. The jams can always wait. Hopefully, whoever needed help is doing well.
Even with the unexpected ending, it did very little to diminish what had been one of Blue Ox’s finest weekends yet. As more and more festivals across the country continue to disappear, Blue Ox keeps reminding everyone why it’s still standing. It isn’t because of one headliner. It isn’t because of one campground. It isn’t even because of one incredible lineup. It’s because of the people. That has been apparent since the start 11 years ago.
Every June, thousands of familiar faces make the journey back to The Pines Music Park outside Eau Claire. Campsites fill with neighbors, all who attend wander through campgrounds catching up with old friends, and first-timers are welcomed like they’ve been coming for decades. That’s something you can’t manufacture. It’s something that’s been built year after year, festival after festival. Blue Ox has become a tradition. And judging by another unforgettable weekend in the Wisconsin woods, that tradition isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Here’s to another incredible year, and here’s hoping the countdown to Blue Ox 2027 goes by just a little bit faster.
