ConcertGoers

One half gushing over Field Report, one half gushing over Justin Vernon's surprise appearance...

On Saturday night, I went to the Megafaun show at High Noon. I actually went just for the sole opener, Field Report. Formerly known as Conrad Plymouth, Field Report is a Milwaukee-based band fronted by the incredibly talented Chris Porterfield. After being introduced to Chris during a solo performance opening for Cedarwell last August, I've been singing his praises. Porterfield, who used to be in a band called DeYarmond Edison with Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, is one of the most engaging live singers I've seen. This group is on the verge; they recently changed their name to Field Report while recording their debut album up north at Vernon's studio in Fall Creek (near Eau Claire, of course). Unfortunately, the album won't be out until June, but you can scoop up their EP, the now-no-longer-self-titled Conrad Plymouth, on iTunes.

If you have the chance to see Field Report live, I'd highly recommend it, although they're currently on a national tour supporting Megafaun. Here's a snippet of Field Report from Saturday's show; it's only a minute long (sorry), but it's long enough to demonstrate the raw emotion and impressive dynamics of this band. Porterfield's growling voice building and bellowing towards the 1:02 mark gives me chills. It's a little reminiscent of Springsteen, isn't it? Totally boss.

Needless to say, I was a pretty satisfied concertgoer after Field Report's set. I stuck around to check out Megafaun, though, and I'm sure glad I did. Megafaun is another band with Wisconsin roots -- three of the members also used to be in the aforementioned Eau Claire band DeYarmond Edison with Justin Vernon. You know the legend of Bon Iver? How Justin Vernon was in a band from Eau Claire that moved to North Carolina? And after that band broke up, he moved back to Eau Claire and recorded the Bon Iver debut For Emma, Forever Ago? Well, that was THIS band. Rest assured, there's no lingering bad blood between the Grammy-less ex-band members. How do I know? Justin Vernon snuck on stage during Megafaun's encore to play guitar during a couple songs on Saturday night.

I snapped this quick video for proof...play "I SPY" and look for a beardless Vernon (it's been a warm few weeks in Wisconsin) sporting a plain white t-shirt.