First Avenue in Eau Claire, Wisconsin is within walking distance of the campus of U.W. Eau Claire as well as some of the city’s finer (ahem, cheaper taverns, making it a prime location for a group of coeds to live. It also abuts Owen Park, a fine place for a young man to play guitar and perhaps catch the attention of the previously mentioned coeds. Lo and behold, proximity worked its magic, and on First Avenue Guitarist met vocalist Renee Thompson and their story began. They went to live on many other streets before settling in Stevens Point, raising a family, and playing with different bands over the years.
Active in the Stevens Point music scene, Tim spun records for 90FM WWSP’s Acoustic Revival as the “Granddad” before Tim and Renee recruited some friends to start a group called “Granddad and Friends”. TIm and Renee found a partnership in both music and marriage. Over time, the lineup of musicians evolved , and the band changed the name to “Blue Jade”. Blue Jade performed around the state of Wisconsin including a show for the fall ride in Tomahawk.
By 2011 the grind had gotten to be too much, but they knew the basics were good. The love and music and performing with each other brought them back to a basics sound. They decided to name themselves from where it all started. First Avenue.
Like two kids falling in love, the world seems simple and big and perfect, scary and vulnerable and joyous all at the same time. That feeling is not summed up in complicated arrangements or synth fills or a horn section. The music does not need a semi truck filled with electronics,
Everything they need fits in a Dodge Caravan. Performing both covers and originals from left, right, and center of the dial, it’s a sound and style that has delighted audiences all over Wisconsin.
So when you listen to this group, you’ll be sure to get a back to basics sound that exudes love, passion and camaraderie. It’s a feeling that gets passed on to audiences at every venue they play.
