News

Happy Bon Iver Day, Y'all

10:31 a.m. · July 22, 2011 · by Andrew Winistorfer

It's no secret that Bon Iver has been one of the indie blogosphere's biggest celebrities since, oh, 2007. But now Justin Vernon is getting some overdue recognition in his home state: Today is officially Bon Iver Day in the city of Milwaukee, as Bon Iver launches its national tour at Milwaukee's Riverside Theater tonight. Here's mayor Tom Barrett's decree:

The City of Milwaukee joins community members and supporting fans on the occasion of Bon Iver's international tour kicking off at the Riverside Theater on Friday, July 22, 2011; and,
    WHEREAS, Bon Iver was founded in 2007 by Justin Vernon in his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where he continues to record music in a new state-of-the-art recording studio; and,
    WHEREAS, Bon Iver's music embraces Justin Vernon's Wisconsin heritage, as he has become an international ambassador for both Milwaukee and Wisconsin, while they travel across the world playing music and interact with national media; and,
    WHEREAS, Bon Iver's self-titled album debuted at number two on the Billboard charts in June 2011, and has gained attention from The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, SPIN Magazine, "Late Night with David Letterman", "The Colbert Report" and "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"; and,
    WHEREAS, The City of Milwaukee joins supporting fans to enjoy the entertaining performance of Bon Iver and commends the band for their musical accomplishments;
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, TOM BARRETT, Mayor of the City of Milwaukee, do hereby proclaim Friday, July 22, 2011, to be
    Bon Iver DAY throughout the City of Milwaukee.

    TOM BARRETT Mayor 

It's probably mostly ceremonial, so it's not like Vernon can you know, just post up at Miller Park all day and hang out with Nyjer Morgan (Brewers reference. Look it up.). But he did get to spend some time hanging out at the Bucks' practice facility, so that's pretty awesome. Picture above. Let's all go to our family's cabin and write sad records today, guys.