Just Announced Bon Iver at UIC Pavilion

The backstory on For Emma, Forever Ago, Justin Vernon’s debut album under the name Bon Iver, reads like a musical version of Jon Krakauer’s Into The Wild. Singer-songwriter Vernon holed up in his father’s cabin in northwestern Wisconsin for several months after a series of personal setbacks, including breakups with his band and girlfriend, and a lingering bout with mononucleosis that kept him in bed for three months. The result is a set of hauntingly beautiful folk songs that caught the attention of critics and celebrities alike, ultimately landing him a backup vocal spot on several Kanye West songs. Bon Iver’s latest record, Bon Iver, isn’t quite as mesmerizing as his debut, but it’s enchanting and lonely all the same, and knockout tracks like “Perth,” “Holocene,” and “Calgary” ensure it will be one of the best of 2011.

If you want to see what all the fuss is about firsthand, Bon Iver will be at the UIC Pavilion Dec. 9. Ticketing info for the show hasn’t yet been announced.