Roll Call The Vernon-ator, making copies: 5 Bon Iver SNL sketches we’re hoping for

When a semi-local boy does good and gets on the teevee, it’s a big deal around here. The last time we remember anyone with local connections being featured on Saturday Night Live was in 1999, when Heather Graham hosted and the term “shagadelic” was cool. Nearly 13 years passed before Eau Claire, Wisconsin’s Justin Vernon and his merry band of Bon Iver bros were announced as the musical guests for the Feb. 4 edition of SNL. Since there is plenty of precedent for musical guests to cross over and appear in sketches, The A.V. Club offers some suggestions to help Vernon along on the path to joining the Five Timers’ Club.

“The Barry Gibb Talk Show”
The sketch: Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake alternately scream and sing at political figures desperate to establish their legitimacy as topical powerhouses. They ramp up the difficulty by wearing leisure suits.
It’s a good fit because: Vernon was going to sit in with The Roots anyway. Having some of guest host/musical guest MVP Justin Timberlake’s magic rub off on Vernon wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
See! Justin Vernon! As!: If SNL could convince Vernon to shave his beard, having Barry and Robin Gibb shout down Gov. Scott Walker would be pretty funny.

Lonely Island Digital Short
The sketch: The Lonely Island boys mix together random celebrity cameos, a great ear for parody, and damn-catchy hooks for music videos that make viewers laugh and nod their heads at the same time.
It’s a good fit because: Bon Iver seems to be collaborating with anyone and everyone these days. It would be funny to see if The Lonely Island could nail a song that makes fun of current indie-rock trends that’s just as razor-sharp as its take on hip-hop and R&B excesses.
See! Justin Vernon! As!: Even if SNL sticks to formula, Vernon kicking it with girlfriend Kathleen Edwards over a catchy song about hot Canadian hookups would expand his fanbase greatly.

Bill Swerski’s Superfans
The sketch: Chicago was once home to dominant sports teams, and these sketches perfectly caught the tenor of Chicago fans who believed they would be invincible forever. Even though one of the superfans is no longer with us, it wouldn’t be that hard to throw someone else into a Bears sweater and a big, bushy mustache.
It’s a good fit because: Vernon’s controversial relationship with the press makes him seem like the type of guy who would walk into a rivals stronghold and start talking trash. Plus, it would be a great tribute to Chris Farley, the last SNL cast member with Wisconsin connections.
See! Justin Vernon! As!: Vernon could appear as the new owner of the sports bar where the superfans live, completely clueless to all things related to Ditka, Jordan, and Urlacher.

The Richmeister (Copy Room Guy)
The sketch: Rob Schneider generates catchphrases as people wander by his primo spot near the copy machine. He spends the entire sketch coming up with puns and wordplay related to someone’s name.
It’s a good fit because: It could really play up the confusion between Bon Iver, the band’s name; and Justin Vernon, the lead singer’s name. Plus, anything beats Schneider’s awful sitcom. Even a big-screen version of this character would be God’s work.
See! Justin Vernon! As!: Vernon could play a younger version of himself, making copies of a flier for an early show. Schneider inadvertently names Vernon’s new band.

Celebrity Jeopardy
The sketch: This sketch is a chance for guests to dust off their best impressions, not to mention a riff on how the celebrity editions of the show feature questions that aren’t exactly up to the high difficulty of the regular program.
It’s a good fit because: It’s kind of the kiddie pool. Even people who aren’t funny can still do a fun celebrity impression.
See! Justin Vernon! As!: Does anyone still care about Jason Lee? Otherwise, put Vernon in some crazy wig and let him go as Russell Brand. The real reason people watch this sketch is the battle of wits between Trebek and Connery.