Coffee, sandwiches and a sing-along created a night full of smiles Friday night at the Acoustic Café.

Two Frets Up, a two-person band starring John Upthall on the fiddle and keyboard and Larry Radle with vocals and guitar, brought a collaboration of jazz, blues and country-soft rock to the audience last week in downtown Eau Claire.

Many audience members wrapped their arms around those near them, swaying back and forth to the sound of the music that seemed to bring the whole room together.

How do these different genres of music even combine? This question was asked around the café in hushed tones without any prior knowledge of what this band sounded like.

“I didn’t know what this band was about before I went in, and didn’t know how it would piece together,” freshman education student Renee Gavirgan said. “It was a pleasant surprise to see them liven up the crowd with their uplifting music.”

A few years ago, Upthall and Radle met at an open mic night in Dodgeville. Radle had already been in a band with another violinist for years. However, with a new job offering, his partner had to leave the band.

That is when Radle got the opportunity to step in. Upthall had a lot of experience playing music for audiences beforehand.

“I’ve played in the area since 1977 with many other bands all around, just violin and keyboard,” Upthall said.

His bands ranged from North of Dizie — a bluegrass band, and Ranger Rootie — a four-piece band. He continues to play music with many different groups, while Radle sticks to just Two Frets Up.

Upthall is a UW-Eau Claire alumnus with a degree in music education. He was an orchestra teacher for 28 years in Menomonie and now focuses on his music.

Radle is also retired and coordinates booking their performances.

Myra Radle has been married to Larry Radle for 47 years, and took on the responsibility of their manager when Larry Radle started to get into playing in bands.

“Well, when I was 16 I was a groupie and now I’m their manager,” Myra Radle said. “I have to come to the shows anyways so I might as well do this.”

Mary Radle does all the paperwork and schedules, setting up set lists and coordinating events.

The music ranged from covers of The Eagles, Garth Brooks and Darius Ruckers. Audience members often sang along.

Myra Radle said Two Frets Up’s common goal is not to be stars, because they are both retired, but to just enjoy the experience of the music.