Attendees of Nelsonville’s Final Fridays on the Square will have the opportunity to enjoy the return of a local favorite.
Stuart’s Opera House is hosting Southeast Engine this weekend as the band returns to its Athens roots. The band has strong connections to Athens, both from playing and residing in the area, said Brian Koscho, marketing and promotions director at Stuart’s.
“They've played all around the country the last few years and have spread out themselves, so I think an Athens area show is even more special nowadays,” he said. “We've had Southeast Engine at the Nelsonville Music Festival several times but never at Stuart's.”
Adam Remnant, one of the four band members who lives in Athens, said he’s excited to play in a place where the band has so many ties.
“I'm the only member that still lives here, but Leo and my brother Jesse Remnant have both lived in Athens for long periods of time over the years,” said Remnant, who has previously played solo at Stuart’s. “With autumn setting in, I think it will be a particularly beautiful night.”
Southeast Engine is signed to Misra Records and recently released their EP Canaanville in July. The folk-rock band is highly influenced by groups like The Band and Ohio rock ‘n’ roll group Guided by Voices, whom they will cover during the performance, Koscho said.
The show is the end to Stuart’s free Summer Concert Season. The shows brought in 100-400 people per event during the summer, which Koscho said has increased the response to the series.
“The series started as another way to do shows in the summer,” Koscho said. “We never did as many concerts in the summer months, just because people wanted to be outside, so it made sense to move the whole show out into the parking lot.”
In addition to the concert Friday, the regularly scheduled Final Friday events will take place. Stuart’s will also open a new exhibition featuring art from Passion Works.
“It's a chance for anyone and any age to come out to a show,” Remnant said. “I love the vibe of Nelsonville's Final Fridays, with all the art galleries and people shuffling around the square. It feels healthy.”
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