While Ohio University prepares for a star-studded April, organizing for the ninth annual Nelsonville Music Festival barrels on under the radar with more announcements for the weekend’s lineup.
Over the university’s spring break, Stuart’s Opera House revealed the next set of artists to take the stage, including the Thursday-night headliners, Gogol Bordello, a band that draws from gypsy, cabaret and punk traditions.
“They are a high-energy band that really can get crowds going and I think that is a perfect fit for the festival, especially to close out the first night on Thursday,” Brian Koscho, marketing and promotion coordinator for Stuart’s Opera House, said in an email.
Rock group Wilco and folk singer-songwriter John Prine fill out the rest of the festival’s headliners, performing on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. A Friday night main act, along with final additions to the festival, will be secured in coming weeks.
The other acts announced last week originate from all over the country: New Jersey’s rock trio Screaming Females; Field Report, a folk ensemble from Wisconsin that has garnered acclaim from publications such as Spin and Rolling Stone; Portland pop-rock group Old Light; and Akron soul act Wesley Bright and the Hi-Lites.
“There are so many talented and creative folks in one place,” Koscho said. “There’s a mix of musicians who are legends and huge influences in their field to up-and-coming acts who are just starting to make their mark.”
More than 25 bands are currently scheduled to play over the span of four days. Weekend pass ticket prices have risen to $110 and will eventually level off at $130. Single-day passes go on sale April 1, about two months before the event.
Planning for the off-stage portion of the festival is also moving forward at “full-speed,” Koscho said, including facilities, children’s activities, vendors and many other aspects of the event.
Volunteer sign-ups began March 1 and are ongoing. Stuart’s Opera House has four full-time staff members, one part-time employee and a technical director, something Koscho said makes volunteers crucial.
“We have a lot of students from Ohio University and Hocking who help, and a lot of alumni who come back too, but we are lucky to have a strong (local) volunteer core that comes back every year,” he said. “That sense of community is very important to the festival.”
The Nelsonville Music Festival is set to take place May 30–June 2 at Robbins Crossing on Hocking College’s campus.
eb104010@ohiou.edu
