This Tuesday, Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville will boast folk icon Bonnie “Prince” Billy and his only Ohio date on his most recent tour.
The acclaimed singer-songwriter has embarked on a tour that will make stops all over the globe, including Madrid, Lisbon and Paris.
Since the early ’90s, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, also known as Will Oldham, has released five albums along with scores of singles and compilations, including a recent rendition of Sufjan Stevens’, “All the Trees of the Fields Will Clap Their Hands.” His success even once caught the ear of Johnny Cash, who covered Oldham’s, “I See a Darkness,” in 2000.
Oldham began recording with the group The Palace Brothers in 1990. The name of the group, as well as the sound, underwent many changes until Oldham adopted his current moniker, Bonnie “Prince” Billy in 1998.
Through the years, Oldham’s clever and diverse lyrics have evoked images of Americana and landscapes of Appalachia. Oldham’s delicate and haunting vocals will be sure to blend delightfully with complex chord structures and shake the bones of his folk predecessors.
Oldham also has tried his hand in acting over the years. In his most notable role, Oldham portrayed a father in the television movie Everybody’s Baby: The Rescue of Jessica McClure. Recently, he has made cameos on the former MTV program, “Wonder Showzen,” as well as 2010’s “Jackass 3D.”
According to Stuart’s marketing and promotions coordinator, Brian Koscho, the history of the venue is the reason it has pulled in big names over the years.
“Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy is very choosey as to where he plays,” Koscho said, “We take this as a reminder of the reputation we’ve obtained.”
The opera house has hosted many big indie names in recent years, including Arcade Fire, Yo La Tengo and Andrew Bird.
The Phantom Family Halo will accompany Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Tickets will be available on the Stuart’s Opera House’s website, as well as over the phone. The number for the box office is 753-1924.
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