Slideshow: Nelsonville Music Festival Kickoff

The Nelsonville Music Festival organizers figured at least a few people would show up for the kickoff night on Thursday, May 17.

The audience numbers were in the hundreds as locals and earlybird campers flocked to the Porch Stage and No-Fi Cabin areas to hear a handful of Athens bands.

"I didn't know if we'd have three or 300 people," said Stuart's Opera House Executive Director Tim Peacock. "We're thrilled with tonight's turnout."

The evening, which was free and open to the public, was a precursor to the main event: A three-day festival at Hocking College with over 60 bands and numerous artisan and food vendors.

Although the festival has been receiving national press for its big-name acts, Thursday's event spotlighted local talent. That's not to say there won't be other Ohio bands playing this weekend.

On the contrary, over a dozen local and regional groups will rub shoulders with heavyweights such as Iron & Wine, Guided by Voices, Andrew Bird and Lee "Scratch" Perry.

"We're proud to support Ohio music," said Peacock from the Porch Stage.

The gates will open at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 18. For details and a complete schedule, visit www.nelsonvillefest.org.