Culture
Stuart’s Moves Concert Series to Final Fridays
By: Elliot Nicolson
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Stuart’s Opera House will kick off its Free Summer Concert Series this Friday with the Stooges Brass Band, a highly acclaimed hip-hop/jazz group from New Orleans.
It will also mark the first time the series has taken place during Nelsonville’s Final Fridays celebration.
“We had previously done them on the second Thursday of the month,” said Brian Koscho, Stuart’s marketing and promotions coordinator. “The concerts were great but it made sense to move them to a night where something else was happening. I think it strengthens both events and makes the whole night even more exciting.”
For years, Final Fridays has been a monthly tradition on Nelsonville’s Public Square, featuring dozens of local artists, workshops and food. Koscho is excited to add the concert series to the mix.
“We always tended to have fewer theater shows in the summer, just because the weather is nice and people like to be outside,” he said. “When we started moving the music outside, the response was great. We bring what we do in the theater right outside on the Square and open it up to everyone. It’s always a good time.”
The Stooges Brass Band’s rise to stardom has been somewhat of a slow burn, with the group working hard to perfect their craft since 1996.
However, since winning the Red Bull Street Kings Brass Band Blowout and landing a recording contract with famed producer Mannie Fresh, the band is finally turning some heads.
Recently, the group took home the Best Contemporary Brass Band Award at the 2011-2012 Big Easy Music Awards and garnered positive reviews during the 2012 New Orleans Jazz Fest.
Earlier this month, The Stooges Brass Band performed at The Brooklyn Bowl in New York City, Kentucky’s Great American Brass Band Fest and the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee.
Future shows in Stuart’s Free Summer Concert Series include The Hackensaw Boys from Charlottesville, Va., on July 27 and Columbus, Ohio’s Spikedrivers on Aug. 31.
One other thing: Koscho wants to emphasize the “free” in Free Summer Concert Series.
“It’s easy on your wallet, there’s some amazing live music, and we also have a beer garden,” he said. “It’s a great way to see some music on a summer night and we have a great, diverse lineup planned.”
For more information, visit www.stuartsoperahouse.org.