Culture
Ten Must See Artists at the 2017 Nelsonville Music Festival
By: Maria Meece and Clay Thomas
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This year at the Nelsonville Music Festival, June 1-4, you might make a little birdhouse in your soul with They Might Be Giants; you might come to understand the ocean man with Ween; maybe you’ll see the sun yellow and brown in M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I with the Cactus Blossoms — or perhaps you’ll just fall in with Ohio’s own Dylan Baldi. With the festival only a day away, take a moment to scope out a couple of the absolute must-see acts amid the four day music extravaganza.
Conor Oberst
Thursday, June 1
Main Stage, 9:30 p.m.
Hailing from Nebraska, Oberst joined his first band at the age of 13 and has been releasing music since 1993. Oberst is a part of several bands: Bright Eyes, The Desaparecidos, The Mystic Valley Band, and the Monsters of Folk. Oberst newest album, Salutations, was released March 17 on Yep Roc Records.
Hellnaw
Saturday, June 3
Porch Stage 12 p.m.
Hellnaw is a two-man rhythm section (bass and drums) that sounds like the perfect combination of punk, up-beat rhythms and strong stage presence. From Athens, OH, Josh Wicker and Wren Fenton form a groovy, head banging sound that brings everyone together to dance.
Mobile Home
Thursday, June 1
Boxcar Stage 5:30 p.m.
Mobile Home has a raw, garage band sound that should not be forgotten. They have an impressive stage presence and have been gaining notoriety for a great rock show over the course of the past several months. They bring a great presence on stage getting everyone watching feeling the music. Don’t miss Mobile Home rock out!
Mr. Elevator
Saturday, June 3
Porch Stage, 7:30 p.m.
Formed by Thomas Dolas and Justin Martinez, Mr. Elevator has a psychedelic-pop/rock sound. The band’s sound is heavy on keyboard and synthesizers, bringing something different to the stage here at Nelsonville. Mr. Elevator’s latest album, When the Morning Greets You, was released earlier this year on Rad Cat Records.
Ron Gallo
Thursday, June 1
Porch Stage, 11 p.m.
Friday, June 2
Porch Stage, 7:30 p.m.
Ron Gallo was in Philadelphia-based Toy Soldiers for about eight years with one of his longtime friends from middle school until he decided to craft some solo work. That solo work is one part proto-punk, one part cerebral stoner ponderings, and all attitude. Ron Gallo’s latest, Heavy Meta was released in February on New West Records.
Cloud Nothings
Friday, June 2
Main Stage, 6:30 p.m.
Originally from Cleveland, OH – Cloud Nothings began as a solo project by head songwriter and vocalist Dylan Baldi — recording vocals and instrumentals in his parent’s basement. Baldi is considered one of the best songwriters of his day. Cloud Nothings’ latest release is Life Without Sound, which was released earlier this year on Carpark Records.
Twin Peaks
Saturday, June 3
Porch Stage, 11 p.m.
Band members Cadien Lake James, Clay Frankel, Connor Brodner, Jack Dolan, and most recent addition Colin Croom, share a passion for guttural rock ‘n’ roll that their audiences have found appealing. Their newest effort is 2016’s Down In Heaven, released on Grand Jury Records.
The Cactus Blossoms
Saturday, June 3
Main Stage, 2 p.m.
No-Fi Cabin, 8:15 p.m.
The Cactus Blossoms are a set of brothers from St. Paul, MN who started making classic-sounding country music pretty casually. After finding their musical dream team they recorded their first project together. Their debut album You’re Dreaming was released last year on Red House Records. The duo was recently featured in the third episode of the celebrated return of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks.
Aaron Michael Butler
Friday, June 2
No-Fi Cabin, 11:15 a.m.
Sunday, June 4
Porch Stage 11 a.m.
Aaron Michael Butler is a skilled percussionist and composer based out of Athens, OH. His work has been featured in the Athens International Film Festival, the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Ohio University World Music and Dance Festival and in many other impressive places.
Blue Moth
Thursday, June 1
Porch Stage, 7:30 p.m.
Blue Moth is a self-proclaimed psychedelic blues combo based right here in Southeast Ohio.