Ohio’s Best-Kept Secret: Nelsonville Music Festival
Nelsonville Music Festival celebrated its 18th year this past weekend, July 26-28, at Snow Fork Event Center in Nelsonville, Ohio. What may seem like a small-town music festival surely did not feel like one, with some of the most impressive acts in rock, rap, folk, R&B, and indie music.
The lineup headliners consisted of Killer Mike, Courtney Barnett, and Thee Sacred Souls, who have reached fast success with their beautifully sweet California soul sound.
The undercard acts who are hardly considered undercards consisted of Indigo De Souza, Amyl and The Sniffers, Michael Hurley, Bonnie Prince Billy, John Vincent lll, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, The Nude Party, The Felice Brothers, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, The Heavy Heavy, and Bob Mould to name a few.
Aside from being immersed in heavy-hitting sets and amazing talent all weekend long, the festival also features a strong community-based artist village with local goodies from artisan soaps to handmade guitar accessories.
Once you’ve made your way through the ever-so-friendly artist village, you will find yourself walking into the woods where many campers go to escape the heat and see acoustic acts on the small but mighty Creekside stage. Blankets, chairs, and especially hammocks were welcomed to create a cool and cozy spot for naps. If you are looking for more active activities, multiple trails connected through the woods for some light hiking.
If you find yourself exploring the festival grounds you will notice all the unique, handcrafted art installations, from giant plush mushrooms to odd-bird-like characters to a full-sized dragon kids could place over their heads and play with.
For the night owls, there is a perfectly placed tent in the back of (loud) Mudville camping where late-night sets take place. Early-bird camping opened up Thursday night, featuring Ohio-based bands Pal, Basket Case, and Golomb to get the party started at the campground stage. The following nights featured local DJs who each came with a different style, from ’70s and ’80s funk to early 2000s hip hop to ’50s and ’60s groove to keep the party rolling into the early hours of the morning.
From the music to the art and the most friendly atmosphere, this festival has become one not to miss. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of some of the larger, corporately run festivals, but once you experience an event like Nelsonville Fest that contributes so much to the local community all year round, it’s hard to ever go back.
“The Nelsonville Music Festival is a production of and fundraiser for Stuart’s Opera House, a non-profit historic theater and performing arts center in Nelsonville, Ohio which features over 75 events a year including live music, theater, educational programming, and more. All proceeds raised at the festival support year-round programming at Stuart’s Opera House, including its tuition-free Arts Education programs.”
To quote the lead singer of The Nude Party, “Everyone who plays here says this is the best festival EVER, and we see why.”
Even the infamous rapper Killer Mike stated how pleasantly surprised he was for a middle-of-nowhere Ohio festival. Halfway through his set, he expressed how grateful he was to perform for such an incredible and engaging crowd and to such a great staff.
Throughout the weekend it was hard not to notice how well organized Nelsonville was being run. Artists and fans alike continued to comment on how accommodating and welcoming their experience was. It’s a beautiful moment when touring artists from Australia to California recognize and experience what this small town in Ohio has to offer.
A huge shout-out and thanks to the staff and volunteers behind Nelsonville Music Fest. The importance of keeping things independently run and being able to give back to the local arts programs is crucial for the future of the music industry. Hats off to Ohio’s Best Kept Secret and all the people who make it happen.
Nelsonville Music Festival
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