Live Review: Nelsonville Music Festival 2011

With all the outpouring of adoration that has hit newsstands and blogs over the past week, it almost feels superfluous to give my spin on this year's Nelsonville Music Festival. For the second year running, I found myself involved in the organization and execution of this weekend of music, just a short drive away from my collegiate hometown of Athens, OH. As was the case last year, my duties throughout the weekend kept me away from a good deal of the music—I manned the festival's first press tent, providing a base of operations for all attending reporters and photographers. It goes without saying that this year's event was a larger beast than in years past—acts like the Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo and Neko Case bring with them an audience and press presence that previously would not have given the fest a second glance. In spite of that, Nelsonville managed to retain everything that has traditionally made it such a unique festival experience—namely, friendly people, an eclectic lineup and a welcoming, laid-back vibe.

We're Out in Nelsonville

Tapes on the Floor is off to the Nelsonville Music Festival for a weekend of music from the likes of the Flaming Lips, Yo La Yengo, Neko Case, the Growlers and many, many more. For live updates from the fest, check us out on Twitter. A full wrap-up will hit the blog sometime next week—hope to see you there!

Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, Southeast Engine confirmed for Nelsonville Festival

It's been a little while since my last update about the Nelsonville Music Festival, but with May quickly approaching, I thought I'd round up some of the more notable artists that have been announced over the past few weeks.

The first on that list is The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, a collaboration between Sean Lennon and his girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl. The duo will bring their breezy folk tunes (and Beatles heritage) to the stage on Saturday. Also appearing on Saturday will be the local boys in Southeast Engine, fresh off the release of their latest folk-rock opus Canary.

Other recent additions to the line-up include James Gang devotees Mount Carmel, Canadian folk singer/songwriter Doug Paisley, brother of Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and a wonderful musician in his own right Ned Oldham and his band Old Calf, and the subdued sounds of Cincinnati's Over the Rhine.

Head over to the festival's website for a complete list of confirmed artists and to buy tickets for what is sure to be one of the most exciting weekends for music in Ohio in recent memory.

Yo La Tengo and Wanda Jackson added to Neslonville Festival

All the way back in 2009, Yo La Tengo played Stuart's Opera House, turning in one of best performances I'd ever seen in that venue. Today brought the announcement that the indie rock legends will be returning to Nelsonville once again, to play Saturday at the Nelsonville Music Festival. I couldn't be happier.

Also among the latest salvo of performers announced today is the self-proclaimed Queen of Rockabilly, Wanda Jackson who will performing on Sunday. Appearing at various points during all three days of the festival will be folk-singer Michael Hurley and the off-beat country-stylings of Drakkar Sauna. Saturday will also feature performances from Cleveland-based Baroque-pop artist Baby Dee and the Columbus soul outfit Nick Tolford & Company.

As of this morning, single day passes for the Nelsonville Music Festival are on sale via their website. Whether you're planning on attending one day or all three, from the looks of this line-up, (with more bands yet to be announced) we're all in for an excellent weekend of music!

Flaming Lips & Neko Case Announced as Nelsonville Music Festival Headliners

I've been sitting on this news for awhile now—it's taken all the willpower I possess to not blurt this out to someone. But last night we made it official: The Flaming Lips and Neko Case are going to be headlining this year's edition of the Nelsonville Music Festival from May 13-15. Country music legend George Jones will also be playing on Friday night. It's arguably the most exciting set of headliners this festival has ever played host to.

Over 30 more bands will be added to the line-up over the course of the coming months—a mix of local and national acts which will convene in one of the best festival settings I've ever experienced. For an idea of just how awesome this event is, read my review of last year's festival. Tickets go on sale this Monday, at an extremely reasonable price considering the acts announced thus far.

Bottom line, even if you're not from around the area, this may be worth a trip to little old Nelsonville, OH. I'll be posting more on line-up confirmations as that news rolls in.

Full disclosure—I'm currently interning for festival organizers Stuart's Opera House