The 11th Annual Nelsonville Music Festival

The 11th Annual Nelsonville Music Festival was a great success last weekend. This festival was very intimate compared to some of the larger music festivals I have covered over the years. Located in the scenic Hocking Hills of Southeast Ohio near Athens, the festival had it all; a river running trough it, great camping location, a great recycling program, local vendors, local beer (Jackie O's), a mellow-respectful crowd, kid friendly, great bands, yoga events, daily nature hikes, fun late night dj tent, and an overall great experience. Some of the bands on the lineup included The Flaming Lips, Merle Haggard, St. Vincent, Brandi Carlisle, Trampled by Turtles, Built to Spill, Mavis Staples, The Black Lips, Lucero, Hurray for the Riff Raff, The Budos Band, Natural Child, Bummer, Moon Hooch, Oblivians, San Fermin, Sarah Neufeld (Arcade Fire), Good English, Ben Sollee, and many more. I didn't get to cover the entire festival due to previous engagements but will make sure to next year. Please check out Nelsonvillefest.org for more information on the festival.

Images by Doug Siegel

David Byrne with St. Vincent

David Byrne and St. Vincent are currently on tour in the United States and are making their way around the festival tour and intimate venues such as the Taft Theater. The band played most of their new album and several classic Talking Heads songs on this particular evening. This has been one of my favorite performances of a summer that has been filled with music and festivals.

Images by Doug Siegel