With summer quickly approaching, music fans around the world are gearing up for their favorite music festivals. Stuart’s Opera House, just a 15-minute drive from Athens, is holding the sixth annual Nelsonville Music Festival from May 14-16, bringing local and national artists together for three days of art, merchandise and music.

Hosting over 25 live acts, this year’s lineup includes Loretta Lynn, Man Man, The Swell Season, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Detroit Cobras, Buffalo Killers and She Bears. The festival will also be filled with Athens favorites, from Adam Torres and Southeast Engine to Woody Pines and Seascapes.

Along with headliner Lynn, the 75-year-old country music legend most famous for being a “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” this year’s lineup is sure to please a variety of musical palates. Garage rockers Detroit Cobras and Buffalo Killers are both gritty Midwestern favorites, helping kick off the festival Friday evening on the main stage. In addition, The Dap Kings offer a funky, soulful experience, while Man Man is sure to provide an energetic and avant-garde performance. Many of the remaining artists come from heavily country-influenced backgrounds, so acoustic and steel guitar enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.

In addition to live music, the festival will feature workshops and art exhibits for both adults and children. In past years, visitors have been able to make their own instruments, participate in music parades and contribute to a community mural, traditions that will continue at this year’s festival.

The weekend event, however, is ultimately about a wide array of musicians coming together for the community. According to the festival’s website, the concerts are “an extension of our strong belief that by celebrating music and art, we celebrate life.”

Along with workshops and interactive artistry, guests can relax in a beer garden or shop for local art favorites. Vendors will feature wood and leather art, written work, candles, glass and photography.

The festival initially began as a one-day concert in 2005 in Nelsonville’s Historic Art District but has since expanded to a three-day event. As the festival has grown throughout its six-year run, the size and scope of the event have also expanded. Past acts for the event include the Avett Brothers and Akron/Family in 2008 and Willie Nelson and Mudhoney in 2009. Because more well-known guests are appearing each year, the crowds are also increasing just as rapidly.

Like many popular music festivals stretching back to Woodstock, guests are welcome to camp in or around the area. Camp sites are available for rent for those age 18 or older. Hocking Hills also offers visitors a number of options, including inns, lodges, hotels and cabin or primitive camp sites.

In keeping with a traditional earth-friendly atmosphere, Nelsonville will be maintaining a “green” environment. The Appalachian environmental organization Rural Action helped prepare the event, along with the Hocking College student-run Green Club. The Green Club prepared the event as part of a festival management course. Last year’s festival produced impressive results through student and volunteer efforts, including a 50 percent decrease in trash in spite of three times the attendance from the 2008 festival.

Between live music and other regular festival activities, the sixth annual Nelsonville Music Festival is sure to be at least as successful as in previous years. The event will occur rain or shine, and the current forecast looks as promising as the scheduled lineup. Tickets for the event and camping reservations can be made in advance online or at the gate.

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