Yesterday, we broke down the lowkey surprise that was the energy and emotion of The War and Treaty at the Nelsonville Music Fest last Saturday. We have loved The War and Treaty since they hit the scene, but their set surpassed all high expectations we had for them and their music.
Today, let’s settle in with the rest of the day – one that was highly anticipated due to the appearance of Mandolin Orange. The duo from North Carolina did not disappoint. Nelsonville Music Fest provided a special venue for them that was a definite highlight of the day. The Gladden House is a cabin located on the fringes of the Hocking College campus and the site of yearly Sessions with the artists performing at NMF. Stripped down and raw – standing on the old planks of the porch that have stood up to time and weather for a very long time.
3:15 was listed as “Special Guest” on the schedule for the Gladden House. As we wandered back we couldn’t be more happy when Mandolin Orange was the previously mentioned “Special”. Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz are perfect for a setting like this – close and intimate. A century old space and music that can take you back and take you away. The moss on the roof was older than the two of us – and we know for certain I’d sit and listen for a week if the wall of that cabin could talk.
It was dizzying to take in Mandolin Orange in a Gladden House moment. We agreed that if there was ever a “home field advantage” for a band that would overwhelm all comers – it was MO at the Gladden House. Thanks to them for taking on the “Special Guest” moniker and really underscoring the “Special” part of it.
The group’s Main Stage performance was also a treat, as they wrapped the large venue in their arms and brought the crowd in and turned their tunes to welcoming ears. A highlight of that Main Stage set was a family reunion behind Marlin and Frantz. Clint Mullican plays bass for Mandolin Orange and it just so happened that his brother, Chuck Mullican, blows saxophone for The War and Treaty. Marlin and Frantz welcomed Chuck back up on stage to play with his brother and the band – and filled us in that they had messed around with some arrangements on the tour bus for a few songs and thought it would go very well. It did indeed – and the family reunion was just another example of Music Festival magic. Things just seem to come together organically at a Festival – especially one as home rooted as Nelsonville Music Fest.
Americana From the Flatlands also dove deep into The Brother Brothers set on the Main Stage. Identical twin brothers Adam and David Moss weave their incredibly smooth harmonies into a bohemian blanket full of color and character. The Mosses are storytellers and their set on the Main and in the idyllic No-Fi Cabin were able to put a knowing smile on even the most cynical face that day. Plus, The Brother Brothers were also seen all over the the Festival grounds taking in the other acts and interacting with fans. These guys are good performers and even better people.
We also discovered some new acts we hadn’t stumbled on to quite yet. We really enjoyed the electric/acoustic melange of MorganEve Swain’s band The Huntress and the Holder of Hands out of Rhode Island. The talent of Swain and her bandmates was clear and the arrangements that blended a multitude of stringed instruments, both electrified and not, were to be admired. We’re looking forward to looking into more of their catalog.
Nelsonville also presented a fun set from Steve Poltz, who graced the free-to-all Box Car Stage and showcased his free wheeling Arlo Guthrie-esque stylings. He’s a hoot whenever you get a chance to catch him.
We also were able to enjoy tunes from CampDogzz and Sun June throughout the day.
If you haven’t experienced the Nelsonville Music Fest – we’d absolutely sit you down and share stories from our time there. The rolling hills roll you into their rhythm. The spirit of the residents of Nelsonville is open and welcomes you to become one of their own for your time in their sphere. You can sense the musicians enjoy coming to Nelsonville and taking a break from the grind. It’s a place they can wander among their fans and revel in the camaraderie with the other bands and their fans. It’s a special place this Nelsonville – make plans to stop in for 2020!
Americana From the Flatlands 