I can't help but notice some of the performers that Nelsonville is bringing in these days. Its sounds like the music scene has shifted from Athens to Nelsonville. Dinosaur Jr. is scheduled to play at the Nelsonville music festival this year. With decent performers at the # fests playing outdoors the Convo has become passed over as the place to bring in big acts into Southeast Ohio.
http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-41770-remrss-peter...
Convo was passed over when concerts that would appeal to a 8,000+ arena became $100+ tickets. Slap any of those guys in the Convo for a concert, not a hippy camp out for days of concert for a 1/3rd of the price. How many people do you think Dinasour Jr. Would put in the Convo?
Athens doesn't have a festival that's comparable to the Nelsonville Music Festival but Mem Aud does get shows that are comparable to Stuart's. Lately it's been a bunch of country acts in Mem Aud but if you look who they've gotten lately these folks are now pretty big names (Tift Merritt, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Philip Phillips, etc.). For the best talent, Fur Peace is still the leader of the pack. All but a handful of their shows are sold out this year and Tommy Emanuel isn't even coming this year.