Stuart’s Opera House, 52 Public Square, Nelsonville, reopened their doors to in-person audiences in March of 2021. With a packed schedule, Stuart’s will be hosting a plethora of different artists and performances.
Chloe Musick, marketing and public relations director at Stuart’s Opera House, said she is excited to have people back at Stuart’s and hopes people can experience the homeliness and sense of community it brings to the Athens area. She said live music is a necessity now more than ever.
Musick said Stuart’s is excited to be welcoming back Todd Snider, musical artist, who has been performing at Stuart’s for about 10 years. Snider will be performing Thursday, Aug. 26, at 8:00 p.m., where Aaron Lee Tasjan will open the show. Reserved seats are $32 in advance or $37 at the door; box seats are $37 in advance and $42 at the door; and balcony seats are $27 in advance or $32 at the door.
“We have a long established audience – he's got a lot of fans who think that he's entertaining in every single way,” Musick said. “He's a gifted storyteller, in addition to a gifted artist. We're really looking forward to welcoming Todd Snider back.”
Snider said he’s excited to return to Athens, and he said he’s only had good shows and memories at Stuart’s. Highlighting his individuality, Snider’s music has a different spin to it than other artists. He describes his music as old-fashioned busking – something you would hear being performed on the side of the street.
His latest album, called First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder, is an arrival to a new sound after years of searching.
“We had the pandemic and so we were home,” Snider said. “It was a time where you couldn't get a bunch of musicians together. I've been learning to play all kinds of instruments through my friends, and this was the first time where I played everything and I made up all the music.”
Snider said he learned to play the drums, guitar, bass, piano, banjo and even the harmonica for this album, setting it apart from his others. Through teaching himself these new skills, he was able to produce his album, reinventing his sound after 18 albums. The album allowed Snider to create a new outlet and find what he has been looking for.
He’s excited to share his music with Athens, and he hopes people use this time to enjoy themselves.
“I've just been craving to be around people,” Snider said. “You can tell when the show starts, when you walk on stage, there's the celebratory nature of the beginning of the show (that) seems to have changed into almost feeling like the end. They just go nuts.”
Snider said it’s nice to see people around each other once again and says the show is a perfect time for anyone in need of something new.
Brian Kincaid, Snider’s tour manager, said he is lucky to be working alongside Snider and is excited for the upcoming performance.
“As much fun as he is on stage, he's that much fun and an even better person off stage,” Kincaid said.
More information on tickets and COVID-19 restrictions can be found on Stuart’s Opera House’s website.
“Just come watch it,” Snider said. “Hopefully a nice night out – distraction from your troubles.”
