web exclusive: See a Show at Stewart’s
I can’t remember the set list precisely, or the exact words the lead singer Win Butler said once the band emerged on stage. But I do remember springing up from my seat to chant the choruses along with the band, Arcade Fire, standing just feet away, so close I could see the white buttons on Butler’s vest. People crowded the boxes to the left and right of the stage and fanned out on the main floor, pumping their fists and filling Stuart’s Opera House with roars.
Unable to find any kindred spirits in my friends, I went alone, and it ended up being one of my favorite concerts—not only because Arcade Fire was incredible, but because Stuart’s Opera House is a venue like none other.
Located on the historic Public Square in Nelsonville, Stuart’s was opened over a century ago in Ohio’s coal heyday and still retains that old-fashioned charm. The bottom level of the building, with blush-tinted walls, serves as a gallery for art and an elegant lobby for milling around during intermissions. Upstairs is the main auditorium, with rows of almost 400 restored burgundy-cushioned seats.
Back when it opened, Stuart’s hosted events from plays to roller skating, and shows were only 25 cents. Today, Stuart’s continues to offer a variety of events. Its stage has been graced by national acts like Lucinda Williams, Andrew Bird and Todd Snider. The Nelsonville Music Festival is coming up May 15th through 17th, with dozens of bands flocking to town and Willie Nelson headlining. Stuart’s also participates in the Athens International Film Festival, showing “Not Your Typical Big Foot Movie” on April 24th.
Stuart’s is also rooted in the Nelsonville community, throwing open its doors for Final Fridays, hosting benefits and serving as home for the Athenian Berean Community Players. Community pride is what helped open the opera house in the first place—the building stood empty since 1924, when it was shut down due to structural problems and waning popularity, but locals fought to re-open Stuart’s in the 90s. Restoring it was no easy job, but it stands today as one of the most beautiful—and most storied—performance spots in our area. It’s fascinating to see modern acts on stage today and wonder about how many other feet have walked across the stage, or how many other people have filed through the doors filled with anticipation—just like I did, that intense night in March.