N.E.S.T., Nemo: Music Festivals Aplenty

Mention “music festival” this weekend and the hipster friends may immediately presume you’re talking about Austin City Limits. Out hipster them and clarify that Boston, in fact, has its own music festival in the brew this weekend: N.E.S.T. (North East Sticks Together). A series of 30+ (mostly music related) events at 6 venues over 7 days, N.E.S.T. spans all genres, deeming itself “a solid cross sampling of local artists.” Though N.E.S.T. claims that it isn't a music festival, it more or less is. Four friends got together, made some calls and made it happen. The Boston Phoenix added a sponsorship and thus, we arrive at a week of DIY musical merriment. Bostonist, admittedly, knows very little of the bands slated to play; fortunately, both the Phoenix and N.E.S.T. mastermind Dan have put together solid recommendations. Check out the N.E.S.T. website for the full line up and venue details; N.E.S.T. runs September 18 - 24.

And just as N.E.S.T. wraps up, the Nemo Showcase begins. Keep September 29 – October 1 open, because there will be a plethora of music to catch in beloved Beantown. Whether you have a penchant for Ashlee Simpson (honestly, who doesn’t have “Pieces of Me” in the iPod?) or favor for local talent Sarah Borges, the Nemo Showcase is sure to offer an act or two that suits your fancy. Bostonist hopes to check out:

capsela @ Club Passim, September 30
Aberdeen City @ Lizard Lounge, September 30
Furvis @ Abbey Lounge, October 1
Apollo Sunshine @ Cambridge Elk's Lounge, October 1
(Clearly, logistics will be tricky.)

Should the longing for Austin City Limits not yet be remedied, PBS offers comfort with plans to air performances by Sheryl Crow (WGBH 44, October 23, 11:00 p.m.) and Jack Johnson with Rilo Kiley (WGBH 44, October 30, 11:00 p.m.); we’re just not sure if they’re from 2004 or 2005. And don’t forget, you can always keep tabs through our friends down South.