Backed by Athens musicians, Nashville singer brings old-school country to New West Fest

Emily Nenni's first performance in Georgia took place at the Flicker Theater Bar last January. It was a cold Monday night the day after a snowstorm, so the Nashville-based singer-songwriter wasn't expecting much of a turnout. Backed by Athens country-rockers The Pink Stones, Nenni had the crowd on their feet and dancing in front of the stage in no time.

An even warmer reception is likely in store for Nenni this Saturday when she and the Pink Stones hit the stage once again, this time joining an impressive roster of local acts for New West Fest, an all-ages concert at Southern Brewing Company that will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens.

The all-day show begins at 1 p.m. and will also feature Kalen & Aslyn, Haunted Shed, Cicada Rhythm, Parker Gispert (The Whigs), T. Hardy Morris and New Madrid. The concert is expected to last until 10, and food trucks and vendors will be on site.

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Originally from the East Bay region of San Francisco, Nenni grew up listening to an eclectic mix of musical genres thanks to her parents, who both worked in radio. She gravitated toward women vocalists ranging from Dinah Washington and Nancy Wilson to Cass Elliot and Patti Smith, but when she began to write her own songs, country came out.

"By the time I made the move to Nashville, my heroes were artists like Kitty Wells, Tanya Tucker and Patsy Cline, but there was also a deep love for Ronnie Spector as well," Nenni told the Banner-Herald. "I saw Emmylou Harris perform once and was very inspired by how powerful she was, but I also remember wishing there were more women up on the stage."

So far, Nenni said that audiences have embraced her sound, and that the comparisons people have made between her voice and Cline's or Loretta Lynn's has been flattering. Nenni said her vocals have also been favorably compared to contemporaries like Margot Price and Nikki Lane.

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Nenni has been touring for the past five years, most recently in support of her 2020 EP "Long Game" and 2018 debut album "Hell of a Woman." Overflowing with a generous amount of classic honky-tonk that includes yodeling and high-register harmonies, the vinyl pressing of the latter from Soul Step Records sold out back in February.

"I don't mind being in the van with the boys, but you've got to be mindful of who you're taking on the road with you," said Nenni, whose touring band is Nashville country rock quartet Teddy and the Rough Riders. "They're my best friends, so I love any chance I get to take them on the road."

For tickets and detailed information, visit the New West Fest website at eventbrite.com/e/new-west-fest-presented-by-phil-hughes-honda-tickets-323276186777.

This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Emily Nenni in Athens: Classic country Nashville artist comes to GA