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Check out tunes by the Emmitt-Nershi Band on its website, emmittnershiband.com. The band is, from left, Bill Nershi, Drew Emmitt, Andy Thorn and Johnny Grubb. (Michael Wentrob, Courtsey)
“A couple years ago somebody said, ‘(The Emmitt-Nershi Band) is good at covering String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon.’ They didn’t know we were from those bands,” Nershi said, laughing. “So we’ll play some songs from String Cheese, and we’ll play some from Leftover Salmon, and then we love playing straight-ahead bluegrass.”
The Emmitt-Nershi Band released its first album, “New Country Blues,” a few years ago, and hope to record a follow-up album this winter. Fans can expect to hear a couple of these new tunes when the band headlines the final Down on Main of the season.
The group hopes for a spring or summer 2013 release date for the new album.
Whether the guys are playing covers or their originals, the Emmitt-Nershi band likes to cut loose on stage.
“It’s a very interactive, social experience,” Nershi said. “We like to have fun with the people at the show, and mix it up and make everybody feel like they’re a part of what’s going on.”
Nershi invites fans to say hello to the band before or after its show.
“When we’re out on the road we like to have a good time, because we like to meet the the folks in the different towns we go to,” he said.
Nershi said he’s happiest on stage.
“We love playing with our big bands, and that’s what makes it possible for us to play with the Emmitt-Nershi Band, which is a much more simple thing. It’s all a lot lighter and more focused on the music,” he said. “I’ve got a pretty easy lifestyle: I get to take my instruments with me and drive around the country. It’s pretty fun and easy. We’re excited to get down south.”
sheena.barnett@journalinc.com
Free Concert
WHO: Emmitt-Nershi Band, Della Mae
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13
WHERE: Fairpark, Tupelo
COST: Free
INFO: (662) 841-6598, tupelodownonmain.com