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September is Huntsville Music Month! Here’s what to know
North Alabama has a rich and impressive music history, and Huntsville is a large part of that history. And to celebrate the city’s music legacy, Mayor Tommy Battle has proclaimed September as Huntsville Music Month.
The month-long celebration will include live music events as well as a job fair and career development workshop featuring Grammy-award winning artists Ben Lovett and Kelvin Wooten. Read on to find out more!
Kicking off Huntsville Music Month
Mayor Tommy Battle joined Huntsville music officer Matt Mandrella and representatives of Huntsville’s music community Thursday afternoon to kick off Huntsville Music Month at Tangled String Studios at Lowe Mill.
The event featured a special performance by members of R&B group Element XI.
“Throughout this administration we have made strides to improve the quality of life for everyone in Huntsville, and one of the areas where we have made tremendous impact is in the music and arts community.”
Mayor Tommy Battle
The month-long celebration is designed to build excitement around all aspects of Huntsville’s music culture, shine a brighter spotlight on the music community, inspire creation, establish new concepts and events, encourage collaborations and help champion Huntsville’s appeal to musicians and fans through its reputation as a music‑friendly city.
The initiative will showcase the depth of Huntsville’s music scene, boost the city’s creative economy, promote music tourism, provide career development resources and much more.
What’s in store for September
Huntsville Music Month features plenty of opportunities to celebrate live music, both on the stage and behind the scenes. The Huntsville Music Month web page spotlights more than 60 concerts as well as a workshop, community expo and an instrument drive for schools.
This month features some big time live shows at the Orion Amphitheater, including Styx and REO Speedwagon Sept. 13 and My Morning Jacket Sept. 24. And those are just a couple of the live music shows taking place during Huntsville Music Month.
“This is a great month to show appreciation for our music scene by seeing a concert, buying music from a local artist or supporting a business or nonprofit actively engaged with our diverse music ecosystem.”
Huntsville music officer Matt Mandrella.
Events of note this month will include:
City Council meetings
- The Sept. 8 Huntsville City Council meeting will feature the Huntsville Community Drumline outside and Sierra Hammond of Opera Huntsville performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in the 1st Floor Chambers, City Hall. The Sept. 22 meeting will include music from the Jemison High School Band outside as well as 9-year-old violinist Laila Willis performing the national anthem.
Career development workshop
- Grammy-award winning artists Ben Lovett and Kelvin Wooten will serve as panelists at a Career & Artist Development Workshop Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. at the Lee High School Theater. Wooten has worked with artists like H.E.R. and Eric Clapton, while Lovett is a member of Mumford & Sons and the CEO of tvg hospitality, which operates Orion Amphitheater at Apollo Park.
Music Industry Career Fair & Community Expo
- This free event will help connect members of the community to job openings and volunteer opportunities within Huntsville’s music ecosystem. The event will be Saturday, Sept. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at Von Braun Center East Hall.
Women in Music Weekend
- A partnership between the Huntsville Music Office and Downtown Huntsville Inc., Women in Music Weekend will showcase the talents of more than 30 local women. The weekend, Sept. 15-18, will culminate with the Girl Jam Finale at The Orion Amphitheater.
Jazz in the Park
- Presented by Huntsville’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, this year’s Jazz in the Park free concert series returns to live audiences for the first time since 2019. Performances will occur at 5 p.m. each Sunday in September in Big Spring Park East, except for a Sept. 11 concert at The Orion Amphitheater.
School instrument drive
- Because music education is a cornerstone of the Huntsville Music Office’s mission, it is hosting a month-long school instrument drive in partnership with Huntsville City Schools, the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation and the Maitland Arts Initiative. Instruments can be dropped off at the Fret Shop or the Maitland Conservatory.
Blast Music submissions
- Blast Music, a free streaming service offered by the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, will be taking artist submissions all month. The platform features more than 80 North Alabama musicians that reflect the Tennessee Valley’s diversity and talent.
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