Hitting all the right notes: Huntsville Music Month showcases city’s growing music scene

HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville’s music scene is quickly emerging as one of the most diverse and talent-filled in the South.

In just the past few years, the city has become a proving ground for aspiring musicians throughout the region looking to make it big.

To promote Huntsville’s growing musical ecosystem, September has been designated as Music Month across the city. To mark the month, several events have been scheduled, many of which are free to the community.

According to the Huntsville Music Office, the events are “designed to engage music lovers of all ages and backgrounds, further strengthening the fabric of Huntsville’s diverse music scene.”

“Our goal with Huntsville Music Month is not only to showcase the incredible talent within our city but also to foster connections between musicians, organizations and volunteers,” Music Officer Matt Mandrella said. “These events are crafted to shine a light on our growing music ecosystem and offer valuable resources to those involved.”

Visit hsvmusicmonth.com for more information on the following free community events:

• Music Industry Career Fair & Community Expo – Saturday, noon-2 p.m., Von Braun Center East Hall: The Huntsville Music Office and Arts Huntsville will again host an industry-related career and community expo to help connect people to job openings and volunteer opportunities within Huntsville’s music ecosystem. More information here.
• 805 After Five – Sept. 19, 5-8 p.m., S.R. Butler Green at Campus No. 805: Join the Huntsville Music Office and Downtown Huntsville, Inc., for the September installment of 805 After Five featuring The Vegabonds and the Shane Davis Group. Concessions will be available for purchase. More information here.
• Urban Symposium – Sept. 21, 3-7 p.m., Tangled String Studios at Lowe Mill: Join Meridian Media and Woodaworx for a deep dive into the works of urban music and the role north Alabama plays. The pop-up Urban Music Symposium will showcase the region’s production phase with representatives from Atlantic Records, Warner Records, The Recording Academy, NASA and more in attendance.
• CulturA Festival – Sept. 22, noon-7 p.m., Orion Amphitheater: Join the Music Office for the third annual CulturA Festival, a free community event featuring Hispanic cuisine from food trucks representing Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Nicaragua and many more, a wellness village, live music and a marketplace. More information here.
• Music at Huntsville International Airport – Through Sept. 30: Local performers will play free sets at Huntsville International Airport, providing residents and visitors alike with a taste of Huntsville’s music scene. More information here.
• Blast Music Submissions – Through Sept. 30: Blast Music, the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s music streaming service, is accepting submissions from Tennessee Valley artists in conjunction with Huntsville Music Month. Those selected will have the option to sign Blast’s license agreement, upload a full album/EP to the streaming platform and receive an honorarium check. More info at blast.hmcpl.org.
• School Instrument Drive – Through Sept. 30: The Huntsville Music Office is partnering with Huntsville City Schools, Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation, Maitland Arts Initiative, Cigar Box Guitar Store and Madison County Commissioner Phil Riddick to provide instruments to students through a monthlong citywide instrument drive. More information here.