Huntsville is creating more opportunities for local musicians to build careers beyond North Alabama through a series of programs that connect artists with audiences around the country and the world.
One of the latest examples comes Thursday, July 23, when four Huntsville artists will perform at East Iris Studios in Nashville as part of the city’s Music Export and Exchange Programs. The showcase is designed to help local performers build industry connections, reach new audiences and gain exposure in one of the nation’s top music markets.
The showcase, presented by the Huntsville Music Office in partnership with East Iris Studios and the MidCity District, gives local performers the opportunity to perform at East Iris Studios while building connections in one of the country’s leading music markets.
This month’s lineup includes Translee, Jayne & The Hunstman, Reece and First Lady. Doors open at 6 p.m., with performances beginning at 7 p.m. at East Iris Studios in Berry Hill, Tennessee.
While the event gives music fans a chance to hear four Huntsville artists, it is also part of the city’s broader effort to help local musicians build careers while raising Huntsville’s profile as a growing music destination. The initiative includes showcases in regional music centers like Nashville, international songwriter exchanges in Sweden, and a Music Ambassador Program that provides financial support to qualifying touring musicians in exchange for promoting Huntsville during their travels.
Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella said the program continues to create new opportunities for local artists.
“The excitement around our live music export program grows with every showcase,” Mandrella said. “East Iris has become a second home for many Huntsville artists, and now we’re taking that model even further. Jayne was just announced as one of the artists in our brand-new international music export partnership with Sweden, which is an incredible milestone. Opportunities like this show how far Huntsville’s talent can go and how committed we are to helping artists reach new audiences around the world.”
The Nashville showcases are one part of a broader strategy to connect Huntsville musicians with music industry professionals while also bringing artists from other cities to perform in Huntsville. The city’s international partnership with Sweden has expanded those opportunities even further, giving selected local songwriters the chance to collaborate with artists from around the world.
Huntsville also recently launched its Music Ambassador Program, which helps qualifying musicians offset touring expenses. In return, participating artists serve as ambassadors for the city, introducing Huntsville to audiences across the country and beyond.
The July 23 showcase will be streamed live on Volume.com for those unable to attend in person. More information about Huntsville’s Music Export and Exchange Programs is available through the Huntsville Music Office.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
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