HUNTSVILLE — Skipping the “whereases” and “therefores,” Mayor Tommy Battle struck just the right chord Thursday when he proclaimed September as Huntsville Music Month.
The announcement came in a jam session-style atmosphere at Tangled String Studio at Lowe Mill.
Set to a backdrop of local Earth, Wind & Fire-inspired band, Element XI, the presentation came together in perfect harmony. It was the first time the studio has welcomed live music since before the pandemic.
Battle was joined by Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella and local pop singer and Music Board member Deqn Sue.
Mandrella made a surprise announcement that the Orion Amphitheater at Apollo Park will be featured in a two-page spread in the upcoming issue of Rolling Stone magazine.
“Throughout our administration, we have made great strides to improve the quality of life for everyone in Huntsville and one of the areas where we have made a tremendous impact is in our music and art community,” Battle said.
He said those efforts have turned Huntsville into Alabama’s music launch pad and has created opportunities for artists and those who support Huntsville’s music industry and economy.
“From creators to stagehands, those working the ticket windows and concertgoers, we all play a vital role in the development our music ecosystem and for those of us who are old enough to remember the Carpenters – ‘We’ve Only Just Begun’,” Battle said.
He also said Mandrella is working behind the scenes to put Huntsville in the same conversation as Austin, Texas; and Nashville.
“We may not be there quite yet, but we are getting there, and we will be,” he said.
Mandrella thanked Battle’s leadership in developing Huntsville’s music initiative and strategy. He encouraged Huntsvillians to support the music community by attending any of the more-than 100 planned music events this month.
“This official celebration of our music scene is designed to build excitement around all aspects of our music culture,” Mandrella said, “and to shine a brighter spotlight on our music community, inspire creation, establish new concepts for events, encourage collaboration, and help champion Huntsville’s appeal to musicians and fans through its reputation as a music-friendly city.
“I tip my hat to all the amazing artists, creators, event producers, stakeholders, fans and other people who make magic happen. Without them, there is no music, let alone a Huntsville Music Month.”
The month-long initiative will showcase the best of Huntsville’s music scene, boost the creative economy, promote music tourism, and provide career development resources and much more, Mandrella said.
Mandrella said there is something for everyone to dive into beginning with the kickoff of Concerts on the Dock at Lowe Mill tonight with Alan Little; Rooftop Riffs Friday at Rhythm on Monroe with Preston Watts; Jazz in the Park with Ragan Whiteside in Big Spring Park, Sunday; Biergarten at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center; Gary Allan at the Mark C. Smith Concert Hall and the Whistlestop Festival in John Hunt Park, just to name a few.
“We are working with Arts Huntsville to develop a music industry-related jobs and volunteering school at the VBC September 24 from noon-4 p.m.; a songwriter’s workshop; and September 15-18, over 30 female artists will make up Women in Music weekend, and will feature the first time ever, Women in Music Girl Jam capping off the weekend at the Orion.”
Both the Huntsville Opera and Huntsville Symphony Orchestra kick off their seasons this month; as well as Alabama A&M Shakespeare and the Southern Soul Music Festival.
There will be music at City council meetings on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22.
The Huntsville Community Drumline will play outside City Hall From 4:45-5:45 p.m. Sept. 8 with Huntsville opera star Sierra Hammond performing the national anthem.
The Jemison High School Band will play Sept. 22, and Laila Willis, a 9-year-old violinist from the Maitland Conservatory, is expected to steal the show.
Huntsville Revisited is curating a music-theme play case on the first floor of City Hall for visitors and Huntsville Library’s Blast local music library is accepting submissions from musical artists all month long.
“… and that is just a snapshot,” Mandrella said to laughter from the audience.
The city is teaming up with Huntsville City Schools, the Microwave Dave Foundation, and Maitland Conservatory on an arts initiative to get musical instruments into the hands of students.
Finally, Grammy award-winning musician Ben Lovett and Kelvin Wooten will be workshop panelists at a Career & Artist Development Workshop 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Lee High School Theater.
“I am an artist and music and the arts are everything to me,” said Deqn Sue. “You can show your love and support by collaborating with other artists if you are already an artist; go to a concert; go to an event; buy music; buy instruments; and buy merchandise. Everyone can participate by sharing photos on social media using the hashtag #hsvmusicmonth.
“There are so many things you can do to support the arts.”
A full calendar of diverse music and events happening throughout Huntsville in September can be found here.
Enjoy these cool vibes from Element XI who played for the event:
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