HUNTSVILLE — Basketball fans of a certain age who followed basketball in the South through the years and remember the late Joe Dean will recall his catch phrase “string music.”
Dean would bellow that into his microphone from whichever city the game was being played, or the hometown of the particular player, when a made shot hit nothing but the bottom of the net. “Mr. String Music,” as Dean was called, is a member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor.
In 2024, the saying takes on another meaning.
The Conference USA Basketball Championships are coming to Huntsville next month with men’s and women’s tournaments at the Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena. As a bonus, a free concert series is being offered at the VBC’s Mars Music Hall starting March 14.
“We are proud to host the Conference USA Basketball Championships and are celebrating by hosting three free shows in Mars Music Hall as a way to give all the fans coming in for the tournament some extra entertainment throughout the week, as well as showcase some local artists from our community,” said Steve Maples, VBC executive director. “After cheering on their teams, fans can walk down the hallway and enjoy a night of music in Mars Music Hall.”
The free concert series begins each night at 8 p.m. with the following lineup:
- March 14 – King’s Haze: Local trio playing a variety of improvisational funk, rock, blues, and reggae.
- March 15 – Brandon Elder: Local artist specializing in the country music genre, and a previous contestant on “American Idol.”
- March 16 – Quantaphonics: Local and diverse 13-piece progressive-soul band featuring a unique blend of jazz, soul, hip hop, funk, rock, and more.
Each show is free to the public. No tickets are required. For more information, visit vonbrauncenter.com.
