AMERICANAFEST

The Huntsville Music Office is returning to Nashville during Huntsville Music Month this September to spotlight North Alabama talent and share Huntsville’s music development story at AMERICANAFEST 2026.

Huntsville’s presence at the acclaimed festival and conference will include participation in a national discussion about role and impact of music offices across the U.S. and two Official AMERICANAFEST Special Events: the third annual Rocket City Ramble and One Big Love, founded by Huntsville native Paul McDonald.

Amplifying Impact: The Case for City and State Music Offices
Thursday, Sept. 17 | 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella will join music leaders from across the country for a conversation about how city and state music offices are helping communities recognize music as an economic, cultural and quality-of-life asset.

This panel will explore why government‑supported music offices are becoming essential infrastructure for communities seeking to grow their creative economy, attract talent, support local artists, and strengthen cultural identity. Leaders from state and municipal music offices will discuss their roles, the tangible economic results they’ve seen, and how coordinated public–private strategies can transform a region’s music ecosystem.

Joining Mandrella will be Reid Wick of the Recording Academy, Jeanette Stanton of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Meg Gould of the Tulsa Office of Film, Music, Arts & Culture, and Elizabeth Cawein of Music Export Memphis.

*Presented in partnership with the Tennessee Entertainment Commission.

Rocket City Ramble
Thursday, Sept. 17 | 12pm–5 p.m.

Back for its third year, Rocket City Ramble returns to Acme Feed & Seed on Broadway for a day party showcasing the depth and diversity of North Alabama’s music scene.

Presented by the Huntsville Music Office, the Official AMERICANAFEST Special Event will feature performances by Angela Hacker, Logan Bowden, McKenzie Lockhart, The Silver Silos, Steve Knight and Thad Saajid.

From respected performers with deep North Alabama roots to emerging artists helping shape its next chapter, Rocket City Ramble gives industry professionals and music fans from across the country an opportunity to discover the talent driving Huntsville’s creative momentum.

Rocket City Ramble is presented in partnership with the Huntsville/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, ASmartPlace, FAME Recording Studios, Wrangler and Acme Feed & Seed.

*Admission is free and open to everyone, subject to venue capacity.

One Big Love
Friday, Sept. 18 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

The Huntsville Music Office is also proud to serve as a supporting sponsor of One Big Love, a genre-spanning day party created by Huntsville native and singer-songwriter Paul McDonald.

Held in collaboration with AMERICANAFEST at Acme Feed & Seed, the event will bring musicians, artists, makers and music fans together across three stages for a celebration centered on community, creativity and giving back.

Proceeds will benefit Songs for Kids Foundation, which brings music into the lives of children and young adults facing disability and illness.

*Admission is free and open to everyone, subject to venue capacity.

“Our presence at AMERICANAFEST continues to grow in ways that reflect the full scope of Huntsville’s music strategy,” said Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella. “From creating national opportunities for our artists to sharing what we’ve learned about building a stronger music ecosystem, we’re excited to return to Nashville during Huntsville Music Month and carry that momentum forward.”

For more information about Huntsville Music Month and the city’s growing music scene, visit HuntsvilleMusic.com or follow the Huntsville Music Office on Facebook.