huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville al live music, huntsville alabama, huntsville artist, huntsville musician, jayne and the huntsmen, live huntsville music, sarahjayne

With a voice reminiscent of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker and emotional songwriting that blends folksy lyrics with bluesy guitar, SarahJayne has been a staple in the Huntsville original music sector since moving to Rocket City.

Stylistically, her solo sets run the gamut from one genre to another, never fitting neatly into one single box. Listeners can expect to enjoy Liz Longley-esque Americana tunes, followed immediately by unusual chord progressions and scatting breakdowns. But one theme remains no matter what song is being played: passion. SarahJayne often gets lost in her own songs in the very best way possible, taking you along with her on a ride through her memories or stories of people she met once who made an impression.

Although many musicians are having to make large changes in 2020 in an attempt to restructure to fit the new world, SarahJayne’s transformation began before quarantine even started. This introspective soul has taken on a new role as frontwoman of Jayne and The Huntsmen, a project that was temporarily derailed when COVID struck.

“Our first show was supposed to be in April, and you can imagine how that went. The guys and I have taken a lot of precautions to continue practicing together to be ready for when everything opened back up.”

After kicking off her musical career 8 years ago, SarahJayne has played across the country at dive bars and proper venues alike.

The places she’s been and the people she’s met along the way have been a major inspiration to her songwriting, which started before she even played shows at all. But she always knew she wanted a bigger energy.

“Since I was thirteen, I wanted to be in a rock band, but I didn’t really know how. There’s a certain ability that a full band has to captivate an audience and I’m a sucker for a good bass line, so to me, there’s no question why I wouldn’t want to front a band.”

Enter The Huntsmen, full of faces already familiar to the Huntsville music scene. Aaron Bradley Anderson, a fellow singer/songwriter and soloist who you’ve undoubtedly seen playing around town, takes up lead guitar and showcases his knack for distortions and twang. Spinships member Michael Cummings grooves on the bass, and Jake Tucker keeps the rhythm on the drums (often with his boots sitting next to his kit).

We can expect exciting things from this dream team going forward, as they are actively booking shows and preparing to record an EP. They’re buzzing with excitement to bring their new sound to Huntsville music lovers. Most recently they played a gig at The Camp, and SarahJayne relayed her enthusiasm: “We’re still encouraging people to social distance when they come to our shows, but we’re so happy to see faces and hear everyone singing back!”

So what makes the Huntsville scene so perfect for a new endeavor like this? Cooperation.

“I’ve played in lots of cities across the US, but when you look at Huntsville, it’s so unique. It’s not a competition here. We’re cooperative. You see artists coming from various genres who all uplift each other. Go to the R&B show and find a folk songwriter there. Go to see that aspiring pop artist and you’ll find a metal guitarist in the crowd. That’s endlessly inspiring, to see people lifting each other up and wanting each other to succeed. And this all is not to mention the fact that – if you put in the hustle – you can make music your full-time job here. I have truly found the right place here in the people who appreciate eclectic song choices and the venues that let me do my thing.”

Photo credits to Eric of @hsvphoto

Turn Up for Huntsville Arts Week 2020

October 14, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Culture, Live Music, News

arts huntsville, hsv, huntsville alabama, huntsville arts week, huntsville culture, local arts, local culture, local music, north alabama

Great news, Huntsville: Huntsville Arts Week is on, and Arts Huntsivlle says it’s going to be awesome.

We all know 2020 has been a year of pure chaos. A global pandemic swallowed up our lives, Joe Exotic inexplicably became part of the zeitgeist, and this sexy hand sanitizer costume exists.

But, instead of fighting against the weirdness, Arts Huntsville has decided to embrace the madness during this year’s Arts Week by gathering together an eclectic roundup of participants and changing up the format. And we at HuntsvilleMusic.com want to make sure we cover it, since music is a key part of our arts and culture scene.

Here’s the what, when, who, and how of Arts Huntsville’s Huntsville Arts Week so you can stay plugged in to the Huntsville arts scene.

Patrice Johnson with Arts Huntsville says this year, Arts Week is going to be “kind of virtual, kind of in-person – it’s a mix!”

She’s referring to the many vendors who are participating in Arts Week this year, including Spirited Art, Burritt on the Mountain, The Camp, Lowe Mill, and Maitland Conservatory.

According to the Arts Huntsville Facebook page, “This year, much like everything else, Huntsville Arts Week will look a little bit different. However, we are still shining a spotlight on the Huntsville arts scene and showcasing ways you can connect to the arts…even while staying safe and social distancing. There is so much to discover!”

Here’s an overview of the events slated for the 2020 Huntsville Arts Week.

“Amelia and Harriet’s Magical Adventure” – Fantasy Playhouse Children’s Theater and Academy‘s Virtual Production on Facebook Live October 17th at 2PM. This virtual event is free, however, FPCTA is accepting donations if you are able to contribute.

Painting Pumpkins – On October 18, kiddos ages 3+ along with their family can enjoy an afternoon of painting pumpkins with Spirited Art Huntsville at Salty Nut Brewery. More information can be found https://bit.ly/33TOqPn

Registration Is Required

Get hands-on at Huntsville Museum of Art – CREATE Saturdays –Kandinsky Tree Art

CREATE Saturdays offer, FREE, fun, interactive art-making activities for families with children ages 3 and up that will sure to spark one’s creativity! Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There will be two sessions, one at 11 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. with each session lasting 45 minutes on October 17th.

Registration is Required

“Drive-In Cabaret titled The Villains of Broadway- Independent Musical Productions presents a cavalcade of musical theatre bad guys (and girls) whom we simply love to hate Sunday, October 18, at 7:00 pm.

Halloween Block Party – Print a spooky Halloween keepsake with original, one-of-a-kind Green Pea Press blocks! Pick any block you like from our Halloween selection, and help run the press to print your item on the spot. Saturday, October 24th at their Lowe Mill location.

To follow along and see who else joins the Huntsville Arts Week lineup, check out the full list of the events and participants on the Arts Huntsville site here.

Mask up, practice safe sound, and get out to support the arts, Huntsville!

Local Artist Lana White Releases EP

October 7, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Artists, Musicians

huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville alabama, huntsville music, lana white, local artist, local music, local musician, support local art

Huntsville’s own Lana White has a new EP out titled ‘Evergreen’ and I cannot get enough.

‘Evergreen’ is the kind of collection you listen to during an evening alone, when you’ve lit one too many candles, poured a glass of dark wine, and invited introspection in.

Says White of the EP, “The songs contained in Evergreen are very vulnerable, raw snapshots of what life is like for people who are in long-term relationships, pondering life’s meaning, dealing with mental health issues, and trying to live as authentically as possible.”

Vulnerable is an apt description. There are five songs on Evergreen, all threaded together by White’s signature indie-acoustic sound though each strong enough to stand alone.

“Making Up” has a rock edge to it, White’s voice earnest with both pain and accusation. “Wither” is a soft, mournful song where White’s vocals gentle into something defiant and heartbreaking. “Leave it Broken” goes more soulful, while “Rows to Hoe” slips into a narrative that captures White’s southern influence. The titular track, “Evergreen,” is reminiscent of early 2000s indie-rock, calling to mind the Goo Goo Dolls and Sheryl Crow all tied up with a sweeter, more feminine bow.

When asked about her songwriting process, White was forthcoming. “I write regularly, sometimes in just little segments of words and phrases, just to build ideas and subjects. I don’t always write from personal experience. Oftentimes, my muse is a friend’s experience. Social media is also a treasure trove of ideas!”

But why an EP? Why not release a full album? Like everything about White’s songwriting process, this decision was a purposeful one.

“I’ve written around 25 new songs over the last year and decided early on to release them in groups of 5 or 6 as EP releases because with streaming services, people have gotten used to skipping around. The thought of having 10-12 songs in a release made me feel like they wouldn’t get enough time from the listener.”

When it comes to the sound of ‘Evergreen’ versus past and future album releases, White has an explanation for that, too.

“My idea was to group the songs by how well they flowed together sonically regarding the theme, tempo, and overall vibe. I have a tendency to be very inconsistent with sticking to a particular genre, so releasing smaller groups of songs at a time helps me create a specific niche with each release.”

As far as what’s up next for Lana White and her advice for up-and-coming songwriters?

It's Not Over Yet

Beautiful Secret

Bridge Between

Better

“I’ve made 4 music videos for my new songs which are all on my YouTube channel and social media. I used my phone, a GoPro, a website called Canva for stock footage, and video editing software called Wondershare to create my videos. I have received such positive feedback from fans saying they connect to the songs even deeper with the imagery from the videos, so I encourage all indie artists to make them!”

She isn’t playing any live shows just yet due to COVID constraints and safety concerns, but White is optimistic that once the climate is a bit more secure, she’ll finally be able to showcase her new EP.

As for the local music scene, Lana sings Huntsville’s praises and offers a single suggestion: “We need more venues [in Huntsville] that will showcase original artists. I spent a lot of time doing cover shows last year, but I really want more opportunities to play my originals!”

To learn more about Lana White including an overview of her accomplishments (like radioplay and podcast theme songs), check out her website at LanaWhiteMusic.com.

To listen to the Evergreen EP, you can visit Lana White’s website to purchase the album or stream it on Spotify and iTunes.

Follow Lana on Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook to check out her music videos and stay up to date on live show updates.

Lana performing with Billy Pettinger on Know Huntsville below

Huntsville Symphony Returns

September 30, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Live Music, News

alabama, hso, huntsville, huntsville symphony, huntsville symphony orchestra, symphony, vbc, von braun center

Break out your cocktail dresses, three-piece suits, and elbow-length gloves, Huntsville – the symphony orchestra is back.

Okay, so maybe that isn’t a completely accurate representation of the dress code at a symphony concert (although a girl can dream). However, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra does provide an option for an elegant night out, and this fall, it’s returning with two free shows.

The HSO officially resumes its 2020-2021 season on December 31st, but you don’t have to wait until New Year’s Eve to luxuriate in live symphony orchestra sounds. Instead, the orchestra is holding two Fall Festival Concerts in November, both of which will be ticketed for in-person attendees as well as streamed for at-home listeners.

Fall Festival 1:

The Four Seasons

Sunday, November 1
1:30 pm and 4:30 pm
Featuring: Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin

Fall Festival 2:

From the Alps to the Appalachians

Friday, November 13, 7:30 pm
Saturday, November 14, 11:00 am
Featuring: Aleksandra Kasman, piano

Current 20-21 Season Subscribers (Classical or Pops) can request tickets to the Fall Festival Concerts here.

The first Fall Festival Concerts will be offered to the community completely free, and will also be streamed for free. Subscribers will be offered tickets first, then additional seats will open up for public reservation. The second Fall Festival Concerts will be free for subscribers, then we will offer any additional seats for $25 each.

For those attending in person, both attendees and musicians will be following COVID-19 procedures to ensure everyone’s safety. According to the HSO, “These two concerts will be around an hour each to avoid an intermission, the audience and musicians will be socially distanced, and masks will be required.”

Gregory Vadja, the Music Director and Conductor, says, “The HSO staff and I are excited about being able to present live concerts to you soon, in a safe environment. We are all looking forward to returning to the stage.”

And he isn’t alone in his excitement. HSO subscribers have already been grabbing their tickets to the first Fall Festival Concert, and the musicians themselves are eager to get back on the stage.

Kaitlyn Vest, a contracted cellist with the orchestra, has a unique insight into the difficulties of COVID as a performing musician. She says, “Finding musical goals during this time away from orchestral (and all live) performing has been a unique challenge, and I definitely look forward to playing in person. I find inspiration in collaborating with other musicians in real time, as well as the irreplaceable feedback and energy from a live audience.”

As far as safety procedures go, Vest is confident the HSO will ensure the health and wellness of its members – both musicians and showgoers alike.

“The modified schedule [in November] allows for both the musicians and audience to be spaced apart, as well as an option for online attendance. I am hopeful that the Huntsville Symphony can continue to adapt and find new ways for music to continue as we navigate going forward!”

The 2020-2021 Huntsville Symphony Orchestra season will officially resume on December 31st, 2020.
To learn more about the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra including upcoming shows, ticketing information, musician information, and more, follow their season updates here.

Below is a little sample of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra with Andy Akiho percussion concerto from last year. Enjoy!

HOW HUNTSVILLEMUSIC.COM HELPS ARTISTS

September 24, 2020 by Alex Hendrix

Artists, Musicians, News

alabama, artists, huntsville, huntsville artists, huntsville music, huntsville music live, huntsville musician, huntsville musicians, live huntsville music, local musicians

2020 has not been kind to musicians. We’ve seen months of gigless confusion, loss of income, and now uncertainty surrounding new live stream rules (thanks, Facebook). Growing concern over impending small venue closures is pairing well with our generalized anxiety disorders, but hey- at least we’re writing songs about all our feelings of dread! It seems like the entire music industry is collectively waiting for the next shoe to drop.

This, strangely enough, made it a perfect time for the new HuntsvilleMusic.com to appear. Being able to lay all the groundwork before the industry is fully reopened ensures that everything done on the new site is proactive instead of reactive. This leads to mindful moves instead of scrambling, and lets you know that everything being set in place is a conscious decision made to help Huntsville’s Music Scene.

I know what you’re thinking- sure, but how will HM help Huntsville’s music scene? Oh, let me count the ways.

Visibility

A city-wide music calendar has no downside. You’re a musician wanting to get your gigs out to a wider audience? This benefits you. You’re a music lover wanting to see when your favorites are out and about? This is for you. You’re a visitor to the city and have no idea what’s going on, but are able to Google the words ‘Huntsville’ and ‘music’ in conjunction? This will make all your dreams come true.

The new site design offers a sleek, visual calendar that is easy to navigate on desktop and phone, so you can make music-related plans on the go. Make sure your upcoming gigs are on our calendar.

Promotion

This site is run by social media and marketing professionals, so content strategy is kind of a big deal here. Artist Spotlights are already happening on Instagram, with blogs and videos to come. The great part about operating as a general community resource is that there’s no ulterior motive. There’s no pay-to-play tactic, there are no ticket sales, there’s nothing to gain other than a thriving music scene.

As a musician, I cannot stress enough the importance of features by official, branded sites and organizations. This gives credibility to you as an artist in a way that your own outlet can’t always do. It also continues to place your face in front of new listeners, who quickly turn into fans and friends. If you have an album release or big upcoming show that you’d like to submit for featured content consideration, email us!

Collaboration

John F. Kennedy once said, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” This is a quote I return to time and time again when thinking about Huntsville’s culture. We are at a true turning point, and that feels scary and exciting. But JFK was spot on when he said that whatever is good for one is good for all when it comes to drawing attention to our little scene.

Every time music lovers are directed to Huntsville, it’s a win. Becoming a force in the national music scene doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a thousand little steps that lead someone (accidentally, sometimes) to our door. HM will continue dropping those breadcrumbs.

More To Come

These are just some of the strategies HM has up its sleeves. You can expect more from us: more content, more promotion, more passion, more commitment. As we work toward our official launch, we will stay communicative and keep you informed on all the cool projects we’ll be rolling out.
Until then, make sure you’re getting free promotion by being listed on our Artist page and stay connected on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming artist spotlights!

EXPERIENCING LIVE HUNTSVILLE MUSIC DURING COVID-19

September 16, 2020 by Grace Treutel

COVID-19, Live Music

alabama, ally free, april prendergrass, culture, green bus, huntsville, huntsville live music, live huntsville music, music, rocket republic, stovehouse

In late August, HuntsvilleMusic.com published a piece on seeing Huntsville live music shows safely during COVID-19. This advice stemmed from a combination of CDC recommendations, local and state ordinances, and individual venue guidelines. We decided to experience the scene ourselves by checking out a few shows.

Tom, Alex, and I hit our first stop, Stovehouse, when it was still light outside, and we were pleasantly surprised to find that it was straight-up crowded – crowded, while managing to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Steven Jackson, Stovehouse’s Director of Marketing and Communications, gave some insight into how Stovehouse has dealt with crowds, COVID, and fostering a sense of community safely.

“Like everyone else, we stressed about the best ways to handle crowds safely as they slowly returned to eat and drink. Luckily, we have a 200,000 sq. ft. campus that is mostly outdoor plus a bazillion tables and chairs. We were able to encourage folks to use the whole space to socially distance while enjoying each other, live music, and the backyard party atmosphere that we try to provide here. Not to mention we’ve used five years’ worth of hand sanitizer over the past few months.”

This initiative has been a success so far, with groups of show-goers dotting the green outdoor space at Stovehouse with six-foot gaps between them. More impressive still: everyone, right down to the littles, seemed to be wearing a mask when not eating or drinking. When asked how he managed to pull that off, Steven was honest.

“We kept the mood light instead of oppressive. It’s a lot easier to ask folks to ‘Do it for MeeMaw’ than it is to say ‘wear a mask or you’ll be escorted off campus.’ We’re fortunate to have patrons who get our whacked sense of humor AND the importance of keeping each other safe.”

The band that evening was ToY ShoP, a local chill rock sound that had a few brave masked souls dancing by the third song. Add a cold cocktail and a languid sunset and by the time we finished dinner (Fresko Grill for Tom, vodka for Alex and me), spirits were high and we had that distinct, familiar looseness and sense of camaraderie that live music brings.

By the time we made it to Green Bus Brewing, dusk was falling and Ally Free was halfway through her set.

When we walked in, she of course recognized Tom and Alex (who in Huntsville doesn’t?) and greeted them both before making a point to thank everyone for coming out. And, like Stovehouse, it seemed everyone had come out; the narrow street outside of Green Bus was a study in lawn chairs and six-foot gaps, with music lovers sipping from purple cups and calling to one another through masks. Ally seemed absolutely in her element, undeterred by the distance and masks as she promised a ‘great night’ and started strumming the opening chords for her next song.

If you’ve been out in downtown Huntsville, chances are you’ve heard Ally play. If not, you need to; her voice is if someone took the coziness of hot cocoa, the decadence of supple leather oxfords, and the smell of campfire and packaged it into one smoky sound. She’s generous with covers, guaranteeing you’ll be able to sing along, and she has a way of connecting with her audience that makes you feel as though she’s genuinely happy to see you.

And that night, she was genuinely happy to see everyone at Green Bus.

“I love playing [at Green Bus]. The crowd is receptive and, for the most part, very respectful of the COVID rules they’ve set in place. I always have a great time, especially when they have the Art Walk the same night I’m playing.”

Our last stop of the night was Rocket Republic where April Pendergrass was playing in a trio with an accompanying violinist and drummer, creating a dreamy, winding-down vibe. It was late enough in the night that the crowd had thinned, leaving ample space to socially distance. And, since we were in the outdoor biergarten, we felt comfortable slipping off our masks to sip our Scotch Rockets. It was the perfect end to a much-needed night out, and our own Alex Hendrix sums it up best:

“I didn’t fully realize how much I’d missed the energy of live music until I was finally back, standing (a safe distance) in front of a stage.”

Live music is back, Huntsville. Mask up, grab a purple cup, keep a six foot distance, and practice safe sound.

For more information on Huntsville live music safety precautions, check out our piece here.

To find upcoming shows near you, check our calendar.

April Pendergrass at Rocket Republic Downtown

Midcity Mural Honors Little Richard

September 2, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Art, Culture, News

arts huntsville, huntsville, huntsville alabama, little richard, local art, logan tanner, midcity, midcity district, mural

MidCity has begun work honoring the late rock and roll legend Little Richard in a big way – a 40 foot by 30 foot mural. And Logan Tanner, a Huntsville artist, is responsible for it.

Many rock and roll aficionados may be surprised to learn of Little Richard’s deep roots in Huntsville, Alabama, but there is a history there. In fact, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer felt so connected to the city that he was buried here at his request. And Huntsville wants to celebrate this through art.

I meet with Logan on a drizzly Tuesday outside of the mural, which spans the east-facing side of the Wahlburgers restaurant building at MidCity.

“[MidCity] approached me and said they wanted a Little Richard mural,” says Logan as he hoists cans of paint from the back of his minivan. “This is shortly after he had been buried in Huntsville and it was still very fresh on everyone’s minds, and we figured it was a good way to let people know he has a connection to this city.”

Logan had previously worked with MidCity to honor late rapper Mac Miller during their event, Mac Miller night, where he painted a live portrait of Mac as a tribute.

“This is the biggest wall I’ve painted at one time,” Logan tells me, peering up at his project. It’s an amalgamation of several different images of the late, great Little Richard rendered in loud, harmonious colors – warm oranges, teals, and purples. It suits the dynamic personality of the prolific rock and roll singer.

While not technically Logan’s biggest mural – the psychedelic dogs in Lowe Mill take that prize – the Little Richard mural is the largest single-wall piece he’s painted. The projected time frame for this project? “Two weeks,” Logan says with a shrug, as if it’s casual. “Three, if it keeps raining.”

This chill, hyperzen attitude pervades the entirety of our interview, even as we encounter minor obstacles like rain, a shaky scissor lift, and a small hive of wasps.

“I’m not scared of heights,” Tanner explains as he keeps a tense hand on the lever, eyes fixed anywhere but on the ground shrinking below. “But I don’t particularly like them, either.”

I’m more concerned about the wasps, but Logan dismisses my fears with the same calm, even manner with which he seems to approach everything.

“Nah, they’re my friends. They were cool with me last time; we have an understanding.”

And he’s right. We sail smoothly past the wasps and up to the top right corner where Logan leans forward, pausing only once to steady himself on his feet, and begins to paint. He’s working on a ray of golden yellow that will gradually become a gradient into a bright, pop-art orange as we talk, and for someone so soft-spoken and humble, he is forthcoming about his work, what inspires him, and the Huntsville arts scene.

I ask if there were difficulties in getting this project off the ground. Logan muses for a moment before relaying the handful of steps he’d taken to get to a starting point: finishing up in-progress projects, renting his first scissor lift (though it isn’t his first time using one), and grappling with COVID-related technicalities. But after getting all of these pieces in order, Logan says it’s a fairly simple process.

“I finished the outline and the palette beforehand. There’s something nice about having everything, even the colors, planned out, and then you just come in and it’s a coloring book page. You execute, it’s very simple – it’s more meditative, I guess.”

I ask him if he feels a connection to Little Richard, and he paints a few thoughtful strokes before answering.

“I’m a fan of Little Richard. I like his popular music but I prefer his slower, more soulful pieces. And really, it’s quite an honor to be associated with Little Richard. He influenced so much of what music is – he influenced the flamboyant and androgynous looks and sounds, everyone from Prince to Michael Jackson down to the Beatles.”

This freedom of expression and boldness to be true to oneself is reflected in much of Logan’s existing work. He’s the genius behind several local murals, most recently the 54-foot long technicolor mural spanning the back wall of local tiki paradise Phat Sammy’s. When asked about the creative process behind that work of art, Logan smiles and references the Instagram-famous mermaid of the mural.

“They said I could free the nipple, but I ultimately decided against it.”

The result is a bodacious fish-headed mermaid with one arm crossed coyly over her generous chest. A little tease with your tiki.

He also painted several murals in Lowe Mill: the stairwell pieces, both dancing dinosaurs and psychedelic dog. There’s also a Gospel-based series at the Downtown Rescue Mission in the men’s dining hall, where he has one final mural left to paint: the Crucifixion.

But murals aren’t Logan’s comfort zone, which makes his work all the more impressive.

“If I had to paint anything it’d be smaller canvases like oil paintings where I can really finesse the details and stuff.”

One such piece is currently on display at the Huntsville Museum of Art as a part of their Red Clay Survey, an exhibition of contemporary Southern art. This piece is called Leviathan, and as Logan describes it, “It’s Leviathan who’s been slain – it’s the dragon that God slew. In my paintings, I work with the chaoskampf. This one is after the battle with Leviathan cut open, and the wild animals feeding on him.” An apt piece for the 2020 exhibition.

To see Logan’s Little Richard mural in person – and you really should – you can check it out at Huntsville’s MidCity district and watch the progress as he wraps it up. You can also follow Logan on Instagram to see what he’s up to and buy some of his weird, funky pottery.

“I never accepted the idea that I had to be guided by some pattern or blueprint.” – Little Richard, 1932 – 2020

Seeing Shows Safely During COVID-19

August 26, 2020 by Grace Treutel

COVID-19, News

coronavirus, covid19, huntsville alabama, huntsville live music, live music, pandemic

Let’s be honest: COVID-19 has been a real bitch.

We’ve all slid into our new reality of mask wearing, social distancing, and attending virtual work meetings sans pants.

But there are some things still worth putting on pants for, including the Huntsville live music scene in Huntsville, Alabama.

Going to shows may look a little different these days – think plexiglass dividers between artists and audiences, pre-booked tables set six feet away, and a lot of elbow-fives instead of hugs – but it’s still well worth coming out to see the crop of rich local talent our city has to offer.

So how can you hear live music while still being responsible and staying safe?

Venues are taking steps to ensure everyone stays happy and healthy, but there are things you can do, too.

If you’re going to a music venue, check first to see what precautions they’re taking. Here are just a few things happening around town to keep everyone safe.

Several Huntsville live music venues, like Mars Music Hall and Sidetracks Music Hall, are adhering to by-table seating, meaning that you and your group can buy tickets and remain at least six feet away from other show-goers.

Smaller, open-air venues like Yellowhammer Brewing are incorporating plexiglass dividers between the artists and the audience to ensure health and safety for all involved.

And some venues, like Green Bus Brewing, are encouraging listeners to bring their own chairs and camp out at socially-distant intervals outside in the open air.

Ally Free at Green Bus Brewing

You can see Ally Free play at multiple Huntsville venues – See her upcoming shows

While the best way to keep safe and healthy is to isolate as much as possible, there are steps you can take when going out to be respectful of your health and the health of others.

Here are some things you can do to ensure you keep yourself and everyone around you safe and healthy while still enjoying live music.

Mask up! At HuntsvilleMusic.com, we are big fans of the mask – in no small part because every time Tom puts his on, he says he feels like an old-timey bank robber. If you’re in need of a mask to show your local pride, we recommend these “Keep Your Space, Huntsville” masks from our friends at the CVB.

Hand sanitizer. It’s a good rule of thumb to keep a personal-sized bottle of hand sanitizer on your person anyway, but doubly so when you’re going out and about. Keep some on hand (get it) and sanitize often to ensure you keep yourself and others safe.

Stay six feet apart. Temporarily gone are the days when you go to a packed-out show and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, lightly sweating on each other as you belt out the lyrics. For some of us, this may be a good thing – you now have a built-in excuse to avoid the claustrophobia of a tight venue! Avoid spaces where you can’t have space, and always practice safe social distancing.

Take advantage of table seating. In a similar vein, many venues are offering ticketed tables to enforce social distancing. We mentioned above that Mars Music Hall and Sidetracks are among those venues, and their practice is to sell tickets in blocks of tables to keep show-goers isolated as much as possible.

And, as always, if you aren’t feeling well, have a fever, or are showing symptoms of illness, just stay home. Live music is awesome and at HuntsvilleMusic.com, we’re all about encouraging everyone to come out and support – but never at the expense of their health or the health of others.

For now, practice safe sound, Huntsville. Mask up, sanitize, keep your distance, and rock on.

HuntsvilleMusic.com Goes Live

August 19, 2020 by Grace Treutel

Music audit, News

huntsville al live music, huntsville alabama, huntsville music, live music huntsville alabama, music audit, sound diplomacy

Big news, Huntsville — the new Know Huntsville-powered HuntsvilleMusic.com is live.

Last week, we let you in on the not-so-secret news that Know Huntsville had acquired HuntsvilleMusic.com. We told you what this would mean for you: a fresh look for the up-to-date Huntsville live music events calendar, a spicy new blog, a concerted social media presence, and more. Plus, we gave some context relating to the Sound Diplomacy music audit as well as our mission statement. Read More

Quarantine Reading: Huntsville’s Music Audit

August 12, 2020 by Tom Patterson