Huntsville’s Dogs and Venues

August 30, 2021 by Lizzie McElwee

Huntsville, Live Music

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Everyone at Huntsville Music loves enjoying a nice patio with local music; but wouldn’t you love it even more if you could enjoy it with your favorite pup? Of course! Luckily, many of our venues have patios where our furry friends can hang out.

HOT SPOTS

1. The Camp

The Camp is located off of 72 within MidCity District. Decorated with food, drinks, coffee, and a stage for live music, this outdoor destination is perfect for you and your pup. They have plenty of shade and the workers always seem happy to see a furry snoot!

2. Providence

- The Casual Pint

The Casual Pint has two outdoor patios, one out front and one in back. If you’re looking for the best view of the music that night, try to snag a seat on the front patio. On nice nights, this bar raises the garage doors, so that everyone on the front patio gets a front row seat.

- Brickhouse

Brickhouse is the proud owner of the huge brick patio right behind the Providence sign. This spot has plenty of table and chairs for you to hang out at along with excellent outdoor service.

- Moe’s BBQ

Moe’s BBQ is just a short walk from both The Casual Pint and Brickhouse. The outdoor spot to hang out is fenced in and gets a great view of all the other doggo-friends passing by.

3. Lowe Mill

Lowe Mill has plenty of pet-friendly areas for you enjoy, except for the dining areas. You can enjoy Concerts on the Dock with your pup along with many other Huntsvillians.

4. Campus 805

- Straight to Ale

Located at the forefront of Campus 805 is Straight to Ale. While the front of this brewery is not dog-friendly, take a quick jaunt around the back to the pet-friendly enclosed patio. Complete with a bar and full-service tables, this place is one of the best to beat the heat.

- Yellowhammer

If you’d like to do a bit of barhopping with your pup, Yellowhammer is just across the green from Straight to Ale. You’ll cross a large grassy area that on Friday and Saturday nights will be full of music and happy chatter.

- Innerspace

Located close to the Campus 805 area is Innerspace Brewing Co. This brewery is dog friendly with concrete floors and an outdoor area to enjoy the music.

- Salty Nut

The Salty Nut is just next door. Complete with a large grassy area and an abundance of shady spots, this brewery is one of my favorites for me and my dog, Ghost.

5. Big Spring Park

- Pane e Vino

Pane e Vino is located within Big Spring Park, one of the long-standing jewels in Huntsville. Often, they will have music on their enclosed patio that can be either heated or cooled.

An added bonus, almost all of the events in Big Spring Park are dog friendly!

BARS

6. The Nook

The Nook has dog-friendly tables on the patio that are covered with fans. This is a great place to beat the heat, but make sure you get there early – there’s limited seating.

7. Rocket Republic

Rocket Republic loves dogs. They are more than happy to accommodate both you and your pup. Now with two locations, you can enjoy the music in both downtown and in Madison.

8. Fractal Brewing Project

Located close to the Ice Complex, this brewery has a huge outdoor patio that is both covered and has fans. Often, there are food trucks, music, and plenty of doggo-friends to hang out with. This is another favorite for me and Ghost.

9. Below the Radar

Below the Radar is a downtown bar with an outdoor, fenced-in patio. While seating is limited, this is a great place to enjoy music and drinks and people-watch with your favorite furry friend.

10. Mad Malt’s

Mad Malt’s is the north-most brewery on this list. Complete with a biergarten, you and your dog should have a fantastic time enjoying the music and drinks.

11. Humphrey’s

When Googling what venues are dog-friendly in Huntsville, Humphrey’s consistently pops up at the top of the list – and it’s very clear why. With a ton of covered, outdoor seating, this bar is an excellent choice. This is going to be mine and Ghost’s next stop!

12. Green Bus

Green Bus is a downtown venue with a dog-friendly patio. While the outdoor patio is not large, you can enjoy music, people-watching, and some amazing drinks with your pup. Don’t forget – you can always grab a purple cup and take Fido for a walk.

13. Gold Sprint

Located just down the street from the Lowe Mill, Gold Sprint offers another great spot to hang out with your dog. The perfect spot at this location is on outdoor patio and garage doors lifted to hear Wanda Wesolowski or Alex Hendrix sing.

14. Old Black Bear

Old Black Bear is a Madison favorite. This brewery-restaurant has ample dog-friendly, covered, outdoor seating. The outdoor area is one of my favorite spots, both with and without Ghost. You’re sure to hear the music anywhere throughout this fun place.

15. Old Town Beer Exchange (OTBX)

Old Town Beer Exchange is exceedingly dog-friendly; between the paw print on the front door and community water bowl, you’re sure to have a fantastic time. Make sure to ask for some dog treats when you order your beer.

16. BeeZr

BeeZr is located just across from the Madison County Courthouse and is probably the newest restaurant on this list. This brewery accommodates dogs on their outdoor patio.

17. Bowler Hat

Another Madison-located brewery, this brewery is just off 72. Seating is limited, but this is still a great place to enjoy music and drinks with your pup.

18. The Brass Tap

Just across the street from Whole Foods Market sits The Brass Tap. With the large garage doors, you will be able to enjoy the music with your dog at the outdoor seating area located just to the left.

Because policies can change at any time, please contact the brewery before heading out to confirm that dogs are welcome.

Music, Food, and Drink: Huntsville’s Restaurant Week, A Feast for the Senses

August 10, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Culture, Festivals, Food, Huntsville, Live Music, Musicians

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This Friday, August 13^th, kicks of Huntsville Restaurant Week, a “10-day celebration of [Huntsville’s] diverse local cuisine.” The North Alabama food festival features over 70 participating restaurants, all of which have crafted local specials for visitors and locals to enjoy during the extended week, and many of which feature our very favorite thing: live local music.

HuntsvilleMusic.com sat down with Pam Williams from the Convention & Visitor’s Bureau to find out what to expect during this year’s revelry, as well as Stephen Ryberg, General Manager of Rhythm on Monroe, to talk about live music and all the delicious dishes and drinks he’s rolling out for Restaurant Week.

“Everyone should be able to find something that they really can enjoy,” promises Pam of the food, drinks, and music happening during Huntsville Restaurant Week. And we know it’s true – we dug into Rhythm on Monroe’s snapper, tomato pie, and Strawberry Frosé, just to name a few, all while being serenaded on the rooftop bar by Rhythm’s featured artist for the night, Sara Johnson.

Check it all out above in our latest HuntsvilleMusic.com video feature.

For more details and a complete list of participating restaurants, visit Huntsville.org/restaurantweek. To follow the goings-on of Restaurant Week and share your own decadent dining, check out and tag @visithuntsvilleal on Instagram and make sure to tag your photos #dinehsv! Happy eating, Huntsville!

Alex Hendrix On Her New Single, Blame It On Mercury

August 3, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Artists, Huntsville, Musicians, News

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When you need a scapegoat for the chaos that is your post-2020 life, look no further than the stars and planets.

Blame It On Mercury is local singer-songwriter Alex Hendrix’s newest single which drops this Friday, August 6^th.

Hendrix’s newest track blends country with her signature moodiness to create a song which has been musically described as ‘a malaise of summer.’

We sat down with Alex to get her thoughts and insights into what went into making Blame It On Mercury the perfect close-of-summer vibe.

HuntsvilleMusic.com: Hi Alex Hendrix, welcome back to HuntsvilleMusic.com’s interviewing hot seat. Are you ready to reveal your most intimate secrets?

Alex Hendrix: I have had two very large, iced coffees and I am ready to spill everything

HM.com: Godspeed. So, we’re here today to unpack your newest upcoming single, Blame It On Mercury. First, I want to know – what was the last thing you blamed on the alignments of the planets?

Alex: You know, I would love to say it was something very large that sticks out in my memory. But in reality, it was probably something I said in passing to my cat when he got angry with me for not letting him look out the glass front door. My cat is very into astrology

HM.com: That tracks. Speaking of tracks, this one is a notable deviation from the last track you released: Necromantic, a song that was equal parts eerie and ethereal. Blame It On Mercury feels more straight-forward and twangy – a little bit less off-the-wall while still retaining some classic ‘Alex Hendrix’ melancholy.

What were the differences in the songwriting process for these two?

Alex: Necromantic was more of a theatrical writing exercise, so I got very immersed in gothic literature and film for it. Blame It On Mercury is much more along the lines of my usual writing. I remember it all coming very quickly as well, it wasn’t a song that I labored over for very long at all

HM.com: Hearing that both impresses and enrages me, since the lyrics for Blame It On Mercury are so damn good, and I was kind of hoping you’d really struggled to get them out.

It’s hard to pick a single favorite line, but one of mine is

It feels just like laughing when I’m not in on the joke / And my lungs keep on filling up with secondhand smoke

How do you think this song compares to your previous work in general?

Alex: Thank you, that’s very kind of you. The production for this song has gone heavily into the country realm, which is different for me in a very fun way. It’s always been a fun song to play live, so I’m glad we got to add little elements that keep the sort of melancholy feeling while adding these retro neon-y vibes to it. Lyrically, it’s very self-focused, very much about spiraling and wondering why you are the way you are, but in a way that isn’t quite as dark as I usually go.

A paired down version of my angst, really.

HM.com: That self-curiosity and discovery is such a prevalent theme through all your work, I think it’s why people connect so deeply with the lyrics.

You mentioned that this has ‘always’ been a fun song to play live – when did you initially write it?

Alex: This was written a couple of months after the big Notre Dame fire of 2019, which is actually specifically referenced in the song. So right around this exact time two years ago.

HM.com: The world has changed so much since 2019 – did you do a lot of editing to the song as a result of that, or did it always stay pretty true to its first iteration?

Alex: Nothing has changed from the first draft of the lyrics aside from a few minor phrasing things.

HM.com: Let’s talk about Blame It On Mercury, genre-wise. It has totally different vibes than Necromantic and than a lot of your other music – how would you describe this one from that lens?

Alex: It absolutely skews more Country than anything else I’ve done. I was really inspired by the idea of a gritty dive bar and a neon glow and just the sort of innate moodiness that brings. I worked with Johnny Okwu again, who is amazing, and Adam Renfro came on to do slide guitar and it morphed into this 70s Cosmic Country moment that I really love.

HM.com: Same, and I’m not typically a big country fan, but this song is something special.

Lyrically, which is your favorite line from Blame It On Mercury, and why is it the bit about Persephone?

Alex: It IS that bit! I feel like a Greek mythology reference immediately followed by an outdated pop culture reference is a great glimpse into the way my brain functions.

But obviously I relate strongly to Persephone specifically, this character who had to spend her entire life split between the light and the Underworld and never fully belonged in either place.

HM.com: I think Persephone and Hades’ ‘love’ story is one of the best stories ever written, so I’m glad it found its way into one of your songs alongside Veuve Clicquot and Joe DiMaggio. Speaking of Veuve Clicquot, I love that you referenced it in this song – it really classes it up. Have they reached out regarding a sponsorship yet?

Alex: They have not, but I expect their team to contact me on release day, either with a brand deal or a cease and desist.

HM.com: If they know what’s good for them, it’ll be the former.

Now, with the title and the themes of astrology, I have to ask – what’s your sign and how do you feel about astrology?

Alex: I am a Gemini, which will surprise no one. It fits me, which probably skews my perspective and makes me believe it more.

HM.com: That does fit you perfectly, I love that I know that about you know.

Okay, last question – if you could tell listeners one thing about Blame It On Mercury before their first listen, what would it be?

Alex: Be ready for a melancholy summer jam, I suppose is what I would warn them.

HM.com: Warning taken and heeded, we could not be more ready for Blame It On Mercury’s release. Until then, we have a teaser for our readers – and for me. Check it out below, pre-save Blame It On Mercury on Spotify, and stream Alex’s newest single this Friday, August 6th. Thank you for hanging out with us again, we love you.

Alex: As always, it has been a delight to have any excuse to monopolize your time.

Music: Alive and Kicking in Huntsville, Alabama

July 27, 2021 by Matt Guenther

Huntsville, Musicians

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Having come from Canada some years ago, I was able to take a look at the music in North Alabama with fresh eyes and, most notably, fresh ears. The rich history of blues and early rock and the enormous amount of soul that came, seemingly, from the depths of the waters in Muscle Shoals in the last few decades seemed overwhelming at first. And from time to time, it seems that those who are from here don’t know anything different.

I can tell you that from an outsider’s point of view, and one who has been in the music profession for over 20 years, the richness and diverse musical history of the area is truly inspiring. And I believe that its effects are still felt to this day. There are so many talented musicians in this area and venues that still value live music and the heartbeat it provides to a culture.

I am proud to call Huntsville, Alabama my home because of this value that is placed on live music. The arts are amazingly powerful to the world that surrounds it. It has been the pulse and lifeblood of cultures throughout history and the music culture here in Huntsville is alive and kicking. I think the Scottish writer and politician Andrew Fletcher said it well when he said, “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.”

The health of the music scene locally, I believe, has a lot to do with its roots: the very musicians themselves. There is a healthy support of musicians among peers in the area. Where I am from, the competition could get so fierce that it felt like everyone was out to get everyone else. Here, I have had the pleasure to work with, and alongside, some extraordinary people. People who build each other up rather than tear each other down. And that is fast becoming a rarity in other places.

One of the first venues I played here in Huntsville was at Rocket Republic during a Battle of the Bands cancer benefit some years back. It was an amazing event (made moreso when my band won!) and I was lucky enough to share the stage with some amazing talent and all-around good people. People like Benjamin Luthy (then of the band Falcon Punch) and Dave Anderson. It was my first exposure to the Huntsville music scene and I was so pleasantly surprised. The camaraderie and support among musicians was a breath of fresh air. We cheered for Falcon Punch, and they cheered even louder for us.

The art and skill locally in Huntsville is surprisingly plentiful but I feel an even bigger asset is the peer respect and support felt among musicians and music-lovers. Maybe it’s just the southern way. Maybe it is that famous “southern charm” that keeps people humble and kind. Whatever Huntsville is doing, for the love of music, let’s keep it going and keep it growing.

Them Damn Dogs on Writing Music, Huntsville, and Their New Album

July 5, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Artist Spotlight, Huntsville, Musicians

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Them Damn Dogs has a new album out and if you haven’t listened to it yet, you’re wasting your (damn) time.

HuntsvilleMusic.com sat down with Jerome Villarreal Jr., vocalist and frontman, and guitarist Russ Savage to crack open their new album, Unpoetic Flavor, and learn more about the Huntsville-based band that’s rapidly becoming one of the most prominent and beloved acts on the local music scene.

But, just as a trio, Them Damn Dogs weren’t complete.

“We used to play Voodoo Lounge a lot and that’s where Chris Salib, our bassist, heard us one day. He basically said ‘I’m your bassist now,’” Jerome remembers with a laugh. “We just wanted to make really fun rock music and that’s what happened.” He adds that, once they were a full band, he saw an opportunity to play his own music and seized upon it. “We were playing together all the time and I was writing all this music and I just thought hey, why don’t we play my songs?”

Jerome has always been the Them Damn Dogs’ primary songwriter, serving as the main songwriter on all 11 tracks of Unpoetic Flavor as well as their previous album, Let Loose, and a smattering of singles.

Their sound is the product of growing up in the 2000’s, reflective of influences including Weezer, the Strokes, the Ramones, and Pink Floyd. It’s a new-wave evolution of these artists, calling to mind contemporary acts like Young the Giant, Jack Antonoff’s Bleachers, and Bad Suns in their alt-pop approach to lyrics and musical syntax.

I ask how they’d describe the genre of Unpoetic Flavor and Jerome hesitates. “I don’t know,” he muses, looking to Russ, who doesn’t miss a beat. “More alternative with a little West Coast influence, some new wave with the synth. It’s a bit less edgy than our first album – a little more melodic.”

Jerome, nodding, adds, “Yeah, a little more mature, too, in a sense.”

This maturity is reflected in the darker themes that wind through Unpoetic Flavor, most obviously in the album’s breakout single, “I Wish I Was Dead.” The song’s chorus flirts with the bleak reality of post-breakup depression:

You came into my life before / Now you’re leaving out the door

Was I wrong? / You messed up my bed and played with my head

Now I wish I was dead.

But the music itself doesn’t slide into morose, staying upbeat throughout the album, songs you can roll your windows down and sing along to. “I’ve always loved how really poppy songs can have really dark lyrics, it takes you into a certain mood,” Jerome explains.

“[This album] a little more regretful and aware. A little more introspective,” says Jerome. Russ nods, agreeing, “I think it shows a different side of what we have to offer. The first album is definitely more party-punk, fast-paced, more roots-punk, whereas this one is more alternative and a little bit more of like, ‘this is what we can actually do. It stays true to us, though. You can recognize the sound, that it’s us, but it’s a little bit different.”

For a more melancholy album released in 2021, it’s a safe assumption that the events of tumultuous 2020 influenced the mood. But that isn’t the case for Unpoetic Flavor. This album was written and recorded in 2019, with an initial release date of May 2020 – a release that was derailed by the chaos of 2020.

“If we were to record this today, it would be completely different,” Jerome says. “It’s weird to listen to it now; it’s like a weird little relic from a lost time.”

I ask if they listen to their own music. “I do,” Russ shrugs, but Jerome cringes at the thought, saying no, he can’t – that he generally listens to it to be critical, and that he can’t quite get past that inner critic to just enjoy the music.

As for their fans’ listening style, I ask them both – what’s one thing they would want listeners to know about Unpoetic Flavor?

“Lyrically, there are dark times but it gets brighter. It’s an album of hope wrapped in the visceral melancholy of the moment,” says Jerome, ever the songwriter. Russ is focused on the sound: “Pay attention to the subtleties. Listen to this album with headphones on; listen to those little background parts. It’s very us and our stories and the sounds of the time.”

The album release party for Unpoetic Flavor was June 11th at The Camp, where fellow local musician Aaron Bradley opened and a good portion of the Huntsville music scene turned out to hear them play. And it’s easy to see why – Jerome is enthusiastic when it comes to supporting his fellow Huntsville musicians.

“There are so many artists now that are coming out with some really cool stuff. Everything’s different. So many different vibes all around. It’s exciting and intimidating.”

I prompt Russ for his thoughts about the Huntsville music scene – specifically, if he feels it’s open to hungry artists with original music.

“It kind of depends where you are in Huntsville. If you’re at a bar downtown, you’re gonna get some cover requests. But if it’s a newer place like Goldsprint or even Voodoo Lounge, the crowd is gonna be into it. You might get an encore or even people comin’ up after the show to tell you how awesome it was. It’s kind of a nice give and take. If you do capture a crowd, it’s like you’ve done something right, it feels good.”

Jerome agrees, saying, “It’s very rewarding for artists to feel that.”

What about their local following? I notice that both of them tend to say ‘friends’ instead of ‘fans,’ and both enthuse about the caliber of people who support them.

“We have a great fan base,” says Jerome, and Russ elaborates, “They’re the type of people who, if you lost your wallet in the crowd, you could probably go ask for it at the bar and it would probably have been turned in. With all the cash still in it.”

It’s easy to see how guys like this would attract fans like that – like recognizes like, after all. Speaking of which, before I let them go, I ask them one last question – what are their favorite songs by other local Huntsville musicians?

“Simulation by Wanda, and maybe… maybe a song called East Tennessee by Aaron Bradley. It’s not out yet, but it’s so good,” says Jerome, teasing Bradley’s future releases. Russ has his ready, and it’s even more Wanda love: “Lazy Susan by Wanda. That’s a great song.”

And Unpoetic Flavor is a great album. Stream it and the rest of Them Damn Dogs’ discography now and support your local artists by checking our live music calendar and coming out to a show!

Midsommar’s Festival: A Defiance and Celebration of Nature

June 25, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Festivals, Huntsville, Leigh Acres

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Midsommar’s Festival is a summer solstice music festival and day-long experience happening Saturday, June 26^th from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Leigh Acres – and you’re not going to want to miss this. The festival’s hosts encourage white and floral attire and, while libations won’t be on sale, it’s BYOB with camping spots available. The festival will be an all-night celebration revolving around four rock and metal bands though there’s far more than just music on offer. Bonfires, yoga, massage, a maypole, merchandise vendors, and more will be stationed throughout the festival grounds, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own acoustic music makers to contribute to the solstice vibe.

The summer solstice, also known as estival solstice or midsummer, occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. Since prehistory, the summer solstice has been seen as a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rituals. Festivals themselves are unique to the human race – no other creature gathers for the sole purpose of revelry and celebration. Music is an integral part of this revelry.

Music Lineup

Obed Edom – Experimental, long form, trance inducing rock band

XY Spaces – Vaudeville meets metal

Dropdiver – Dirty rock-n-roll

Evelyna – Traditional metal

Over the last year, COVID has not only taken a toll on the physical health of humanity as a whole but has damaged our collective psyche. Now, we are all coming together to heal and celebrate as a unified force – to mark the beginning of summer, the end of isolation, and the rebirth of us all. There is no better personification of both humanity’s defiance and revelrous nature than through gatherings and music, a festival of metal. A Midsommar Festival.

“Music is a part of it but it is also an excuse to get out in the fresh air and have a good time,” promises Austin, one of Midsommer Festival’s orchestrators. Know Huntsville and HuntsvilleMusic.com met with him and Ben, both musicians with headlining band Obed Edom and the hosts of the festival, to find out their motivations for creating the festival and what we can expect to find there.

Buy Tickets Here

Festival Details Page

Concerts In The Park At Big Spring Park Starts June 7th

The sun is shining, the temperature is rising, and the humidity has come out to play. Typically this abrupt reintroduction to Summer would have us hiding in our homes with four fans pointed at us, but the season does hold one very particular advantage – the return of Arts Huntsville’s Concerts in the Park.

This free summer-long series has been a staple in Huntsville for years, providing a fun weekly entertainment option for families, couples and friend groups alike.

Beginning June 7th and continuing over ten weeks, local bands will be set up outside the Huntsville Museum of Art while music-lovers hang out in Big Spring Park on lawn chairs, blankets, or whatever seating arrangement your heart desires.

Some of our favorite food trucks and vendors will be parked along Williams Avenue and Church Street for you to turn your concert into a picnic, or you’re free to bring your own food and drink to enjoy.

Some of the food trucks you can expect to see are Hippea Camper, which is plant-based comfort food; all-beef hotdogs and treats from Golden Years Ice Cream Parlor & Diner; Happi Pappi beignets and more; Yum Yum’s Gourmet Popcorn & Lemonade Stand; O Taste & See BBQ; Mac & Snacks gourmet mac & cheese; mega-burgers from The Piled High Grill; and Iceworks shaved ice.

And bring your four-legged friends, too – leashed dogs are welcome to come and groove with you.

Staring June 7^th, mark your calendars for your new Monday night tradition and meet us at Concerts in the Park every Monday from 6:30-8:30pm through August 9^th!

MUSIC LINEUP

JUNE 7 – The Unique Live Band / JUICE

JUNE 14 – Victoria Jones and Jordan Moore / JED Eye

JUNE 21 – Luke and Jay / Kat Elizabeth

JUNE 28 – Maneuver Center of Excellence Band (MCoE)

JUNLY 5 – A.M. Brown / Darien Omar

JULY 12 – Chelsea, Who? / Remy Neal

JULY 19 – Seeking Babylon / Groove

JULY 26 – Kristoffer Leshaun / Rocket City Latin Band

AUGUST 2 – Jimmy Henderson Trio / .45 Surprise

AUGUST 9 – Weather Make-Up Date (bands TBD)

Interviewing Patterson Hood About The Princess Theater, Songwriting, and His Ties To Huntsville

Southern rock fans, listen up – Patterson Hood (of the Drive-By Truckers) is playing the Princess Theater in Decatur, Alabama on June 26th, and he may be more excited than we are about the show – and that’s saying something.

HuntsvilleMusic.com’s Tom sat down with Patterson for an exclusive interview to talk about all things music, performing, and what’s to come, and wound up lucking into an in-depth conversation spanning politics, family, Kendrick Lamar, and more.

Patterson was especially passionate when reminiscing about his ties to Huntsville, saying of the growing city:

“I grew up in Florence, Alabama and the Muscle Shoals area, so […] I’d see concerts at the Von Braun Civic Center. I saw Kansas more times than I can count. Eddie Money, Billy Squire, I went to all those shows. When Cooley [of the Drive-By Truckers] and I formed our first band 36 years ago, Adam’s House Cat, we used to play the Tip Top.“

Watch the full interview below to hear Patterson shed light on what it was like to write music during a pandemic, how his songs and their meanings have changed over time, and what upcoming projects he has in the works.

As for us, Tom, the man behind the interview, is an avid Truckers fan and has been following Patterson’s career for some time. He knows the old adage ‘don’t meet your heroes,’ but in this case, he says it couldn’t have been further from the truth.

“He’s one of those instances where you don’t have to worry about separating the artist and the art – he’s just an all around genuine, thoughtful person,” enthuses Tom.

And Tom plans on bringing his enthusiasm to the Princess Theater, where he’ll see Patterson Hood play solo live for the second time.

There are still a few tickets to the June 26th show at the Princess Theater in Decatur, Alabama, so grab them before they sell out. And if you see us, come say hey – we’d love to sing a few bars of our favorite Patterson Hood chorus with you.

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A Taste of Panoply’s Live Music

I think we can all agree that as 2021 progresses, things are seriously looking up – vaccines are rolling out, the weather is beautiful, and, best of all, Panoply is back on.

Panoply is Huntsville’s famous three-day arts festival that takes place every spring at Big Spring Park and is a round up of local artists, food and drink vendors, and awesome music that brings the community together. This weekend, Panoply’s back, and it’s going to look a little different – but one thing that remains the same is the presence of local musical talent.

We had the privilege of spending an evening with Lana White and her bandmate, Kira Hughes, of Lana and the Seekers, who’ll be performing in the coveted Saturday afternoon spot to open for Southern rock sound the Vegabonds. They gave us some insight on what to expect not just from their act but from the festival as a whole.

First, though, let’s dive into what this year’s Panoply will look like and why Arts Huntsville is referring to it as ‘A Taste of Panoply.’

‘“A Taste of Panoply,’ a scaled-back version of the annual three-day arts festival, will be held from April 23-25, 2021, in Big Spring Park in downtown Huntsville. This year’s event will look different from previous years while providing the community with an opportunity to safely interact to celebrate and support the arts community.” – Arts Huntsville

This means a few major changes, most of which focus on social distancing, increased cleanliness and sanitizing protocols, and a donation-based pay structure. Find out more details here at the Arts Huntsville Panoply page.

What this year’s Panoply isn’t scaling back, however, is music. Their weekend lineup is an astounding collection of local and national talent, outlined in detail by Arts Huntsville:
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FRIDAY APRIL 23

“The ticketed “A Taste of Panoply” Friday Festival Preview event kicks off with the Lamont Landers Band. Closing out the evening is Nashville-based headlining act The War And Treaty. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo were named emerging artists of the year by the Americana Music Association and were featured on the Today Show and at the 2021 Rose Bowl Parade Spectacular. The War And Treaty has previously performed with Mumford & Sons, toured with Jason Isbell and will be opening for John Legend on multiple tour dates this summer.
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SATURDAY APRIL 24

Saturday on the Showcase Stage features local and regional talent throughout the day including the following acts: Tyler A.K., Them Damn Dogs, WANDA, Joe Cagle, DMRSoul and Lana White. Saturday night, the Unique Live Band will open for the headlining act The Vegabonds, who will close out the evening with a night of Southern rock music. The Alabama-born, Tennessee-bred group of five musicians released their fifth studio album “V” in 2019 and have previously opened for acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and the late Gregg Allman.

The Lamont Landers Band

The War & Treaty

Them Damn Dogs

WANDA

LANA WHITE

SUNDAY APRIL 25

On Sunday, “A Taste of Panoply” celebrates a day of Alabama Music, featuring a full-day lineup of artists from North Alabama with the following acts: Cotton and Clover, Alan Little and the Giants, Ally Cat and the Stray Dogs, Midlife Chrysler and The Beasley Brothers to the Showcase Stage.”

HuntsvilleMusic.com sat down with Lana White and Kira Hughes of Lana and the Seekers to talk Panoply, the Huntsville music scene, and women in music.

Lana and the Seekers is a Huntsville all-girl band comprised of Lana White, Kira Hughes, Canita Rogers, Alli Johnson, and Kim Coffey, all talented Huntsville musicians who play in other acts or solo but who are coming together with the shared vision of creating Huntsville’s own all-female rock group. And, for most of the band, it’s their first time playing Panoply – a fitting starting point for the 256 fixtures.

LANA AND THE SEEKERS INTERVIEW

They promise rock with intricate melodies, harmonizing, and ear-pleasing guitar riffs to kick off the Saturday evening lineup. I ask Lana about the band and their sound and she is, as always, easy to talk to, warm and open as if she’s an old friend and not someone I’ve only met once before. She and Kira have easy rapport and volley compliments back and forth with a genuineness that you can’t help but lean into, charmed by their earnestness.

“She’s the best drummer I know,” Lana enthuses at one point, as Kira, shyer by nature, affectionately shakes her head. Fewer than five minutes later, however, Kira’s giving it right back, describing how easy it is to put together a set list from Lana’s original music – “It’s all so good, there’s so much great stuff to choose from.”

And Lana and the Seekers will be playing their original music at Panoply, along with a few ‘girl rock’ power anthems to get the crowd singing along.

“We wanted to pay tribute to other all-female rock groups that have paved the way, so we’ve got the Bengals, the Go Gos, Heart,” Lana says, Kira nodding along as she speaks. This cohesion comes from years of knowing one another, though Lana and the Seekers haven’t gotten the chance to play together yet.

And we can think of a better stage to debut than Panoply’s.

Panoply arts festival will be happening at Big Spring Park this weekend, April 23^rd – 25^th, and will feature all manner of eclectic art from local and regional talent as well as good food, cold drinks, and fantastic music. Visit Arts Huntsville to learn more about ticketing, safety, and more – and we’ll see y’all there.

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First Annual Tennessee Valley Music Showcase, Free At Mars Music Hall

April 9, 2021 by Grace Treutel

Art, Culture, Huntsville, Live Music, News

alabama, huntsville, huntsville al, huntsville alabama, huntsville culture, huntsville opera, live music huntsville, mars music hall, rocket city, tennessee valley, tennessee valley music showcase

Get ready to rock, Tennessee Valley – Huntsville’s hosting the first Annual Tennessee Valley Music Showcase, a free event happening at Mars Music Hall on April 17^th, 2021 all day long. This free event is the first of its kind at Mars Music Hall and will be showcasing local talent from all over the southeastern region.

Derek Welsh

Southern rocker Derek Welsh of McQueen Street fame and award-winning country star Paige King Johnson will be headlining the show and setting the tone for genres, which will be a mix of southern rock, country, and classic rock ‘n roll. Supporting regional acts include Inclination of Direction, Bad Ethyl, Cameron Dubois, Zoe Burdett, Michael Clark, Tyler AK, and more.

Paige King Johnson

The event will also include vendors Serengeti Guitars of Hartselle, Redstone Harley Davidson, Copper Top Bar & Grill, and more. Doors will open at 12 to browse the vendors and showcase, with music beginning at 2 and going until 10. There will be merch giveaways throughout the day.

The showcase is organized by long-time Alabama native and music enthusiast Steve X, whose mission in hosting such a large-scale event is simple.

“[This showcase] is all about bringing people together and having a good time. Showing them that Huntsville’s alive and vibrant in the music scene. This is gonna be an annual thing, so this is the first of many showcases to come in the city of Huntsville.”

His mission echoes ours at HuntsvilleMusic.com – to show the Tennessee Valley that you don’t have to make a drive to a neighboring city to hear great music.

“All these artists are gonna be playing some of their original music and it’s such good stuff. It’s gonna be a great time to come and discover your next favorite band. There will be some covers for everyone to enjoy, but we really want to showcase our local talent.”

The event was conceptualized by Steve and the Von Braun Center’s Mike Vojticek, who worked together to create this unique, tailor-made experience to promote music and culture within Huntsville, by Huntsville.

Mars Music Hall

“We’re very grateful to Mars Music Hall for letting us do this, as well as Mike and his staff. We really just can’t thank them enough and all the bands, of course. We have no idea what to expect for the showcase – we’re ready for 300 people and we’re ready for 1700 people. We’re excited to see how Huntsville embraces this.”

For many of the bands, this showcase will be their first experience playing on such a large stage, and for others, it will be a return to humble roots. Most of the acts will be available to the public after their sets to sign autographs, take photos, and talk shop.

The event is a come-and-go, free event, so music lovers can pop into Mars to hear a set, then take a walk downtown to eat, drink, or soak up the sun in nearby Big Spring Park. The showcase is open to all ages, so bring your rock ‘n roll mini-me’s, and get ready to enjoy some live Huntsville Music.

“It’s the first showcase of many, our first annual Tennessee Valley Music Showcase. It’s a free show and I just hope it’s a great night for everyone.”

We’re with you, Steve.

For more information, visit the Mars Music Hall site.

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A Taste of Panoply’s Live Music

FRIDAY APRIL 23

SATURDAY APRIL 24

The Lamont Landers Band

The War & Treaty

Them Damn Dogs

WANDA

LANA WHITE

SUNDAY APRIL 25

LANA AND THE SEEKERS INTERVIEW

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First Annual Tennessee Valley Music Showcase, Free At Mars Music Hall

Derek Welsh

Paige King Johnson

Mars Music Hall

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