By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Rocket City is turning up the volume this September as Huntsville Music Month returns with a high-energy lineup of free concerts, festivals, and cultural events that celebrate the city’s vibrant music scene and growing reputation as a cultural hub.
Hosted by the Huntsville Music Office, Music Month is more than a showcase — it’s an engine for economic growth and community pride. The monthlong celebration will feature weekly free concerts, outdoor festivals, career opportunities for local talent, and official partnerships with AMERICANAFEST in Nashville, one of the world’s premier music conferences.
Music as an Economic Driver
Mayor Tommy Battle praised the Music Office’s efforts, highlighting the impact beyond entertainment.
“Music is more than entertainment in Huntsville—it’s an engine for growth,” Battle said. “Every concert and festival brings people to eat at our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop in our stores, and contribute to the economic vitality of our community. Music is about jobs, investment, and opportunity.”
Bigger, Bolder, Louder in 2025
Matt Mandrella, Huntsville’s Music Officer, promised this year will set a new standard.
“This year, Huntsville Music Month is bigger and bolder than ever,” Mandrella said. “From Launchpad’s free concerts in Big Spring Park to official AMERICANAFEST events in Nashville, we’re showcasing our talent on the biggest stages yet. There’s more talent, more variety, and more opportunities than ever before.”
Jazz in the Park: A Legacy of Vision and Community
Kenny Anderson, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and a leader with Jazz in the Park-Huntsville, declared that “this September will be one of the most amazing Music Months ever.”
He reflected on the legacy of Bernard Lockhart, founder of Birmingham’s Magic City Smooth Jazz nonprofit, whose vision was to provide the public with free, high-quality jazz concerts and offer jazz masterclasses in public schools. “Huntsville combined those two formulas and has been pressing the vision forward for 10 years,” Anderson said.
This year, Jazz in the Park will also carry a deeply personal tribute. Jackie Lockhart, widow of Bernard Lockhart, who passed away from COVID-19, will attend the September 7 concert to honor her late husband’s enduring influence.
Community support was also on full display. Ariana Jones, representing the Cynthia Joiner Real Estate Group, presented a $10,000 check to the City of Huntsville. For five years, Cynthia Joiner has served as the presenting host sponsor for Jazz in the Park, helping ensure the program’s continued growth.
In addition, Mario Maitland was honored with an award for his custom cigar box guitar — a symbolic gift recognizing his artistry and dedication to Huntsville’s music culture.
Highlights of Huntsville Music Month 2025
VBC 5K Music Run (Aug. 30, Downtown Huntsville) — Kick off Music Month with live entertainment at every mile.
Jazz in the Park-Huntsville (Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28, Big Spring Park West) — Weekly concerts with nationally recognized jazz talent.
LAUNCHPAD Festival (Sept. 5–6, Big Spring Park West) — A free weekend festival featuring regional and national acts.
Muscle Shoals Meets the Rocket City at AMERICANAFEST (Sept. 9, Nashville) — A showcase of Southern sounds and Huntsville talent.
Rocket City Ramble at AMERICANAFEST (Sept. 11, Nashville) — The second annual event highlighting Huntsville artists on Music City’s stage.
Music Industry Career Fair & Community Expo (Sept. 13, VBC East Hall).
Women in Music Week (Sept. 12–21, various venues).
Campus 805 10th Anniversary Festival (Sept. 18–20, Campus 805).
CulturA Festival (Sept. 21, The Orion Amphitheater).
Ongoing initiatives include Blast Music submissions through the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and a citywide instrument drive, now expanded into a year-round initiative to put instruments in the hands of more students.
Building a Music City
With partnerships, tributes, and community investments, Huntsville Music Month is not just about live music — it’s about unity, opportunity, and cultural legacy.
“This is about building access to assets people already love,” Mandrella said. “We’re opening doors for more residents and visitors to experience the power of Huntsville’s music and culture.”