By Matt Mandrella, City of Huntsville Music Officer
It’s an exciting time for music in Huntsville, and cultivating a more dynamic and diverse music ecosystem that strengthens our economy and increases tourism is something that the city is taking very seriously. Our goal is to strategically cultivate a world class music scene unlike anywhere else and be recognized as a premier international music destination.
The caliber of talent being booked at the Orion Amphitheater, Mars Music Hall, the VBC, Stovehouse, Furniture Factory, The Camp, and other local venues continues to grow stronger with each coming season. Music Education is achieving new heights with the Alabama A&M Maroon & White Band’s invitation to take part in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and the Huntsville High School Band being asked to participate in London’s 2024 New Year’s Day Parade.
Those factors combined with the efforts of Arts Huntsville, the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Opera Huntsville, Maitland Conservatory, and various other music-focused organizations are steadily positioning us closer towards our goal of becoming one of the world’s premier music cities, and key stakeholders within the music industry are starting to take notice.
I’m thrilled to share that the internationally acclaimed Music Cities Convention will be coming to Huntsville for its 12th global edition on October 18-20, 2023!
Hosted by the Huntsville Music Office and Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, it’s the biggest global event exploring the use and importance of music in the development of cities all around the world. With delegates from 20+ different countries attending, it also provides us an outstanding opportunity to showcase our amazing home and music efforts to hundreds of industry professionals on an international scale.
The Music Cities Convention is an all-around celebration that will feature panel discussions, presentations, and roundtables to showcase the latest and best practices exploring the use and importance of music within the development of cities across the world. All of the above will also be combined with several live music events, afterparties, and exciting networking opportunities at a variety of different venues such as the Von Braun Center, Orion Amphitheater, and U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Discussions will take place on topics such as global music city policies, music and economic development, music and technology, music and education, the role of music in future cities, the nighttime economy, supporting musicians, city and place branding, music tourism, music and real estate, music for community building and more. We’ll also be offering delegates a complimentary music tour of Huntsville showcasing the city’s main music attractions.
Among those in attendance will be city leaders, musicians, festival and event directors, real estate professionals, economic development professionals, academics, music industry professionals, culture officers, nonprofit leaders, for-profit executives, tourism directors, and others with an interest or focus on how music is instrumental in creating vibrant and sustainable cities (like it is in Huntsville).
Tickets for the 2023 Music Cities Convention are on sale now, I hope to see you all there!
South Huntsville Neighbors 