By 
November 9, 2022
Have you heard? We’re just 11 months out from an internationally acclaimed event that will put a global spotlight on Huntsville’s music city ambitions.
The Rocket City will proudly welcome the 12th Music Cities Convention Oct. 18-20, 2023. Hosted by the Huntsville Music Office and Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau, it will explore the importance of music in the development of cities all around the world.
With delegates from 20+ countries attending, the convention will showcase and celebrate our amazing home as well as our music efforts to hundreds of industry professionals.
The 2023 Music Cities Convention will feature several live music events, afterparties and exciting networking opportunities at a variety of venues, including the Von Braun Center, Orion Amphitheater and U.S. Space & Rocket Center. We’ll also offer delegates a complimentary music tour of Huntsville, showcasing the City’s great music attractions.
The convention will also include a robust daytime schedule full of noteworthy speakers, panel discussions, presentations and roundtables that showcase the latest and best practices around the importance of music and how it’s successfully being utilized within the development of cities across the world. Discussion topics will include:
- Global music city policies
- Music and economic development
- Music and technology
- Music education
- Music’s future role in cities
- Nighttime economy
- Supporting musicians
- City and place branding
- Music tourism
- Music’s impact on real estate
- Music for community building and more.
The Dave Matthews Band performs at The Orion Amphitheater on May 18, 2022. The caliber of talent we’re attracting to The Orion Amphitheater, Mars Music Hall, VBC, Stovehouse, Furniture Factory, The Camp and other local venues continues to impress.
Heading in the right direction
Landing the Music Cities Convention reinforces what we already know – it’s an exciting time for music in Huntsville. Creating a more dynamic and diverse music ecosystem is something we’re taking seriously as it strengthens our economy and promotes tourism.
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 we’re attracting to The Orion Amphitheater, Mars Music Hall, VBC, Stovehouse, Furniture Factory, The Camp and other local venues continues to impress. Music education is also reaching 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’s upcoming participation in London’s 2024 New Year’s Day Parade.
Those factors, combined with the efforts of Arts Huntsville, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra, Opera Huntsville, Maitland Conservatory, the Microwave Dave Music Education Foundation and other community-minded organizations, are positioning us closer toward our goal – becoming a leading music city.
Huntsville’s unique and intentional approach towards becoming a successful music city is ambitious, and key stakeholders within the music industry are starting to listen to the songs we’re singing. The Music Cities Convention is a great opportunity for us to make them want to turn up the volume.
Want to check out the convention?
Click here for ticket and event information.
Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella can be reached by emailing Matt.Mandrella@HuntsvilleAL.gov.
