Huntsville Launches Music Audit with June 6th Public Forum
May 30, 2018
(Huntsville, AL) – Huntsville is calling on musicians, makers, and music lovers to turn out Wednesday, June 6, from 5:30 – 8 p.m., for an Open Forum at Yellowhammer Lost Highway Bierhall at Campus No. 805 to begin a city-wide music audit.
Katja Hermes, Global Head of Projects, and Azucena Mico, Senior Project Manager at Sound Diplomacy, the London-based consultant hired by the City of Huntsville to conduct the audit, will be in town the week of June 4 -8 to conduct field research and meet relevant stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Over the next 14 months, the company will inventory local musicians, venues, festivals, and music education; and in turn, help to identify ways the City can nurture and develop a thriving music economy.
For those who love music, want more music offerings in Huntsville, or want to support and encourage all aspects of the music business, the June 6th Open Forum is the place to be.
“Music plays a vital role in our health and well-being, but we haven’t been as intentional about supporting music as we have in other aspects of quality of life. This audit is our first step in strategically creating a direction,” said Mayor Tommy Battle.
The Mayor and his leadership team believe a vibrant music component is essential in attracting a talented workforce to Huntsville.
“Look at the most dynamic cities today, and you’ll likely see an exciting music and cultural scene,” said Shane Davis, Director of Urban Development for the City of Huntsville. “When we go after the best and brightest workers and the most innovative companies, entertainment is a major item on the checklist. This work will help us understand what we are doing well, what we need to do better, and to develop a set of strategies so that music can be integrated into our growing economy.”
The City is hoping the music audit will be the first step in developing a music triangle, capitalizing on talent in North Alabama and the circuit of musicians writing, producing and performing from Memphis to Nashville and Atlanta.
Those interested in being a part of the process should come to the Open Forum and register their information with the Sound Diplomacy team. Following their visit to Huntsville, the company will begin field research for an audit of the music industry in Muscle Shoals and Florence. The Yellowhammer Lost Highway Bierhall is located on Campus No. 805, 2600 Clinton Avenue West, 35805.
For additional details, email huntsville@sounddiplomacy.com.
READ CITY BLOG: The Business of Making Huntsville a Music City
