2024 Spring Concerts in the Park Announced!
All concerts start at 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Errol Allan Park in Guntersville unless noted otherwise. Bring your friends, blankets or fans, folding chairs, and donations to support the concerts!
April 25 - Emily Joseph Band (rock)
The next concert of Mountain Valley Arts Council’s Spring Concerts in the Park series is the Emily Joseph Band which has been a huge crowd pleaser in previous years. This outdoor concert will be held Thursday, April 25th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville. Bring your fans, folding chairs, and friends. Lena’s Rolling Kitchen will be available.
The Emily Joseph Band performs a variety of cover songs from the 1970s to Top 10 hits of today. With 20 plus years of experience in live performing, Emily Joseph Band’s strong vocals, musicianship, and ability to command the attention of an audience is exceptional. Her outstanding vocal talent and enthusiastic stage presence presents an exciting and entertaining performance from start to finish. Emily’s early beginnings as a jazz vocalist gave her an appreciation for all types of music.
Always giving more than 100% for an audience, her confidence radiates during her performances, and her wide range and strong voice allows her to make an audience marvel at her versatility.
If rain is in the forecast as it was last week, check MVAC’s Facebook page or website at mvacarts.org to see if the concert has been moved indoors such as to Guntersville Town Hall on Blount Avenue.
This concert is free and open to the public through generous donations from the audience, MVAC members and corporate donors, Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the City of Guntersville.
May 2 - Los Amigos (mariachi)
The Mountain Valley Arts Council Spring Concerts in the Park series will feature Los Amigos on Thursday, May 2nd, from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in Guntersville – just before Cinco de Mayo! After a previous concert, an attendee commented that he had never had such a great exposure to Mariachi music and was surprised by how much he liked it. Of course, he was hearing some very fine musicians.
Bring your fans, friends and folding chairs. Lena’s Rolling Kitchen will be on hand for dinner and drinks. If rain occurs, a notice will be on MVAC’s Facebook page or webpage mvacarts.org for the indoor location (likely Town Hall on Blount Avenue).
Los Amigos specializes in playing jazz and mariachi trumpet including vocals in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. You might hear ukulele, guitar, keyboard, congas, small Latin percussion. Luis Trevino heads up Amigos Music which encompasses Los Tres Amigos, Los Dos Amigos, Los Amigos Latin Band, and his one-man show called El Solo Amigo. Their music is composed of jazz, Latin, Brazilian, salsa grooves, and pop music. They provide a wide variety of music and styles from jazz standards, hip modern jazzy alternative with Latin music from Santana, War, Gypsy Kings, Latin Rock, and especially Classic Latin-Mariachi Standards.
May 9 - Foster
The Mountain Valley Arts Council Spring Concerts in the Park series will feature Foster on Thursday, May 9th , from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in Guntersville.
This trio has added two new members who share a love for good music of any kind. Their own sound is a blend of their strong backgrounds in acoustic music, blues, country, bluegrass, gospel, and Celtic music. They particularly enjoy older music, and their acoustic versions of classic tunes bring new life to good memories.
Rick Norton from Albertville plays bass, rhythm guitar, and sings. Michael Foster plays percussion and flute and lives in Boaz, and Mitchell Foster originally from Sardis plays guitar, mandolin, and sings. Come meet the two new band members.
Bring your fans, friends, and folding chairs and enjoy a free two-hour outdoor concert. Concessions will be available from Lena’s Rolling Kitchen. If bad weather occurs, check MVAC’s Facebook page or website (mvacarts.org) to see if the concert will be held inside Town Hall just a block or so northeast on Blount Avenue.
May 16 - The STRANDED band (FROM FORT PAYNE)
For the first time, Mountain Valley Arts Council will present Stranded, a band from the Fort Payne area on Thursday, May 16th from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park on Gunter Avenue in Guntersville.
May 23 - HARD ON CHICKENS
On Thursday, May 23rd from 6:30- 8:30 PM, Mountain Valley Arts Council will feature a new band to the Errol Allan Park stage, Hard on Chickens. That needs some explaining. The band derived its name from a neighbor’s dog that had to be muzzled because it was particularly fond of the laying hens and was described by the neighbor as being “hard on the chickens”. It has more to do with the dog than the chickens. When you see the band’s logo, it all makes sense.
This trio that plays classic rock, Motown blues, country, and Americana music and features an eclectic set list that emphasizes tight vocal harmonies. The band consists of Mark Thompson on guitar and vocals, Jimmy Rowell on bass and vocals, and John Elrod on percussion, vocals, and the occasional harmonica. Each member has been performing since their early teens. Thompson and Elrod performed together in high school in the band Target.
Thompson played for many years with the late Pat Upton and Headline, the Downtown Horns, and Hillbilly Romeos. He is the featured guitarist/vocalist in reunion shows of WARM, a legendary band in the Southeast in the 60s and 70s.
Elrod who is also an accomplished banjo player and Rowell love Bluegrass music and performed for many years in the Huntsville-based Pinhook Creek band.
Lena’s Rolling Kitchen will be on hand in case you’re hungry or thirsty during the concert. If bad weather is predicted, check MVAC’s Facebook page or website (mvacarts.org/concerts) to see where the concert will be inside.
These free concerts are possible through donations from concert attendees, generous MVAC members, Alabama State Council on the Arts, and the City of Guntersville. Bring your friends and folding chairs for a great evening of live music.
JULY 4TH CONCERT
ON JEFF COOK STAGE AT CIVITAN PARK
Good Vibe Tribe
2024 FALL CONCERTS IN THE PARK
September 26 - Tosha Hill - Country
October 3 - Country Case - Country
October 10 - Hard Hearted
October 17 - The Groove of Huntsville - Blues/Dance Band
October 24 - November Blue
October 31 - Kingfish - Rock
A Glance Back at Previous MVAC Concerts
JED Eye’s five talented musicians keep audiences on their feet rocking to everything from 3 Doors Down to Pearl Jam to Tom Petty and ZZ Top. Their performances personify their motto, “We play Rock with an attitude”.
JED Eye’s Todd Blass leads the band with his powerful vocals. The rhythm section keeps the heartbeat of the band going with Johnny Heflin on drums and Jimmy Goodson on the bass guitar. Lisa Williams brings her vocals and electric guitar playing to add to the rhythm-pumping, full steam ahead rock band. And finally, JED Eye’s lead guitar player, Todd Aure, who wails on lead guitar with his own style of off-the-chart riffs, is endorsed by Paul Reed Smith Guitars and has toured with various artists throughout the US.
The JED Eye band is all about playing classic and 90s Rock that makes the audience want to sing along, dance, and smile.
Mountain Valley Arts Council will host the Barefoot Blues on Thursday, September 28th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville. Bring your fans, folding chairs, and friends. Concessions and door prizes will available, and you can pick up dinner and drinks at nearby restaurants and bars before the concert.
As many local fans know, the Barefoot Blues Band performs covers of rock and blues hits from all eras of music. Lead singer Nick Longshore has been performing longer than he can remember. He is the former front man for the band Someday Heaven.
Members include Terry Fulwider - Lead Guitar, Andy Good - Lead Guitar, Tom Woodall - Acoustic Guitar, Jim Davis - Bass, Jatniel Cruz - Keyboard, TJ Bennett - Drums, Andrew Vaughn - Drums, Enoc Cruz - Percussion.
If bad weather is threatening, any changes to the concert schedule or location will be posted on MVAC’s Facebook page and MVAC’s website, mvacarts.org/concerts.
The Mountain Valley Arts Council Fall Concerts in the Park series will feature Los Amigos on Thursday, October 5th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in Guntersville. You may be thinking mariachi in October? Nope, these talented musicians can change hats to jazz.
Bring your friends and folding chairs. You can take advantage of Guntersville’s Arts & Entertainment District for takeout dinners and beverages.
Los Tres Amigos specializes in playing jazz and mariachi trumpet including vocals in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. You might hear ukulele, guitar, keyboard, congas, small Latin percussion.
Luis Trevino heads up Amigos Music which encompasses Los Tres Amigos, Los Dos Amigos, Los Amigos Latin Band, and his one-man show called El Solo Amigo. Their music is composed of jazz, Latin, Brazilian, salsa grooves, and pop music. They provide a wide variety of music and styles from jazz standards, hip modern jazzy alternative with Latin music from Santana, War, Gypsy Kings, Latin Rock, and especially Classic Latin-Mariachi Standards.
Lead Vocalist Theresa Bayer co-fronted the very popular Huntsville based “oldies” band “Time Machine” for over a decade and is a very talented and soulful singer that brings energy and life to every crowd.
Lead Vocalist Brett Crow is known as “Coach Crow” by day as he works as a teacher and coach. Brett commands an unusually strong and high-pitched voice that shines on every classic rock song he covers. From Bad Company to Journey, he’s “Coach” by day and rock singer by night.
As drummer and singer, Bryan Williams founded the popular band “Big Daddy King Fish” that is widely known in the Huntsville area. Bryan is also very involved as music director at his Church and is one of Huntsville’s most in demand drummers for Christmas concerts, special occasions, and orchestral performances. Many youngsters call Bryan “teacher” as he has routinely taught up to sixty lessons per week. To watch Bryan sing and play drums at the same time is truly amazing as he can be the magnetic “front man” of any group even while in the back behind the drums.
Bass Guitarist Tom White lays down the bottom to the Good Vibe Tribe sound with authority. Tom is a veteran of the Huntsville music scene and has played with many groups. His easy-going personality makes him a joy to be around and no one can stand still when Tom takes the spotlight. The best dance tunes from the Good Vibe Tribe all feature Tom.
Guitarist Gary Gilbertson is a veteran of many popular bands and founded the Huntsville based group “Relayer” and has developed a real following since he can play virtually any style music. Very high-regarded bands from the classic rock era have been covered by Gary from Rush and Yes to Kansas and Journey. Gary was a long-term guitar player for Time Machine and is admired by all his musical peers for his skills and precision. Gary has touched many youngsters’ musical journeys as well as he has a constant booking of seventy students per week.
Guitarist/Pianist Phil Williams grew up in Marshall County at Grassy and learned to swim in Lake Guntersville. Phil has played music since age five and has been in many groups including the popular American band “Summertime” and toured extensively in Europe. Phil has had the honor to be in Percy Sledge’s band and has been in bands that opened for big names such as Three Dog Night, Regina Bell, and the Manhattans.
If weather is threatening, check MVAC on Facebook or their website mvacarts.org the afternoon of the concert. Who knows if you’ll need a fan, a blanket, or an umbrella!
Plan to stay in town to hear the Little German Band on Friday night and Saturday in Lake City Fall Fest music line-up at Errol Allan Park. Saturday will include Guntersville School Elementary Choir and High School Jazz Band, Soul Survivor, with Pat Upton, Jr. In fact, just block out the whole weekend for a lot of music and fun!
Mountain Valley Arts Council will host the Little German Band on FRIDAY night, October 13th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park as a lead-in to the weekend of festivities at Lake City FallFest. Bring your fans, folding chairs, and friends. Concessions and door prizes will available, and several downtown restaurants will stay open so you can pick up box dinners as the concert starts. If by some chance you miss them, you’ll have another chance to hear them Saturday during the FallFest music line-up at Errol Allan Park that includes Guntersville School Elementary Choir and High School Jazz Band, Soul Survivor, with Pat Upton, Jr. Just block out the whole weekend for a lot of music and fun!
Here are the talented musicians who make up the Little German Band.
Amy Bonnett has spent a lifetime performing. As an accomplished flute and piccolo player, she toured Europe with the American Youth Symphonic Band and Chorus. Serving in the U.S. Air Force afforded Amy the opportunity to learn several languages as part of her training, which has allowed her to perform many songs in German, French, Spanish and Russian. Since arriving in the Tennessee Valley, she has regularly participated in various music venues, and performs as a vocalist for several groups to include Huntsville’s Little German Band and the Twickenham Jazz & Swing Band.
Frank Caravella’s career began in Las Vegas when he was 18 years old. He moved to Reno the next year and played at various venues until graduating from College. He has continued to play at various events for 40 years. In 2018, he bought the latest electronic accordion (Roland F8X) and decided to truly resurrect his musical offering. Also in 2018, he was elected the President of the Alabama Accordion Association and has been the leader in accordion education and performances throughout Alabama since that time.
Greg Duke was an Alabama All-State musician on the Tenor Saxophone for three years.He is also a McDonald's All-American Bandsman on the Tenor Saxophone and was one of two people who represented the state of Alabama in that 104-piece band. He has played in Carnegie Hall. Greg is also a singer who has a baritone voice.
John Lovelady is a retired engineer that performs trumpet/coronet in various groups including the Scottsboro Community Band, Brass Band of Huntsville, Poco Curante jazz ensemble, Twickenham Swing Band, as well as plays and works with students in the music program at Northeast Alabama Community College (NEAC). John learned trumpet at Scottsboro High school and marched with the Southerners in his freshman year of college. Over the past 40 years John has performed innumerous Broadway musicals with the NEAC drama department, jazz competitions and concerts, most notably at the 40-year anniversary of Elvis's 1975 concert in at the VBCC.
Elena Ontiveros is the founder of and principal teaching artist at The Studio for Music and Theatre Arts LLC. She received dual degrees from the University of Mississippi, a BFA in Musical Theatre and a BA in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy and has been teaching music and theatre ever since returning home to Madison in 2018. Along with teaching, Ms. Ontiveros has fifteen years of experience performing in the community with a wide variety of community theatre groups, as well as on-screen in three feature films. This is Ms. Ontiveros’s third year singing with Huntsville's Little German Band, and she cannot wait for all the fun excitement that will unfold this 2023 Oktoberfest season.
Tom Pallardy is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist and covers the spectrum of American Music performing piano, flute, organ, saxophone, and vocals for Huntsville’s Little German Band.
Stacy Morris is the Director of Instrumental Ensembles at Northeast Alabama Community College. He holds a B.M. and M. M. from the University of Alabama and has been an active professional musician for 30 years.
Randy Taylor started playing drums for movie star Mike Sheehy back in early 1990’s with his Moonlighters Band wearing lederhosen and playing German folk music. Huntsville’s Little German Band was assembled to play at The Biergarten around 2010 at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center and since then playing for Oktoberfests in Alabama and Georgia.
If weather is threatening, check MVAC on Facebook or their website mvacarts.org the afternoon of the concert. Who knows if you’ll need a fan, a blanket, or an umbrella!
Mountain Valley Arts Council will host the Liz & The Grand Tour on Thursday, October 19th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in Guntersville. Bring your fans, folding chairs, friends, and dancing shoes. Concessions and door prizes will available, and you can pick up your dinner and drinks at several downtown restaurants and bars.
Michael Panepento, Music Supervisor for The Fennec said, "Liz and the Grand Tour were one of the acts I booked for our venue opening week in August 2021. I cannot say enough about this band. Professional, amazing players, incredible harmonies and great song list. This is a casino quality show that takes the audience on a trip thru the history of country music, From the beginning of country music to the present day “pop” country, this band delivers a show that rivals anything I have booked in the last 25 years. A real winner, book this show, you will not be disappointed."
If weather is threatening, check MVAC on Facebook or their website mvacarts.org the afternoon of the concert. Who knows if you’ll need a fan, a blanket, or an umbrella!
May 11, 2023 - Emily Joseph Band
The Emily Joseph Band performs a variety of cover songs from the 1970s to Top 10 hits of today. With 20 plus years of experience in live performing, Emily Joseph Band’s strong vocals, musicianship, and ability to command the attention of an audience is exceptional.
Emily’s outstanding vocal talent and enthusiastic stage presence presents an exciting and entertaining performance from start to finish. Emily’s early beginnings as a jazz vocalist gave her an appreciation for all types of music.
As Emily’s vocal abilities developed, she found that she could take any song, melody, or lyric and make it her own. Singing professionally since she was 13 years old, she started performing in dinner clubs, but once she performed with a high-energy show band, she found her place in the entertainment business.
Always giving 100% for an audience, her confidence radiates during her performances, and her wide range and strong voice allows her to make an audience marvel at her ability.
Emily’s experience was honed and polished by her long partnership with the late Rudy Mockabee, formerly with The Drifters. The band honors Rudy’s memory by carrying on his tradition of class, tastefulness, and excellence in music that is now their own standard.
The Emily Joseph Band performs for a wide variety of venues and private events including large festivals/outside concert venues, weddings, corporate functions, and casino events.
May 18, 2023 - Southern Heart
Southern Heart’s music consists of a variety of Country, Southern Rock and Blues, heavily influenced by Southern Gospel and Bluegrass.
The band has seven members: Loretta Yeager of Mood on vocals, guitar, and keyboard, Robbie Lawson of Guntersville on vocals and guitar, Lonnie Cardwell of Blountsville on vocals and lead guitar, Dale Hyatt of Pell City on vocals and guitar, Dan Patterson of Blountsville on fiddle, banjo, mandolin, Hank Casey of Oneonta on Bass, and Johnny Hill of Russellville on drums.
Each member has a deep musical history spanning as far back as the late 70s. Some of the earlier musical experiences included television performance on the Country Boy Eddie Show, singing on stage with Bill Monroe in the 80s, playing Bluegrass festivals, opening for David Allan Coe in the 90s, and traveling and singing Southern Gospel.
May 25th - Kingfish
Kingfish is a Birmingham band that plays Blues, Rhythm and Blues, and Soul. They have been on the scene since the early 2000’s when it spun off from the R&B group Dick’s Hat Band, which was, well, that tight! Mike Lawley and John Jackson came from the previous group and formed the core of the new group Kingfish.
Mike Lawley, originally from Pelham, AL is the primary lead vocalist. He is known as a super soulful singer, and his funk and blues guitar playing is superb. His early inspirations included Freddie King, B.B. King, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. He spent time in Muscle Shoals and Nashville playing sessions and co-writing with the likes of Johnny Wyker and Waylon Jennings.
Tim Boykin grew up as an Army brat who lived all over after being born in Birmingham. His influences include Lightnin’ Hopkins Jimmy Reed, B.B. King, Slim Harpo, Sam and Dave, Jerry Lee Lewis and Gene Vincent. He has performed with the the Lolas, Topper Price and the Upsetters, the Tim Boykin Blues Band, Carnival Season, the Shame Idols, Shar Baby, and more. As well as being an excellent rock/pop vocalist, Tim adds sizzling hot guitar virtuosity to take the band over the top.
John Jackson, originally from Nashville, is nuanced and solid! His father was his biggest inspiration for getting into music and was bassist with the Nashville Symphony for 25 years or so, so there was always music in their home. Although “they are too numerous to list”, his personal influences include James Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, and of course David Hood. He has worked locally with Dick‘s Hat Band, the Cast, Kingfish, and the Negotiators and has subbed for many others, as well as having done several album sessions for Ross Roberts an Front Row Recording Studios in Birmingham.
Steve Sample, Jr. , drummer, was born in Tuscaloosa and raised by the famous Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Alabama, Steve Sample, Sr. Steve Junior has performed with the Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddly, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Dizzy Gillespie, and Mose Allison. He collaborated with Marc Philips in Split the Dark, Groove Daddy and Soul Commission. He is currently on staff at Grace Point Church in Pelham. He brings an uncanny combination of feeling and precision to the mix.
Mike Rives is on keyboards and is from Albertville, Alabama. One of his early influences was his uncle DeLeath Rives, band director at Gadsden High School. He a huge supporter of the JSU Marching Southerners. Mike’s early professional years were spent mostly on trombone but he’s on keyboards now.
Looking back at the Fall Concerts in the Park series - September 22 - October 28, 2022
Over 1,200 people attended this series of six concerts held mid-September through the end of October in Errol Allan Park at the intersection of Gunter Avenue (AL Highway 431 South) and Taylor Street in Guntersville. Concessions were available, and nearby restaurants offered food and drink for takeout to the concert, and fun door prizes for donations added to the musical festivities.
Emily joseph band - september 22nd, 2022
Riverview Campground, Host & Site for
Hanks Gill & Bellows Band - Saturday 24th, 2022 7 - 10 PM
Uncle Shuffelo & the Haint Hollow Hootenanny - September 29th, 2022
JED EYE - October 6th, 2022 (thursday,right before Lake city fallfest weekend)
TOSHA HILL - October 13th, 2022
Barefoot Blues - October 20th, 2022
everyday people - October 27th, 2022
Concert info for musicians
If you’re interested, email us at info@mvacarts.org or mail us a letter at 440 Gunter Avenue, Guntersville, AL 35976 with the following:
Brief description of yourself/band and your musical genre
Picture(s) of yourself, your band, and/or your band logo for social media and print promotions
CD containing examples of your music with at least 3 songs
Contact Info including name, address, phone, email, website
FREE MVAC CONCERTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
Spring Concerts in the Park series - Mid-April through late May, Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM - in Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville at intersection of Gunter Avenue (HWY 431 South) and Taylor Street
4th of July Concert - Usually 6 - 9 PM in Civitan Park on the Jeff Cook Stage, Sunset Drive in Guntersville, Stay for Fireworks Event at starts at 9 PM
Fall Concerts in the Park - Mid- September - Late October Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Lake City FallFest concerts - October 8, 2022 in Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville at intersection of Gunter Avenue (HWY 431 South) and Taylor Street; Guntersville’s Downtown Merchants Association hosts Lake City FallFest which includes concessions, arts and crafts vendor booths, store sales, and children’s games. Musical groups perform throughout the day adding music to the air. You’ll also find wagon and train rides, scarecrows, snacks, and games such as MVAC’s pumpkin bowling.
Night Before Christmas music - December - In early December, Guntersville’s Downtown Merchants Association hosts a Night Before Christmas celebration with performances by area bands and school choirs. Individual businesses host musicians in their stores. You’ll also find carriage rides, visits with Santa, ice skating, holiday games, photo booth, snacks, and lots of potential holiday presents to purchase. At the MVAC Gallery, you’ll find the Photo Booth where you can have a holiday picture made in front of a festive holiday quilt.