The Upcoming 2025 Concert Series

Spring Concerts in the Park

This series will run on Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Errol Allan Park at the corner of Gunter Avenue (HWY 431-South) and Taylor Street in downtown Guntersville from April 17 through May 22nd.

Mark your calendars and bring your friends, chairs, and fans or blankets! If bad weather is looming, we will post any change of venue here and on Facebook and will most likely relocate to the Guntersville Town Hall on Blount Avenue.

April 17 - Jed Eye
April 24 - Foster
May 1 - Barefoot Blues
May 8 - Big Daddy Kingfish
May 15 - Emily Joseph
May 22 - Rally Stripe Band

April 17 - Jed Eye

April 24 - Foster

Foster shares 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. Now, just imagine with two more talented and experienced band members!

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. And more!

May 1 - Barefoot Blues

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. 

May 8 - Big Daddy Kingfish

Big Daddy Kingfish has plays a variety of music in the Tennessee Valley area for over since 1997. The band includes Bryan Williams on drums/vocals, Tom White on bass guitar/vocals, Scottie Roberson on guitar/vocals, and Larry Mount on keyboards/vocals.

Larry trained in classical, blues and many other genres on piano, trumpet and bass guitar as a youth.  His playing has influences from five decades of musical history. He has been recording, performing and producing country, rock, R&B and original projects for over 35 years. He toured in the eighties with PocketFire from the Midwest and opened for the bands such as Autograph, with booking through Minneapolis-based Variety Excelsior. Larry loves to collaborate with other artists, and he continues developing relationships with producers/engineers in the immediate and extended areas. Music is his life’s passion. He strives to improve and share his abilities with the world, one day at a time.

Bryan Williams started playing drums at age 10, studied Drums, Music Theory, and Percussion at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama A&M, and The Percussion Institute of Technology in Hollywood, California. Bryan has been teaching drums in North Alabama for the past 20 years. Check out www.bdrums.com for more drum stuff, lesson info, and pictures. Bryan continues to study, perform, and teach music. Jazz, Rock, Dance, Jazz band, Praise band, Funk, Blues, Latin, Godspell, New Wave, Americana, Metal, Oldies, 80's, 90's, 2000's, and original music. He doesn’t get bored!

May 15 - Emily Joseph

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 performing live, 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.

May 22 - Rally Stripe Band

This will be Rally Stripe Band’s first performance on the Errol Allan Park stage hosted by Mountain Valley Arts Council. Rally Stripe was formed by a group of friends gathered to play just from the fun of it. About a month later, it made its debut performance — taking the stage at Decatur’s Riverfest. Rally Stripe has played at Cullman OktoberFest, Goat Island Brewing, The Brick, Cross-Eyed Owl and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Rally Stripe focuses on music that is not the standard list for cover bands. They include those lesser chosen, but killer songs people know and love.

The band, consisting of Ken Looney of Decatur on vocals, Susan Thompson of Decatur on vocals, David Mixon of Decatur on lead and rhythm guitar, Jeremy Sharp of Athens on bass, Michael Poovey of Decatur on drums, and Bill Whitmer of Decatur on keyboard. Here’s more about the individual band members.

Ken Looney

Ken was surrounded by singing in his home, the family car, at camp, really anywhere. His first memory of singing for an audience is as a 9-year-old in church, and he went on to singing in school choirs, school shows, and at community events. While at Auburn, Ken sang in the AU Concert Choir and AU Singers and was a founding member of worship ensemble at his university church. He has been lucky to sing locally in quartets, and in benefit and commercial productions for local theatre and art centers. He’s enjoyed singing timeless music in cover bands for over 25 years with a lot of great friends who are also excellent musicians. Music is healing and exhilarating and he can not imagine a better way to spend his time.

Susan Thompson

Music has such deep roots in Susan’s family that she can’t remember a time when she wasn’t surrounded by singing, playing instruments, and listening to a wide range of musical genres. Susan grew up singing in her church choirs, high school choirs and ensembles, the Auburn Concert Choir, Auburn University Singers, community choruses, and in various local community groups promoting the arts. She has spent over 40 years devoting time to community and school theatre in the North Alabama area as an actor, director, and teacher. Being on the stage in a band has been a new and exhilarating experience for her and she says, “I never dreamed I would ever have an opportunity to sing with a band, much less sing the songs that I’ve listened to and loved over the years!”

David Mixon

David started playing guitar in my twenties and never looked back. He played in a lot of garage bands until his skill reached a point where he could play with this fine group of musicians. David loves all kinds of music and finds playing in a band very rewarding. He gets to meet a lot of great people and have a lot of fun, not to mention being able to buy some cool gear.

Jeremy Sharp

Music was always around while growing up. Some of my earliest memories is listen to my Mom’s old 45’s and 8 tracks on the old console stereo at my Grandmother’s house. My start into play music was 6 th grade where I began playing trumpet. When I got to the 9th grade and was playing in the High School Jazz band the bass guitar captured my imagination and started playing it the following summer. After graduating from high school, I spent 2 years playing trumpet on scholarship in the Calhoun Jazz band. Since then, I’ve played in multiple bands around North Alabama in most every club for the last 25 years.

Michael Poovey

I developed a fascination with live music at an early age of 8 years old and specifically the drum kit when I first saw Peter Criss with the rock band Kiss. Love of music grew into a wide variety of genres, R&;B, Pop, Rock, Country and alternative. Went to college on a music scholarship and played in various bands and groups from Tuscaloosa, through Birmingham, North Alabama and Nashville. It’s a passion that has been with me for nearly 50 years.

Bill Whitmer started taking piano lessons when he was 7 years old, inspired by his grandmother who played piano in church. He picked up trumpet in middle school. While attending Auburn, he marched in the band and added piano performance. He has enjoyed passing on his love for music to his daughters and believes music is a gift. He loves being in this band and sharing music with others.

The Spring and 4th of July concerts are partially funded by a $3,000 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts as well as donations from attendees, MVAC members, corporate sponsors, and the City of Guntersville.

Fall Concerts in the Park

This series will run on Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:30 PM in Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville from September 23rd through October 30th.

Sept 25 Jake Leg Stompers
Oct 2 Country Case
Oct 9 The Groove

Oct 16 Hard On Chickens
Oct 23 Triple Play
Oct 30 Tosha Hill

Mark your calendars and bring your friends, chairs, and fans or blankets! If bad weather is looming, we will post any change of venue here and on Facebook.

A Glance Back at Previous MVAC Concerts

2024 Fall Concerts in the Park

October 3 - Country Case Band

Country Case claims Albertville as home and has been performing for 15 years and counting, including performances at Papa Dubi’s Restaurant and Legends in Albertville. Trent Slaton is the lead vocalist.

October 10 - Hard Hearted

Mountain Valley Arts Council will host Hard Hearted for the first time on Thursday, October 10th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville. Bring your fan, folding chairs and friends. Leena’s Rolling Kitchen will provide concessions

Hard Hearted was formed in Feb. 2022 as a trio to fulfill at the request of a club owner for a one-off show. The audience response was so good that they were asked back for another. The magic was there, so they decided to add another guitar to fatten the sound. The band now includes Dusty Smith on guitar and lead vocals, Dallas Martin on drums, Nick Benet on guitar and vocals, and David Terrell on bass and vocals.  All members had familiarity with each other from being in other bands, so blending together was quite natural. Now, they are ready to spread their joy through music to the world. 

Any change in venue due to bad weather will appear on MVAC’s Facebook page and MVAC’s website, mvacarts.org Thursday afternoon – most likely to Guntersville Town Hall on Blount Avenue.

October 17 - Groove from Huntsville

Mountain Valley Arts Council will feature the Huntsville-based band Groove for the first time in its free Fall Concerts in the Park on Thursday, October 17th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville. Bring your dance shoes, fans, folding chairs, and friends. Lena’s Rolling Kitchen food truck will be on-site.

Any change in venue due to harsh weather will be posted on MVAC’s Facebook page and MVAC’s website, mvacarts.org.

The band Groove got its start back in January 2007. Since then, they have refined the band lineup to include both male and female lead vocalists which provides the versatility to play a wide variety of 60s to present day dance-pop and funk cover standards.

The band is composed of Toni Hamilton on vocals, Lawrence Crawford on guitar and vocals, David Hughes on bass and vocals, Derrik Anderson on drums, Danny Bealer/Xavier Newsome on keyboards and vocals.

Come on out and groove with us! Thank you to generous MVAC members, the City of Guntersville, and the Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce, and concert attendees for making this concert series free to the whole community.

October 24 - emily joseph band

Mountain Valley Arts Council will host the Emily Joseph Band, a favorite, on Thursday, October 24th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville. Bring your folding chairs and friends. Leena’s Rolling Kitchen will provide concessions

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, Emily’s confidence radiates during her performances, and her wide range and strong voice allows her to make an audience marvel at her versatility.

Any change in venue due to bad weather will appear on MVAC’s Facebook page and MVAC’s website, mvacarts.org Thursday afternoon - most likely the Guntersville Town Hall on Blount Avenue.

This Fall concert series is free to the public because due to public donations at the concerts, generous MVAC members and corporate sponsors and the City of Guntersville.

October 31 - Kingfish is a Birmingham band that plays Blues, Rhythm and Blues, and Soul

Kingfish has 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 central figure and primary lead vocalist of the group. 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.  Born in Birmingham, he has lived all over the USA, and in the Panama Canal Zone. 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 others.  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! Just the foundation needed. 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 “there 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. was born in Tuscaloosa and reared 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 calloborated 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 spent his early years playing piano and trombone and his youth playing Jazz and Pop standards with local combos around his native Albertville. He went on to tour with the well-known regional horn band, Cross and later was a key member of Rock and Pop bands including Oasis, Cloud, Buddy Causey and Cross, the Homestead Act, PJ’s House Band, the Blades, the Possum Blonds, PhD’licious, The Tuscaloosa Nite Spots, ULA, Flashback Live, and Liz and the Grand Tour. His day job, after a Masters in Biomedical Engineering, was in engineering and management at hospitals including VA, The Children’s Hospital, UAB, and DCH. He has provided community service music for the Unitarian Universalist Church, the DCH Volunteer Choir,And Temple Emanu-El.  

Opening Concert on September 26th - Tosha Hill band

Mountain Valley Arts Council will open its free Fall Concerts in the Park with Tosha Hill on Thursday, September 26th from 6:30 – 8:30 PM at Errol Allan Park in downtown Guntersville. Bring your fans, folding chairs, and friends.  Real Tacos food truck will be on-site.

Tosha Hill has been a crowd favorite at MVAC concerts for the past two years.  Alabama singer/songwriter Tosha Hill unleashes Shoals soul while staying true to her country roots in her debut EP, Forty Miles, a collection of 5 songs co-written with her father, Billy. A regular at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe, Tosha has also had co-writes with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers: John Oates (Hall & Oates), Spooner Oldham, and Brenda Lee (Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree). She has shared the stage with Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, John Paul White (Civil Wars), Randy Owen (Alabama), Shenandoah, and Lonestar.

Matt Wake of AL.com says, "Tosha Hill has mononym-level talent. As a roots-music singer, she’s got such pure tone and feel they - if combined with the right songs, business and luck – could maybe make a woman not just known but known by just one name. As in Dolly. Emmylou. Ronstadt. Hill is that special on the mic, as heard on her new EP, “Forty Miles.” The five-song set is one of the best Americana recordings you’ll hear this year by an artist under the age of 30."

Tosha’s musical journey started from performing at churches in her hometown of Muscle Shoals to honing and crafting her talents in the legendary recording studios among the originators of the Muscle Shoals Sound. Those echoes of inspiration resonate to this day leaving its lasting influence on her as a young, new artist and her music. Having walked in the footsteps of some of music’s greatest performers, she exhibits an exceptional presence onstage that leaves the audiences wanting more. Tosha used a work ethic and support from her dad to cultivate a sound that is pleasing just as much as it is original.

Any change in venue due to bad weather will be posted on MVAC’s Facebook page and MVAC’s website, mvacarts.org.

Thank you to generous MVAC members, the City of Guntersville, and the Lake Guntersville Chamber of Commerce, and concert attendees for making this concert series possible.

JULY 4TH CONCERT

ON JEFF COOK STAGE AT CIVITAN PARK

Good Vibe Tribe

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.