Music to your ears—Upcoming Music Events You Shouldn’t Miss In The Shoals Area

Concert Goers Dancing
This could be you at one of these festivals! Photo via Vishnurnair for Unsplash.com

Muscle Shoals, Alabama is named “The Hit recording capital of the World” because of the remarkable Fame Recording Studio. This Studio has been visited by prominent musicians in the industry, such as Aretha Franklin, The Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett, and many more. The city has been well-known for the studio and music in general since the 60s. With that being said, there is no surprise that, even to this day, music is a highly important part of living in the Shoals. So, let’s take a look at the upcoming music events and festivals in the area for 2021!

1. Saddle-Up for St. Jude

Saddle Up Lineup
Saddle Up for St. Jude Lineup. Photo via Saddle up for St. Jude Alabama on Facebook.
  • When: July 15 – July 16
  • Where: Gardiner Farm — 85 Underwood Road, Tuscumbia, AL

This will be the 25th annual Saddle-Up for St. Jude event in the Shoals Area! There will be exciting trail rides that stretch to over 3000 acres, great food, and most importantly, local musicians for the family to enjoy. This is an event that is sure to be full of entertainment, so there is no other place you’d rather be than here! Apart from having an amazing weekend eating, trail riding, and dancing to live music, all proceeds will also be donated to St. Jude.  The concert line-up is as follows: Shenandoah on Thursday night at 8:30 pm, T. Graham Brown on Friday night at 8:30 pm, and Clint Black on Saturday night at 8:00 pm.

Purchase tickets here!

2. WC Handy Music Festival

Wc Hardy Music Festival Lineup
W.C. Handy Music Festival Poster. Photo via WC Handy Music Festival on Facebook.
  • When: July 23 – August 1
  • Where: 409 N. Court St., Ste. 11, Florence, AL.

Get ready for an all-week celebration! WC Handy Music Festival honors the history and heritage of Northwest Alabama and is heavily focused on the impact that William Christopher Handy, a Florence-born musician also known as the “Father of Blues”, had on music. There will be events hosted throughout the Shoals and, of course, amazing concerts for the music lovers in the area. Check out their Facebook for updates!

3. The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Artist Showcase

Music Hall Of Fame Poster
Music Hall of Fame info poster. Photo via Alabama Music Hall of Fame on Facebook.
  • When: July 31st from 1pm — 10pm
  • Where: Alabama Music Hall of Fame — Highway 72 West, Tuscumbia, AL.

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame will be hosting an artist showcase on Saturday, July 31st! This will be a night filled with incredible, talented musicians who came to share their sounds with the Shoals! A couple musicians performing at the showcase are Howell Sledge, Mic Stan, and Justin Miller; However, there are many more artists who are excited to showcase their talent. Come out & support!  Tickets can be purchased here.

4. Shoals Southern Music Festival

Southern Soul Music Festival Poster
Shoals Summer Soul Lineup. Photo via Shoals Summer Soul Music Festival on Facebook.
  • When: August 14 from 12:30pm-9pm
  • Where: McFarland Park — 200 James M Spain Dr., Florence, AL

Come attend the 1st ever Shoals Southern Soul Music Festival! It will be held at the beautiful McFarland Park, which sits right on the edge of the Tennessee River. King South, Big Robb, Calvin Richardson, and Sir Charles Jones will be bringing soul to the Shoals at this music festival! Visit their site for more information and ticket prices.


With all these choices, we know you’ll find just the show for you!

What’s another Alabama music event you’d like to see us cover? Tag us @thebamabuzz and let us know!

Daeja Coleman
Daeja Coleman
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