FLORENCE – Local performers Thad & Company, Lilly Hiatt and Billy Allen and the Pollies will be on stage when the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area hosts its first Black Friday concert, 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 25, at the Shoals Theatre, in Florence.
Tickets are $25 and are available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7993060/black-friday-fundraiser-florence-shoals-theatre. Proceeds will benefit the Muscle Shoals Music Camp and other MSNHA-supported music programming across its six counties.
This past summer, the MSNHA partnered with UNA’s School of the Arts and the Department of Entertainment Industry to host the first Muscle Shoals Music Camp. Campers spent the week working on song writing, learning about the music business and recording songs. They also visited FAME Studios, Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the W.C. Handy Museum and wrapped up the week with a W.C. Handy Music Festival performance at the Mane Room.
“We are excited about expanding the camp in 2023 to include more students and to increase the number of musicians and song writers in our community who help facilitate the different camp sessions. This fundraiser will help us build our capacity and to enhance the camp experience,” said MSNHA director Carrie Crawford.
Details of the 2023 camp are being finalized and will be announced soon. Visit muscleshoalsmusiccamp.com for application deadlines and camp information.
“The MSNHA also sponsors many music events around our community, and funds raised at this event will allow us to sponsor even more,” Crawford added. “Preserving the rich history of Muscle Shoals Music is essential – as is helping to keep the regional music culture of today thriving.”
A partnership program of the National Park Service, National Heritage Areas recognize regions throughout the country that help tell America’s story. The MSNHA is hosted by the University of North Alabama and focuses on the themes of music, Native Americans and the Tennessee River. Email msnha@una.edu & visit msnha.una.edu for more information.
Media Release/Cathy Wood/MSNHA media coordinator
