FLORENCE– Florence-Lauderdale Tourism has launched a new visitor-value program called the Muscle Shoals Backstage Pass. Along with receiving discounts at several attractions, patrons of the program will learn about legendary recording studios and attractions that have made The Shoals famous.
The program features iconic studios, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, W.C. Handy Home & Museum and Swampers Bar & Grille at the Marriott Shoals. The Hall of Fame has a vast collection of memorabilia and recognition of the best Alabama hit-makers. Swampers hosts live music every night with a gallery of Shoals legends on the walls of the restaurant and bar. Additionally, the WC Handy Home is a Florence landmark that celebrates one of the most prolific songwriters and composers in American history.
The Muscle Shoals Backstage Pass is available at the Florence-Lauderdale Visitor Center, Muscle Shoals Sound and the 
Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The six locations that visitors can tour are Muscle Shoals Sound, FAME Studios, Cypress Moon Studios, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, WC Handy Home & Museum and Swampers Bar & Grille. Patrons will receive a free Backstage Pass t-shirt after visiting any three attractions and with a chance to win the grand prize after visiting all six attractions. Patrons will receive a customized sticker, which will be applied to the attraction they have visited.
“Our studios are known worldwide, and the music recorded here has made the soundtracks and playlists of millions,” said Rob Carnegie, CEO for Florence-Lauderdale Tourism. “This is part of our recovery plan (from COVID-19), but we hope this campaign will be around a long time to help visitors navigate our music attractions and stay longer in The Shoals.”
Rob Carnegie
Sponsors of the program include the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. “The popularity of our local music attractions and the history of Muscle Shoals Music continues to grow vastly. This marketing tool is a great way to increase the foot traffic of the music lover even more by providing them a more comprehensive map of the incredible music attractions we have in the Shoals area. Plus, it is a great souvenir for both the tourist and resident too,” said Sandra Burroughs, Executive Director at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Carnegie said, “We’re incredibly grateful to the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame for their support. We have fantastic partners from all across the Shoals area, making this work.”
More details of the program can be found at www.muscleshoalsBSP.com. Visitors are encouraged to share their journey on social media by using the hashtag, #muscleshoalsBSP.
For more information on the backstage pass, please contact Rob Carnegie or Randa Hovater at (256) 740-4141.
Media Release/Randa Hovater
Manager, Media Relations/Social Media/Florence-Lauderdale Tourism
