By Lindsey Petrossi

The Huntsville music scene has been known to be quite desolate for many years, especially compared to places such as Austin or Dallas. Sure there have been a few good concerts here and there, however, for the most part a person would have to get lucky to find a good show around this area…until now.

There have been changes over the last year that has increased the level of music entertainment for the community. These new developments are becoming a tradition in the Huntsville and will continue for years to come. The music scene in this area is finally blossoming and will give more students incentives to attend Sam Houston State University.

Some of the local clubs and bars around Huntsville have been featuring slightly more famous artists than in the past. The Jolly Fox and Shenanigans in Huntsville have featured different rising music artists. Some of the more well-known talents are acts such as: The Randy Rogers Band, the Eli Young Band, and Roger Creager.

Matthew Byrd, a freshman at SHSU, attended the Randy Rogers Band show at the Jolly Fox, said the atmosphere at the Jolly Fox was superb.

“Going to the Jolly Fox the night of the concert verses other nights itself made the venue feel more alive,” he said. “Seeing Randy Rogers on stage in Huntsville gave the sense that Huntsville is growing and giving its inhabitants a more cultured experience.”

Besides bringing in musicians on tour, another addition to the Huntsville music scene is the development of Open Mic Nite at Lizard’s Pool Hall. It happens every Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to midnight.

Colin De Los Santos, the coordinator of Open Mic Nite at Lizard’s, said this is a great opportunity for local musicians to showcase their diverse talents. He actually is a performer and plays there almost every show.

“We have a plethora of talent ranging from country to hip-hop, reggae to jazz, poetry to punk, it's all there,” he said.

Santos also has a lot of faith that Open Mic Nite is beneficial to both the musician and the community.

“I think it allows an opportunity for residents of the Huntsville community to not only come and express their various talents, but also allows the community to come and enjoy a night of great music, beer and ambiance,” he said.

When asked about the importance of a music scene to a college community, Santos said it can add to many personal and economic aspects. He really emphasizes how music itself, is truly at the center of it all.

“Name me one person that says ‘Man, I hate live music!’”, he said. “A Music scene in a college town can spark many things. It can bring culture and diversity to a town. It can bring tourism and help the economy of a college town, etc.”

Santos said he invites anyone with an open mind to come and check out Open Mic Nite.

“If students are interested in a homey atmosphere where good people come for good music and a good time, then Open Mic Nite is the spot to be,” he said.

The newest development to the Huntsville music scene is the monthly show at the Old Town Theatre. The Old Town Theatre, formally known as the Gibbs Center for Performing Arts, located in the downtown square on 12th street.

SHSU’s Student Government Association had been working on this project for a while and finally made it a reality. Under the leadership of SGA President, Chris Whitaker, the Old Town Theatre now showcases a variety of musical talent for the community’s enjoyment. It’s first show was October 5. Whitaker himself has worked very hard on the project for the Old Town Theatre.

Whitaker said that an unknown fact about Huntsville is that it had a strong music scene during the 1970s.

“The music scene and the Old Town Theater were linked long before I got here,” he said. “In the 70's Huntsville was the music capital and people from Houston and College Station would come here for the live music. Huntsville's always had a great music scene, but everyone might not have known it.”

Whitaker also said that Huntsville itself has a personal aspect to outside talent.

“Huntsville has been blessed with an ability to attract talent and we
should take advantage of that,” he said.

There have been numerous acts that have already frequented the Old Town Theatre and showcased their talents. Some of these bands tour Texas frequently.

“We've been doing a different genre each month,” he said. “So far, we've had The Last Great Assault, Jimamo, Falling North, Colin De Los Santos, Adam Rodgers, Rodger Sellers, Tim Qualls, 19 1/2 Street Band, and Brad Basker playing on stage.”

Next month’s show on January 18 will feature bands of the hip hop genre. The show will start at 8 a.m.

“Next month we're doing hip-hop and we've got commitments from Justin Baylor and KP to do the show. We're still putting the January show together so that list is going to grow,” he said.

The Hip Hop show in January will also be featured on cable television.

When asked about the importance of a music scene in a college environment, Whitaker said music emphasizes a practical purpose and is a pleasurable experience for people to do together.

“For practical purposes, a strong music scene gives something for students and residents to do,” he said. “Music is something that brings people together, and you can't quantify something like that.”

Whitaker said that ultimately this project is about the community, and he has already noticed some changes from the Old Town Theatre project. He also thinks that more positive things may come from the project in the future.

“It's too soon to tell, but certainly a more positive relationship between the music scene and the Huntsville Community,” he said. “I also think by building the relationships between the scene and the downtown we're going to see big things from out of that. The project isn't just about the shows, it's about building the community.”

Overall, the music scene in Huntsville is developing to adhere to tastes of both college students and the local community. With events flourishing such as Open Mic Nite and the Old Town Theatre, the scene is growing and the culture of Huntsville is changing. With the addition of musical entertainment in the community, students at Sam Houston State University can find new ways to entertain themselves as well as broadening their music library.

Whitaker said that these new events illustrate the strong effect music really has on a personal level.

“Music is powerful in itself,” he said.