President’s Message – January 2026
I am honored and very happy to be part of this wonderful organization as we celebrate 60 years of enjoying and supporting traditional music in the Tennessee Valley. I’ve enjoyed meeting and learning from so many fine musicians and music lovers. Since I was old enough to buy a record, I’ve been aware of and fascinated by the deep, rich traditions of Southern music and its huge contributions to American music, and now I’m getting an inside, close-up view of it.
Over the past few months, I’ve been asking everyone I know, “What does the term ‘traditional music' mean to you? What comes to mind when you hear the term?” Many folks responded with “folk music” or “country music” or “blues.” Other folks said something like, “Well, it depends.” My daughter said, “You mean, like Christmas music?” Others look to more ancient forms, like traditional Irish or Scottish music, that are the origins of American country and bluegrass. Some will argue that jazz is America’s truest musical art form, with its African influences. Where does rock’n’roll fit into all this? And isn’t it remarkable how much great music came from the South?
I may be one of the least knowledgeable people when it comes to traditional music, unless you count artists like Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, and the Grateful Dead as traditional (which I do!). This begs the questions, “Does music have to be old to be traditional? If so, how old? What about more contemporary music that builds on earlier traditional forms, that is destined to become the traditional music of the future?”
I’m in this club because I love good music, listening to it and playing it. Like many kids growing up in the sixties, I wanted to play guitar and be in a band because well, the Beatles. I got a cheap plastic battery-powered guitar and amp when I was eleven years old and have been playing ever since.
My wife Paty and I had the opportunity to live in Naples, Italy for seven years while I worked for the Navy. One day while strolling the Old City, we came across a luthier shop that made traditional Italian instruments. I always had learning to play mandolin in the back of my mind, so before we left Italy, I gave myself a souvenir present of a beautiful Neapolitan style mandolin, the type that has a big, round “belly.” When we came back to Alabama, I picked up a more modern, conventional f-style mandolin. Still lots of work to do there.
HTMA has three main goals for this year:
Become more financially self-sufficient. In 2024, the officers of HTMA made the big decision to take on a lease for a studio at Lowe Mill. The move was supported by a few individuals who made substantial donations to cover expenses for the initial year or so. Our cash position is pretty good at this point, but going forward we need to take responsibility for the costs of keeping our non-profit thriving.
Bring more benefits to the membership in terms of events and opportunities, and hold more events at the studio. Jani Cross Carter will continue to bring in great talent with the popular monthly Coffeehouse Concert Series. Former HTMA president Mike Ball plans to continue his free Behind the Music shows, where he brings in local artists for an evening of conversation and music. This month, Phil Searcy recruited Don and Kay Corder to perform a free John Prine tribute show. In February, we’ll have a Member-Sponsored concert featuring the amazing Ancient Tones. I’ll take credit for that one, but we want to encourage you, as a member, to consider sponsoring a show of your own. Bring your ideas to the Board, and we’ll help to make it happen.
Increase our presence in the Tennessee Valley music community. The Huntsville music scene is thriving. Our unique position affords us the opportunity to establish the club as a destination for local and traveling artists. I can envision a future when musicians seek us out for a chance to play on our stage, get some exposure, and entertain our members and friends. Please encourage your music-loving friends of all ages and genres to become a member.
Remember, this is YOUR club. The studio and its facilities are for you to enjoy. Music teachers are invited to use the studio for instruction or student recitals. If you have an idea for a concert or other event, free or with admission fee, please contact a Board member to talk about it.
Looking forward to a fantastic musical 2026! Happy New Year to all y’all!