Welcome to The Orion Amphitheater: community members, area visitors, and especially lovers of high caliber live music.

In 2018, when the venue group (tvg) met with Mayor Tommy Battle and City Administrator John Hamilton, as part of the submittal process for public applications for a new entertainment venue, the trajectory was yet to be determined.

In review of the past four years, it has been quite an interesting ride in laying the groundwork for The Orion Amphitheater. Once the plans were finalized and sketched out, the path was obstructed by a worldwide pandemic, a globally shared experience. That road is now in the rearview mirror. What lies ahead is cause for celebration, with many amazing live music events to be part of Huntsville’s new future.

As grounds crew members added the final touches in preparation for The First Waltz, the weather was nothing short of spectacular, despite the temperature quickly creeping up into the 90s by midday. By the time the show began, there was a gentle breeze and the temperature dropped just enough to make it a pleasantly memorable concert-going experience.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting officially served as the official kickoff to the big weekend. Along with Ben Lovett, CEO for tvg, and Ryan Murphy, General Manager for The Orion, there was an enthusiastic cadre of media professionals on hand, along with board members, members of the Chamber, local stakeholders, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and City Administrator John Hamilton.

The First Waltz signifies the grand opening weekend for The Orion. Three days filled with live music and featuring some of the best of the best in local, regional, and national performing artists. Performers include Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbill and the 400 Unit, along with many others.

The Huntsville Classic, featuring Jake Owen served as a pre-test. By all accounts, The Classic, Huntsville Hospital’s annual signature fundraiser was a resounding success. The enthusiastic turnout helped to build groundswell and momentum for The First Waltz weekend.

What has been said before and is now part of public record continues to resonate with Lovett. And it was worth reiterating.

“We worked for about 6 months in 2018 to kind of explain why we would be the right people standing in front of you here today,” said Lovett. “For all of us who have spent many years in the music industry working as promoters, venue managers, festival organizers, artist management, and artists we have found ourselves here. With this unique exhilarating agility to work all of the community that’s hungry to make their mark in the word of culture.”

Images provided by Lori Conners, the Huntsville Business Journal.