Orion Amphitheater kicks off exciting 2023 season this weekend

By EMILY DUONG (emmy.phuonganh@gmail.com)

HUNTSVILLE – The 2023 spring concert season is coming to the greater Huntsville area, and with that comes exciting events at the Orion Amphitheater in the MidCity District (www.theorionhuntsville.com).

From comedy to music to much more, check out what’s coming to the Rocket City. There is sure to be an event that will suit whatever you enjoy:

Grammy award-winning artist Anthony Hamilton is coming to Huntsville on April 8th alongside R&B and soul singer Leela James. His music is described as Southern neo-soul with hints of R&B, as seen in his classic hits such as “Charlene” and “Can’t Let Go,” as well as newer ones like “You Made A Fool Of Me” from his most recent album, Love Is The New Black from 2021. His unique and smooth music style is sure to bring a remarkable night. This event starts at 8pm, and your ticket includes parking, which is first come, first served.

Hit Christan singer Lauren Daigle is the next April concert lined up on the 14th, accompanied by contemporary artist Andrew Ripp. This show was postponed from its previous date, October 21, 2022, due to health issues, and all AXS-purchased tickets and reserved parking passes from this previous date will still be honored. You may recognize her for the radio hit “You Say” from 2018, as well as other songs like “Trust in You,” “Rescue,” and her newest single, “Waiting,” to be on her new, self-titled album coming May 12th. Daigle holds many music awards, including two Grammys, and her powerful voice and message have noted her as one of the fastest-selling Christian singers of her generation. Prepare to be captivated by her concert experience, starting at 7 p.m.

On April 16, Orion will partner with the Greater Huntsville Humane Society for the Pup Palooza. This free event includes live music, food trucks, themed drink specials, and local vendors with all sorts of goodies for your pups. Pup Poalooza also includes the “Pups on Parade,” which includes a parade and a look-alike costume contest for your dog with the theme of musician look-alikes. First, second, and third-place winners will receive numerous prizes from GHHS, which may or may not include concert tickets! This event runs from 1pm-5pm.

Inbound: Full Immersion Yoga comes to the Orion stage on April 19 and 26. Maria Brito is a yoga instructor, women’s empowerment coach, and breathwork facilitator who will take you on a journey of self-awareness right on the Orion stage. This tranquil, introspective experience is described as “next-level” yoga thanks to its specifically-curated music, noise isolation, and distraction-free environment to connect your mind, body, and soul.

The Orion will hold an Earth Day celebration on April 23 in partnership with The Land Trust of North Alabama. Starting at 1pm, this free celebration consists of live demonstrations, eco-educational workshops, and environment-friendly local vendors, all done by our local community of earth-loving organizations. With activities such as seed planting workshops, foraging demonstrations, shirt printing, and much more, support eco-friendly endeavors in the community and celebrate Earth Day. Partners for these activities include Huntsville Botanical Garden, NASA Earth Division, and others.

April 30 brings rock singer Robert Plant and widely-acclaimed country artist Alison Krauss to the Orion alongside rock artist JD McPherson. Plant is a rock powerhouse, and was most notably the lead singer of the rock band Led Zeppelin, who joins forces with Krauss, known for her exceptional pairing of vocals and violin. This unlikely yet incredible duo’s first collaboration on their album Raising Sand with tracks such as “Gone Gone Gone”, and proved to be one of the greatest albums of the 21st century, and then, fourteen years later, they have returned with the 2021 album Raise the Roof with tracks such as “Searching for my Love” and “Can’t Let Go.” Their legendary show begins at 7pm, with tickets including parking that is first come, first served at the event.

Now we go into May, and it comes in with a bang with Koe Wetzel at the Orion on May 12, alongside country band Pecos & the Rooftops and rock band The Cadillac Three. The wild country rockstar will surely set the stage on fire (literally), well-known for hits such as “Something To Talk About,” and “Drunk Driving”, along with “Money Spent” and “Creeps” from his newest album, Hell Paso from 2022. With an iconic stage aura, prepare for an insane, rowdy night with drinks all around in true Texan spirit. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

May 13 is the 2nd annual Camp to Amp Festival! This free music event is jammed with live music, food trucks all around MidCity, food and drink specials at The Camp, fun kids’ activities, artists’ markets, hundreds of vendors, and so much more. This pet- and family-friendly event will have four live stages with local performing arts and musicians to enjoy. Celebrate the arts in MidCity starting at 12pm, and stay tuned on MidCity’s website (www.midcitydistrict.com) for itinerary details when they come out.

As part of their tour, “What Are We Waiting For? The Tour Part II,” Christian pop duo For KING & COUNTRY is coming to Huntsville on May 14th. Internationally acclaimed with four Grammys, 10 GMA Dove Awards, and many other awards, you may know them from their songs “joy,” “Broken Halos,” or “Shoulders.” Together, they will bring a praiseworthy night of exceptional melodies and exciting music. Their show starts at 7 p.m.

Country singer Cody Jinks comes to Huntsville on May 19th alongside country musicians Charles Wesley Godwin and Erin Viancourt. His raw, reflective songwriting with songs such as “Ain’t a Train,” “All It Cost Me Was Everything,” and “Hurt You” has set him apart in the country genre, especially in his most recent album, 2021’s Mercy. With a variety of sounds mixed with his music, from rock to grunge to blues, alongside unique stories within every song, it is sure to bring an unforgettable show beginning at 6pm.

On May 20, the Huntsville Hospital Foundation presents the 2023 Huntsville Classic featuring Grammy-nominated country singer Martina McBride. Fun fact: the Huntsville Classic was the first event ever held at the Orion, and has raised more than $8.1 million for Madison and Huntsville Hospitals. Martina Bride is a widely-acclaimed country singer with 15 major music awards and 23 million album sales to her name. With hits ranging from “Teenage Daughters” to “Just Around the Corner” to “Girls Like Me,” join McBride for a night of wonderful music towards a good cause. This concert begins at 8 p.m. All proceeds of the event go to the Huntsville Hospital’s Heart Center through Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

Rock band Weezer is coming to Huntsville on June 4 as a part of their Indie Rock Roadtrip! Accompanied by rock bands Modest Mouse and Momma, Weezer is notable for songs such as “Say it Ain’t So,” “All My Favorite Songs,” “California Kids,” and “All the Good Ones.” With unique takes on rock and mixing other genres in between, their concert is sure to be a wild ride. See all their hits, new and old, live beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Now we have arrived in June. On June 20, come to Orion for An Evening With James Taylor & His All-Star Band. His songwriting approach is “personal and universal” with songs such as “Never Die Young,” “Fire and Rain,” and “Copperline,” paired with his signature guitar and voice. Described as the “harbinger of the singer-songwriter era” by TIME magazine, he and his band will bring a concert unlike any other. This event starts at 7:30 p.m.

DJ ILLENIUM caps off June on the 28th with EDM artist Said the Sky and DJ IMANU. His hits include “Worst Day (with MAX),” “Wouldn’t Change a Thing (with Thirty Seconds to Mars),” “First Time (with iann dior),” and “I See You” with Said the Sky himself. He also has other notable collaborations with The Chainsmokers, Trippie Redd, Tori Kelly, and many more. His striking music will bring a head-banging, thrilling night to the Orion with remixes and classics galore. His unique take on the electronic genre will bring an unforgettable EDM concert experience beginning at 7 p.m.

And with that, this concludes all the events going on at the Orion Amphitheater in the next few months. So, no matter your interests, come down and have some fun with friends, family, or just yourself at the Orion!