Nashville artists electrify Huntsville at East Iris Live Night
Published on August 16, 2025
The Camp at MidCity pulsed with energy Thursday, Aug. 14, as four emerging Nashville acts—Lombardy, Hahn, Cherry Vance and Jacob & the Dazey Chain—brought their distinctive sounds to Huntsville for East Iris Live Night: Nashville Invasion.
The event marked the latest installment of a groundbreaking music exchange partnership between the Huntsville Music Office, Universal Music Group’s East Iris Studios, the Apollo Coalition and the MidCity District.
The collaboration is designed to expand professional networks and fan bases for rising stars while connecting Huntsville’s growing music ecosystem with Nashville’s world-renowned creative scene.
Building Huntsville’s music city brand
Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella called the initiative “truly one of a kind,” noting that it unites a municipal music office, a major recording studio, corporate music leadership and dynamic community partners.
“We’re building Huntsville’s music city brand, not to be Nashville, but to be in the same conversation,” Mandrella said. “It’s about welcoming out-of-town artists like family and creating opportunities for our musicians to share Huntsville’s sound with the world.”
Over the past year, Huntsville acts have taken the stage at Nashville’s East Iris Studios, with several returning to record projects there. Thursday’s vice versa exchange brought Nashville’s talent to Huntsville for an unforgettable night of music and connection.
Artists praise Huntsville’s energy and community
Lombardy band members Jonathan Plevyak and Seth Rentfrow praised The Camp’s “cool vibe.”
“I wish Nashville had something like this,” Plevyak said. “Everyone’s been so welcoming, and there’s a strong focus on building community and supporting music here. It all happens at The Camp.”
East Iris Live Night was Lincoln, Neb.-born and Nashville-based artist Hahn’s first show outside Nashville under his current project, and he was struck by the community feel.
“When Pat and Kelly from East Iris say a place is special, I believe them,” Hahn said. “Huntsville is doing some really cool things.”
Cherry Vance band members, and sisters, Liv and Gigi Haynes have been performing since they were children and were even the youngest performers to ever play on the widely-known Warped tour stage.
“Cherry Vance just celebrated our one-year anniversary as a band,” band member Jude Maloy said. “And this is our first outdoor show as well as our first fully acoustic show.”
Jacob & the Dazey Chain made their Alabama debut, with frontman Jacob Reese Thornton celebrating the chance to prove rock and roll’s universal appeal.
“I want Huntsville fans to see that young people are playing rock and roll that can move anyone, not just ‘dad rock,’” Thornton said.
A partnership that “lifts all boats”
Mandrella emphasized that the partnership strengthens both cities’ music ecosystems.
“It’s a rising tide lifts all boats approach,” Mandrella said. “The more dynamic Huntsville can be and the more we’re on the radar of agents, executives and artists, the stronger our scene becomes.”
The evening’s performances drew an enthusiastic crowd, underscoring Huntsville’s reputation as a city that shows up for music. As the amps cooled and the lights dimmed, one thing was clear: East Iris Live Night was more than a concert, it was a celebration of collaboration, connection and the shared joy of live music.