Ladies of Blast Showcase to celebrate Women’s History Month
Published on March 7, 2025
The Huntsville Music Office, The Orion Amphitheater and Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) will celebrate Women’s History Month by spotlighting Tennessee Valley female artists as part of “Ladies of Blast,” a live music showcase at The Orion Amphitheater on Thursday, March 20, from 6-8 p.m.
The free event will feature performances from a range of talented local musicians, offering a unique opportunity to hear the latest from some of the region’s best female artists whose work is available on Blast Music Service , a free streaming platform from HMCPL.
“The Orion Amphitheater is dedicated to creating spaces where artists can shine, and the Ladies of Blast Showcase is a natural extension of that mission,” said Torian Blackburn, Community Outreach & Events Manager for The Orion. “We’re honored to spotlight the talented women of Huntsville’s music scene and continue building a stage for creativity, community, and empowerment.”
Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella said the event will celebrate the work of these up-and-coming artists and highlight the vital role of women in the local music scene.
“I want to thank HMCPL and The Orion for partnering with us on this fantastic event,” Mandrella said. “It’s exciting to hear the latest from these talented artists, and we’re proud to help give them the stage they deserve.”
Blast currently features more than 200 Tennessee Valley artists. The next free submission period will be in September, which is also Huntsville Music Month. Annie Phillips, Digital Services Librarian for HMCPL, said the free service is a great way to listen to work being created in north Alabama and maybe find a new favorite artist to follow.
“We’re grateful to the artists who’ve submitted their music to Blast, allowing their work to be heard by a broader audience,” she said. “I hope this event encourages even more artists to share their music on this free platform.”
Featured Ladies of Blast artists include:
Katlyn Barnes, a Shoals native, blends rock, R&B and indie influences in her music, creating a unique sound inspired by personal experiences and a hope for a peaceful world. Her debut album, “Into the Blue,” was released in November 2023, and she is currently working on a new project set to release this year.
Boniechia James, a Cleveland, Ohio, native, is a dynamic singer-songwriter who blends hip hop and gospel influences in her music. After gaining recognition with her group Shekina n Glory, she earned a Song of the Year nomination at The Steeple Awards. She is set to release her first solo album and book in 2025.
Alli Johnson, the founder of Artemis Music Productions, curates local performances and organizes events. As a musician, she draws inspiration from her bluegrass roots and is passionate about creating opportunities for other artists.
Huntsville native Emma Kleinhas been performing original songs since the age of 12, inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Brandi Carlile. She has written over 100 songs and performed at prestigious venues such as The Bitter End in New York City and The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Humble Leeis a versatile poet, singer, songwriter, rapper and battle rapper known for her eccentric artistry. She uses rhythm, onomatopoeias and melodies to craft a unique language, captivating audiences with her bold and vulnerable performances. From winning Huntsville’s Got Talent to performing across the city, she remains grounded in authenticity.
Ava Perryman, a 19-year-old artist from Tennessee, is a prolific singer, songwriter and producer. She has self-produced four albums and had a song featured in her first commercial at 16.
Related links
Blast Music Service: blast.hmcpl.org
Huntsville Music Office: huntsvillemusic.com
The Orion Amphitheater: theorionhuntsville.com