Concert Review: The First Waltz at The Orion Amphitheater

The Orion Amphitheater, a partnership between the City of Huntsville and TVG Hospitality, is Alabama's latest large-scale music venue. TVG Hospitality, founded by Mumford & Sons' Ben Lovett, seek to make The Orion the premier venue in the region, hosting national and international touring artists of all genres. The amphitheater holds 8,000 guests and cost a whopping $40 million, making it one of the largest investment in Huntsville's growing economy. The First Waltz is a three day concert celebrating the venue's opening, featuring Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Brittany Howard, Emmylou Harris, and more.

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit headlined night one of the event. Isbell and company always bring a fiery show, performing rock-laced Americana and country tunes that are often gut punches to those sensitive to lyrics. Songs of drunken regrets, self loathing, and personal growth filled the setlist, as Jason Isbell combs through the darkest parts of his life to bring out a passionate and thought provoking show. Isbell is world renowned, racking in four Grammy Award wins and accolades from press across the industry. He has also garnered an intensely loyal following, and for good reason. The Green Hill, Alabama native puts so much effort into his works, from recording to live performance. This set truly sealed the deal, being one of the best Isbell sets I've ever seen.

70's and 80's country music icon Emmylou Harris was the second to last performance on Friday night. With 14 Grammy Awards, the Country Music Hall of Famer was without a doubt one of the biggest draws for the weekend. Born in Birmingham, Emmylou has always had a strong following in Alabama. Her performance was understated in the most beautiful way, delicate bluegrass-tinted instrumentation led way for her lyrical wonders that brought her so much prominence. Even for attendees who were not Emmylou Harris fans going into the show, they certainly left the night with a special moment.

Waxahatchee, aka the project of Katie Crutchfield, is a name you're going to be familiar with if you're tapped into Alabama's music scene. Crutchfield brings all sorts of sounds to the stage, mixing rock, Americana, country, and singer/songwriter into a concoction unique to Waxahatchee. Her voice, know for its blistering highs, is absolutely stellar live. An incredibly talented backing band brought together a fantastic performance.

Opening the night was four time Grammy Award winning artist John Paul White. Without a doubt one of the most talented vocalists and writers of the 2010s, John Paul is a site to behold live. His masterful singing ability is nearly unparalleled. It truly is hard to describe with words, but the pure emotion that sweeps over you as you listen is sure to tell the tale. Formerly a member of The Civil Wars, made famous for their single "Safe & Sound" with Taylor Swift, the Muscle Shoals, AL native is a hidden gem in the world of country music.

Night two of The First Waltz was headlined by Brittany Howard. The north Alabama native is one of the most impressive entertainers in the world after her breakout with her band The Alabama Shakes in the 2010's. In the wake of that success, Howard has delved into creating her own brand of Americana tinged progressive soul. Brittany's voice is one to be experienced live. With soaring highs and somber lows, Howard has full control of her sound. A stripped back, retro-inspired stage plot contrasted her large backing band and powerful presence. 

Drive-By Truckers took second billing on Saturday, bringing their country rock'n'roll sound to the Orion in a big way. Never a band to back down from the big stage, this band is explosive live. Vocalists Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley are also natives of the Shoals region, and have continued to represent Alabama well since their debut in mid-late 90s. 

Birmingham's St. Paul & The Broken Bones preceded the Truckers. This southern-soul-meets-psychedelic-rock outfit has been on the rise the past few years and for good reason. Currently on tour in support of their fourth studio album, The Alien Coast, this 8-piece band is a wild ride live. Plenty of horns, funky bass grooves, and tight drumming back lead singer Paul Janeway's vocals. Without a doubt an amazing vocalist, Janeway's wild stage antics saw him scale the sound booth and walk through the crowd during their set.  

Mavis Staples is an icon. The youngest of The Staple Singers, Mavis is a special talent to see live. Her raspy and soulful voice carried far in the open air venue, and despite being the first act of the night she had the audience's full attention. There is an importance that is understood seeing Mavis live, she is a legend and has had a massive impact on music. Her inclusion in this event was just another example as to what The Orion is striving for; the representation of music with meaning, music that drives culture, and music that makes you feel. 

The final day of The First Waltz brought together upcoming talents from the region, as well as local institutions. The Huntsville Community Drumline, The N.E.I.G.H.B.O.R.S., Element XI, Translee, Kelvin Wooten & Deqn Sue, and The Aeolians of Oakwood University all made appearances. 

The Orion Amphitheater has a bright future ahead of it. Just a few of the artists headed to Huntsville include The Black Keys, My Morning Jacket, Chris Stapleton, Kenny Chesney, Dave Matthews Band, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Earth, Wind, & Fire. With a huge selection of talent, a fantastically run venue, and a community ready to support it, The Orion Amphitheater looks to be one of the best venues in the southeast, if not the world.