Huntsville-Madison County Library Foundation, The Huntsville Music Office,The Orion Amphitheater, and WLRH 89.3 FM/HD are proud to announce the second installment of Hear to Be Seen, an ongoing collaborative project celebrating Huntsville’s local music scene through the lens of Alabama-based photographers.
The next chapter in this portrait series will debut with an evening gallery preview and reception on Thursday, August 21 from 6:00-8:00 PM at The Orion Amphitheater, featuring live performances by BLAST Music artists and a moderated artist talk led by WLRH’s Katy Ganaway. The event marks the official public unveiling of the 2025 Hear to Be Seen gallery, an expanded showcase highlighting the rich intersection of sound, story, and self-expression in North Alabama.
Originated by Alabama native Shedrick Pelt, Hear to Be Seen began as a way to illuminate the artists of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library’s BLAST Music program through intimate portraiture and personal storytelling. Now in its second year, the project has evolved into a collaborative gallery featuring the work of multiple Alabama photographers, including Pelt, Bud Gambrell, Dennis Keim, and Xavier Adams.
Reflecting on the growth of the project and the creative community it uplifts, Pelt shared:
“To have Hear to Be Seen embraced during such a pivotal moment of growth for Huntsville–as an arts and entertainment hub–has been incredibly inspiring! There are so many talented creatives in the city. We are happy for the opportunity to amplify their efforts.”
Through portraits and written reflections, the exhibit explores each artist’s connection to creative process, environmental influences, and sense of identity. It reveals how those elements echo through their music and offers a deeper understanding of the people shaping the city’s cultural rhythm.
Following the opening reception, the full gallery will travel to Huntsville City Hall, where it will remain on display throughout September 2025 in celebration of Huntsville Music Month.
Speaking on behalf of the library system’s continued partnership with the city and music community, Annie Phillips of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library said:
“HMCPL is deeply grateful to the Huntsville Music Office and the City of Huntsville for their ongoing collaboration and support of local musicians through our Blast Music platform. Their enthusiastic partnership in programs like Hear to Be Seen highlights their genuine commitment to arts advocacy at the community level and helps us all move this shared mission forward.”
All artists featured in the gallery are part of the BLAST Music streaming platform, a free, public music service powered by the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library and designed to support and amplify the voices of local musicians.
About BLAST Music
Powered by the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, BLAST Music is a free streaming platform designed to elevate and archive the work of North Alabama musicians. Learn more and stream local at blast.hmcpl.org.
About The Orion Amphitheater
Huntsville’s Orion Amphitheater marks a bold new chapter in North Alabama’s unparalleled musical history. Beyond world-class concerts, The Orion offers community-focused cultural programming, educational initiatives, and space for Huntsville to gather, create, and connect.
About the Huntsville Music Office
ALABAMA’S MUSIC LAUNCHPAD
Creating a more dynamic music environment that strengthens Huntsville’s growing economy, attracts visitors, enhances the quality of life for current residents, and helps our thriving music sector reach its full potential.
About WLRH 89.3 FM/HD
WLRH is a non-commercial public radio station with the primary mission of supporting education, the arts and community service in the Tennessee Valley. WLRH is licensed to the Alabama Educational Television Commission, which also holds the license to Alabama Public Television. WLRH and APT's pillars of service focus on providing programming of consequence that promotes civic leadership, public safety and education.
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