Lake Martin is home to a variety of live music venues, and the music scene has been growing each year.
During summer, regular live music can be found at Zazu's Verandah, The Social at Lake Martin, The Green at Russell Crossroads, The Local at 41 Main, The Funky Goat, Prime Steakhouse & Catering, Martin's at Lake Martin, Lake Martin Pizza Co. on Hwy 63 and Hwy 49, Lake Martin Brewing, Miller’s on Broadnax, Lake Martin Piano Bar, Lucky Flight Bottle Shoppe, Lake Martin Amphitheater, Fermenter's Market, Chuckwalla's Pizzeria, BoonDocks at Bay Pine, Bluff's Daiquiri Bar at Harbor Pointe Marina and Alabama Breeze Caribbean Bar & Grill.
Some venues even have their own music series. One such series is Zazu’s Verandah’s “Music in the Air on the Dadeville Square.” Every summer Zazu’s offers free live music each Thursday starting at 6:30 p.m. It all got started during the pandemic and was brought back each year by popular demand.
“When we did it starting back in 2020, it was a good way to get people where they could socially distance and enjoy music,” Zazu's co-owner Mitzy Hidding said. “That following winter, we had musicians calling us. We had community people saying, ‘When are you going to book more music?’”
Zazu’s had its listening room remodeled back in 2021 to enhance its acoustics for this purpose. Now, attendees can also purchase a charcuterie board for $15 as long as they call before Thursday at 10 a.m. There are beverages for sale and several events for those 21 years of age are older are held there.
Another favorite music series is held at Russell Crossroads. Each Friday at 6:30 p.m., Russell Crossroads has its Friday on the Greens with live music. Some of their upcoming performances include Patrick Barnett and Murray Brown Band.
Plus, be sure to not miss the 4th of July Concert and fireworks at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. The festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with The Bank Walkers followed by Taylor Hicks.
Of course, the big music events each year are Jazz Fest and the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival. Jazz Fest is celebrating its 35th year with performances on June 13 in downtown Alexander City’s Strand Park and June 14 at The Lake Martin Amphitheater.
Kicking off Jazz Fest on Friday night at Strand Park is Jovin Webb, who will be followed by headliners Jaimee Paul and Leif Shires. Saturday night at the Lake Martin Amphitheater will see performances by Randall Bramblett and The Megablaster Horns. Doc Robinson will headline Saturday night’s performance. This two-day music festival is presented by Russell Lands and free to attend.
“We are thrilled with the diversity and talent we’ve recruited to perform at this year’s Jazz Fest,” President & CEO of the Alexander City Chamber of Commerce Steve Robinson said in a press release. “This is the signature event for Alex City and the Lake Martin community. It’s exciting to have this caliber of musicians performing to the attendees Jazz Fest attracts over the two days. We would like to thank Russell Lands for serving as the presenting sponsor as well as all of our sponsors and the City of Alexander City for allowing us to host this event each year.”
Before we know it, it will also be time for the Lake Martin Songwriters Festival, which takes place July 24-27. The songwriters festival will have 30+ artists performing at more than 15 venues around Lake Martin. Thanks to the sponsors, this festival is also free to attend.
“We've definitely created a buzz within the music industry, within Nashville and within other areas,” Festival chairman of the board Steven Pace said.
During non-festival times, be sure to check out each music venue's social media page for more information on the next upcoming live music performance.
