We sat down with Evan Billiter and John Chamness of St. Stephens Music Hall to discuss
Huntsvilles newest music venue and discover the unique qualities that define their space. The idea for St. Stephens arose after multiple local venues supporting touring acts closed.
“Within a year and a half, Huntsville lost five venues that had regular music. For a city our size to lose venues like that was a blow to our community,” said Bilitler. They figured there was no better duo to start a new venue than themselves.
Their original location was an old church, which offered a larger capacity, a green room, and a bigger stage. However, last-minute zoning issues derailed their plans, forcing them to pivot to their current space in Campus 805. “We both loved that old location, but we had to consider long-term viability. Here at Campus 805, we get more visitors and have access to better amenities. Although this may not be our permanent space, it works for now as we build our brand. Ultimately, we're creating a community and culture, and I believe our community will support us,” said Billiter.
The community support often comes from Huntsville’s own musicians. “There are nights when I look around the room and realize half the people here have played on our stage at some point,” said Chamness. "We're drawing the crowd that frequented old venues like Crossroads, Kaffeeklatsch Bar, and Tip Top. Initially, we expected to cater mainly to that demographic, but it's gratifying to see a younger generation appreciating what we've built," said Bitilier.
The patrons of St. Stephens are music-driven and appreciate the art, as music naturally
resonates in this part of the country. “Blues, jazz, and bluegrass originated in the southeastern United States. While they’ve been perfected elsewhere, their roots are here,” Billiter noted. He and Chamness agree that having a home for these genres in Huntsville is crucial. "I'ts part of our culture, and we're proud to celebrate it."
St. Stephens Music Hall, located on Campus 805, consistently features a rotating selection of local and touring bands. For the latest events, check out their website at www.ststephensmusic.com.