by Jan Lazor

Created on: September 26, 2009

If you long to hear live music while enjoying a night out with family and friends, then Huntsville, Alabama is the place to be. No matter which night of the week you pick to gather with friends, live bands, solo singers, or karaoke opportunities abound at any number of night spots in the northern Alabama city.

Whether you enjoy rock, folk, blues, gospel or classical sounds, Hunstville's night spots and varied concert venues provide plenty of opportunities to watch and listen as local and world renowned musicians create their own musical sounds for your listening pleasure.

Performers and their music can be heard from a variety of concert stages throughout Huntsville from the Von Braun Center at 700 Monroe Streetto local restaurants, bars and clubs. And don't forget the various congregations around the city which host a variety of gospel, choral and classical music programs in their houses of worship.

If it is fine dining and song you seek, then 801 Franklin, located at 801 Franklin Streetis a top choice. Choose the patio or bar and enjoy fine cuisine while listening to the sounds of local musicians Ken Watters and others while relaxing in the ambience of the restaurant's soothing decor. The award winning restaurant offers live sounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights as well as other selected nights during the week. Check local newspapers for a current musical calendar for the restaurant. Pricey, but worth the extra dime.

Looking for something a little more lively and rousing? Huntsvillehas that too. Pop on over to the Bandito Southwest in the Huntington Center at 11220 South Memorial Parkway and feast on items from their menu featuring Mexican favorites like burritos, tacos and of course chips and salsa. Come early and stay late to enjoy the live music or step up to the microphone on karaoke nights and contribute to the entertainment.

More dining and entertainment options can be found in Washington Square in downtown Huntsville. Three top choices, depending on your mood and preferred dining style, visit Mason's Pub, a unique sports bar.

Looking for a more refined dining experience? The Chophouse is a fine choice when you find yourself entertaining a business client or celebrating a family milestone.

Washington Square's dining choices also include Humphrey's Bar & Grill. Come for a casual meal of burgers and sandwiches and stay for the live music playing six nights a week on the patio. Remember, there is no cover charge for the entertainment. Come on down and bring your friends.

Huntsville's music venues vary from formal to informal performances. Several Internet websites have been developed to track the venues and scheduled shows in each location in and around the city.

If you are planning an evening out and want to maximize both your experience and your budget, spend a few minutes at www.al.com/music/huntsville. Another source is www.southernmusic.net/livemusichuntsville as well as www.valleyplanet.net. Besides listing locations, performers and schedules, these sites also track which venues include a cover charge for the evening.

Take a few minutes to plan your outing with family and friends and relax for the evening and enjoy the musical sounds of Huntsville.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, you can take the microphone and live your dream in front of a live audience at any number of locations offering karaoke nights.

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