Get tickets now to see Jason Isbell + Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes at this Huntsville event, Aug. 26

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Big news—Grammy winners and North Alabama natives Jason Isbell and Brittany Howard will be in Huntsville on August 26 to receive the highest humanities honor in our state during the 2024 Alabama Colloquium, presented by the Alabama Humanities Alliance.

Read on to find out how they’re making our state and nation smarter, kinder and more vibrant, plus how to get tickets to the event.

Alabama Colloquium event details

• What: 2024 Alabama Colloquium | Presenting sponsors include Regions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama + Huntsville Utilities
• When: Monday, August, 26 | 6:30-8:30PM
• Where: Von Braun Center’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall | 700 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Cost: $75-$100 + fees
• Tickets sell out fast: Purchase in person at the Von Braun Center or online via Ticketmaster

About the Alabama Humanities Alliance

Alabama Humanities Alliance (AHA) is a statewide nonprofit that serves as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Through storytelling, lifelong learning and civic engagement, AHA provides those in Alabama with opportunities to connect through our shared cultures.

The organization, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has hosted the Alabama Colloquium since 1989. The signature event celebrates the humanities’ impact in our state and honors those who have made Alabama a better place to live.

Meet the 2024 Grammy-winning Alabama Humanities Fellows

(L) Brittany Howard; (R) Jason Isbell

The event features an in-depth conversation between the two newest Alabama Humanities Fellows. Each honoree will also perform a song they’ve selected for the occasion.

This is the highest humanities honor given in the state, recognizing individuals whose incredible work in the humanities has positively impacted the state, nation and world.

This year’s Fellows are Grammy-award winning musicians and North Alabama natives Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell. 

 “Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell use their lyrics and their lives to examine what it means to be human, and they challenge all of us to see the humanity in each other. Their lyrics require us to think and to bring the same level of curiosity and empathy to our own lives.”

Chuck Holmes, Executive Director, Alabama Humanities Alliance

Howard and Isbell will be joining past honorees like:

• Imani Perry
• Bryan Stevenson
• Howell Raines
• Fred Gray
• E.O. Wilson
• Harper Lee
• Kathryn Tucker Windham
• W. Kamau Bell
• Wayne Flynt

A closer look at this year’s Alabama Humanities Fellows

If you’re a music fan, you’ve likely heard of Brittany Howard and Jason Isbell. 

They’re among the most acclaimed artists of their generation with a combined 11 Grammy Awards between them. 

While both are known for their musical talents, it’s their unique ability to weave elements of the humanities into their music—history, literature and philosophy—that makes them the perfect choice for 2024 Alabama Humanities Fellows.

Check out some cool facts about them:

Brittany Howard

• She grew up in Athens, Alabama.
• In 2009, she helped form the popular band, the Alabama Shakes.
• In 2018, she began her solo career.
• She’s won 5 Grammy Awards + received 16 nominations.

Jason Isbell

• He was born in Green Hill, Alabama.
• His music career has taken him from FAME Studios to the Drive-By Truckers and then to his current band Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.
• He’s won 6 Grammy Awards.

Special Guest: Patterson Hood

Presenting Howard and Isbell with their awards is another legendary North Alabama musician and songwriter—Patterson Hood. 

From Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Patterson has deep connections to both musicians and also co-founded the Drive-By Truckers which included Isbell. 

More ahead for the Alabama Humanities Alliance

We have two more announcements for you. Are you ready? 

As part of Alabama Humanities Alliance’s 50th anniversary, and to bring the signature event to more of the state, there will be a second event later this year on December 2 in Birmingham. 

Looking ahead to 2025, the event will take place in South Alabama for the first time. 

Stay tuned to AHA’s website, Facebook and Instagram for more info coming soon.

Join the Alabama Humanities during the 2024 Alabama Colloquium on August 26 in Huntsville. Tickets sell fast—get yours now.

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