Shoals News Now

23/01/2024

NPR Music's Tiny Desk Contest is back.

04/04/2023

Tonight at OPEN MIC AT FOR THE RECORD

27/01/2023

Wednesday, February 22 at 7pm! All this talent for only $5!
The Strong Lineup, coming at you!

13/01/2023

19/11/2022

Save the date! Monday December 12th!

13/10/2022

Tonight!

11/10/2022

Tuesday! Tickets $10 at the door! Show starts at 7pm!

10/10/2022

Tonight!
One night only the hilarious Dan Alten!
Tickets only $5 at the door!

Got a Monday but nothing to do? Laughing Lizard Comedy Show hosted by Travis Short @ LAVA Room is a thing. Laugh & Linger, y’all 🌋

17/09/2022

Diaper and Gas Card Giveaway in Florence, Alabama!

08/09/2022

Hope to see you there!

United Way Benefit Concert at the Shoals Theatre is September 30, 2022 at 7:30 PM!!! Featuring Coffee Black, The Neds, Furniture, Yes Trespassing, and Holy Living Creatures! Hosted by the legendary Gary Nichols! Tickets are $15 and all seats are reserved seating! Tickets are available online at www.theshoalstheatre.org or by calling the box office at 256-764-1700! We hope to see you there!

16/08/2022

Tonight ! Come get some laughs after work Boiler Room - Florence! 6-8pm

15/08/2022

Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday! 6-8PM! Come have some wonderfully crafted cocktails or Goat Island Blood Orange on draft, but most importantly hear some of the best comedians out of Huntsville!

09/05/2022

Update on Vicky and Casey White!

“We got a dangerous man off the street today,” Lauderdale County Sheriff Rick Singleton said. “He is never going to see the light of day again.”

29/04/2022

Tuesday 5/17! 6pm directly after work!

$20 includes two drinks!

Boiler Room - Florence is hosting a Night of Comedy presented by TSACC-The Shoals Area Comedy Crew.

Featuring Nic Perez, Ogre, and Kimberly Wilson.

*Adult Content*

Tickets are limited and are $20.

Buy yours today -----> https://occ.sn/FDxdwrN9

29/03/2022

18/03/2022

Volunteer Opportunity!

On Saturday, March 19 from 12-2 pm, please bring your donations to the Florence Essential Supply Drive! Message me for drop-off location!

Thank you for your generosity!

12/03/2022

***Save the Date***🎉📣🎉****

Friday, April 15 TSACC presents the First Shoals Area Comedy Festival, featuring Yes Trespassing!

22/02/2022

Album Review: 'Carnival Boring' by is out now on all streaming platforms.

'Carnival Boring' is smooth on the ears, and a welcome addition to Area music scene.

Have you ever listened to a band and wondered when they are gonna make it big? This might be the album you need to listen to before that happens. Stream now and tell your friends you were there before it happened.

Their single, 'Will I Decide' is available on YouTube.

The entire album flows together in a harmonious way indicative of a band that is wise beyond their years, professional in their approach and thoughtful to the sound progression.

5/5 Stars - Highly Recommended.

- John D. Bowen

04/02/2022

For immediate release:

Bowen qualifies for Lauderdale County Commission District 2

John D. Bowen (D), stand-up comedian and founder of Shoals News Now is running for Lauderdale County Commission in District 2. The election is November 8, 2022.

Bowen, a graduate of Lauderdale County High and the University of Alabama, promises to bring transparency and accessibility to the office.

A native of Rogersville, Bowen began his career in Atlanta, before moving back to Lauderdale County. Bowen sees tremendous opportunity for the growth of our community.

“For too long our County has been operating behind the shadows. If elected, I promise to be direct, open and honest with my constituents. Our bridges are broken, our schools are underfunded, and our community is divided. By bringing intelligence, humor and policy to the office, I will serve all residents of District 2: Democrats, Independents and Republicans, not just self-serving politicians with an R by their name.”

“As an elected County Commissioner in District 2, I promise to keep money in our community wherever possible.”

Bowen is concerned with the lack of communication from the county and city governments with their constituents. Previously a candidate for Florence City Council, Bowen is challenging incumbent Republican Joe Hackworth or Republican primary challenger Gunner Ford. The Republican primary is set for May 24, 2022.

“In 2020, I promised to bring a new generation of leadership to the Florence City Council. Today, I promise to bring that same energy and enthusiasm to the County Commission. I consider Lauderdale County to be one of the best counties in Alabama to raise a child, yet our county students receive significantly less funding than those across the river in Colbert County. I will do everything in my power to ensure county schools are funded so that teachers and students have all the tools they need to become educated leaders in our community.”

An advocate for mental health, addiction resources, and local businesses, Bowen promises to bring a more empathetic voice to the Lauderdale County Commission.

“I’m only one vote on a five person Commission, but I think we need more funding for the people of Lauderdale County that have been left behind - those suffering from mental illness, the grips of a drug addiction, and those that have been displaced by rising rent and utility costs.”

Bowen shares a growing concern for the displaced and homeless population in Lauderdale County.

“Our community leaders are telling us the system is broken. The County Commission, nor the Florence City Council is not willing to be comprehensive in their approach to homelessness. I can’t say I have all the solutions to tackling such a terrible crisis, but I’m not going to ignore the issue like some of our current elected officials,” Bowen continued.
Additionally, Bowen wants the County Commission to annually reassess its relationship to the Shoals Economic Development Authority. Currently funded by a .5% sales tax, Bowen wants to make sure Lauderdale County is getting a proper return on it’s investment.

“SEDA has done some good things, I support them. However I think it’s time to redefine their mission - help improve the quality of life for Lauderdale County residents. The Remote Shoals Program is a tremendous success, but it needs to be balanced out with incentives for our residents, too. By design, SEDA is giving our tax-dollars to recruit businesses and a remote workforce here. Currently, 26% of the county does not have access to broadband internet. I think SEDA funds belong to the citizens of Lauderdale and Colbert County and they should be utilized as such.”

Additionally, Bowen sees the Muscle Shoals Regional Airport as an underutilized asset for Lauderdale County, not just Colbert County.

“Contour Airlines is offering direct flights to and from Charlotte, NC starting March 1. Charlotte is a growing technology hub, and with expanded broadband access, many of those jobs can be done remotely from right here in Lauderdale County. For too long, our County has not been proactive in their approach to recruiting top tier businesses.”

“There seems to be this mistaken belief that if you attract big businesses with taxpayer backed financial incentives, every problem goes away. I believe if you support, and incentivize, locally owned small businesses, the money will stay in our community.”

“I want to see our downtown Florence district flourish, not wither on the vine. I believe if you support our small business culture, bigger businesses from Charlotte and elsewhere will see Lauderdale County as a viable expansion area.”

“On November 8, 2022 I hope to earn your vote.”

15/12/2021

Seen often around , Comedian Duell F. Aldridge stand up is witty, irreverent and insightful. SNN sat down to learn more about him, his attachment to the Shoals and his comedy pursuits.

1. How long have you been a resident of the Shoals?
"I moved to Florence in 2003 when I started my freshman year at UNA. I've left a couple of times since, but something about this area always draws me back eventually. "

2. How long have you been doing comedy?
"My first proper stand-up comedy show happened on St. Patrick's Day of 2012. LaffRock, it was called and it was put together by a college classmate and dear friend, Michael Fisher (a really fabulous and hilarious dude). Now, I've always enjoyed stage performance. My community theatre history dates back into elementary and junior high days, and then it was my focus of study at university. I'd done quite a bit of acting, but never tried my hand at stand-up. One day in late 2011, Fish called me up and said, "Hey, I want you to do 15 minutes to open for me at this show I'm putting on in Sheffield!" For a few months I cursed his name for putting mine on the poster and cursed my own name for not saying "NO." But I did it. And it went over! Not a polished, well considered set, no no no. But still, it was fun, and people laughed, and the owner of the venue asked if I wanted to host an open mic night there going forward. And that was how I found myself doing it every week for nearly a decade now. "

3. Where can people find your comedy?
"Oh, I'm around Florence most weeks. I also am online, and www.bswithdfa.com are the easiest places to find my stuff, though be aware I'm not a social media hustler. I post at my own pace. "

4. What do you love about the ?
"Bella Notte (my beloved), King George Hamilton III (my dog), Basement Burlesque, my dear friends, sushi from Ichiban, karaoke at Mr. Norm's, that funky little half bridge out over the river, High Ridge Distillery, that Korean BBQ dog that Wildwood Tavern makes, walking around downtown Florence at night, the standpipe in Sheffield, the utter lack of predictability to winter weather (summer will suck no matter what), Tennessee Street Billiards, and Donna & Friends restaurant. That's not the entire list, but it's a good smattering of my favorites. For the most part I just love it here.

02/12/2021

Now streaming on Spotify and all streaming platforms is local indie artist April Cries.

Comprised of Jacob Voorhees, Eli Colston (drummer) and Heather Medlin (guitar), April Cries is an artist you'll be sure to add to your playlist.

1. How long have you been making music?

I’ve been making music on and off since 2009, just doing little projects with my dad as a kid. I didn’t really start taking my artistry seriously until 2019, though. Up until recently, I’ve really considered April Cries to be a solo project. But me and my live drummer and guitarist, who are also my best friends, will be recording new material as a band.

2. What inspires you to make music?

I’m primarily inspired by the relationships I have with my friends and family. No matter who I meet, I do my best to pour 100% of myself into that interaction. I’m a very empathetic person, and so that comes out a lot in my writing and musical expression.

3. Where can people find your music?

Our music is on all streaming platforms, but I’d like to emphasize its presence on Spotify. Spotify is really good about giving streaming stats and data back to the artists, and so when people follow and listen to us on there, it really helps us gauge who our audience is and what they respond to best. It helps us grow as artists and connect with our
fans better.

4. How long have you been in the Shoals?

I’ve lived in the Shoals area my whole life, save for a very short stint in Selmer, Tennessee when I was in elementary school. I was born in Sheffield, raised in Muscle Shoals, and have lived here in Florence since 2018. I’m so glad to be on this side of the river now. I grew up doing community theatre at the Shoals Community Theatre in Downtown, and so I’ve always considered this specific area of the Quad Cities my true home. Well, now I’m here!

5. What do you love about our community?

I love how supportive it is. Whether it’s for the performing arts, the coffee shops, the retail front, or whatever, there is a corner and a voice for everyone, and it all fits together so snugly. Are there flaws to it? Sure. But it’s nothing we can’t work out and grow through.

Photo Credit

02/12/2021

As a team of media and entertainment enthusiasts, we strive to build our legacy as reputable ambassadors of the Shoals Area by highlighting locally owned businesses and bringing you an unbiased account of local events. We believe that all of our readers deserve to see places unique to The Shoals out on center stage and to hear about the goings on of our riverside community through the lenses of a modern world.

Explore the rest of our site to learn more about what we have to offer, and get in touch with any questions. Shoals News Now is here for you.

24/11/2021

***New Business Alert***

Nestled in the heart of the Sweetwater District on Huntsville Road, lies a new sports bar offering drinks and good times to all. Offering drink specials on their open days Wednesday - Sunday, the Shoal's newest bar is quickly becoming a must-visit destination, helping revitalize the once barren heart of Sweetwater. Introducing: The Drink Factory

Shoals News Now sat down with owner George Mondane to learn a little more about him and his newest venture:

1. What brought you to the Shoals?

"The Shoals area has a rich tradition in music, entertainment, and a great social environment. We wanted to offer something different to the region in hopes of introducing a new social experience."

2. What's your vision for The Drink Factory?

"Our vision is to an all inclusive and accepting social environment. No matter your race, religion, political ideology, or cultural background, (as long as you are 21+ with proper ID) everyone is welcome at our bar. There is no discrimination or favoritism."

3. How did you agree on the name, and what's the origins of "the drink factory" name?

"We are known as the "Official Drinking Headquarters of the Shoals" . If you want some shoes, go to Foot Locker. If you want a burger, go to Applebees. If you want a great drink, go the DRINK FACTORY."

4. What do you love about the Shoals?

"The friendly, family, neighborhood environment is the best thing about the shoals area. This town is full of true Southern Hospitality. The treatment that we have received since we entered this region has been nothing but first treatment; so our staff strive to return the same."

5. How has the business been received thus far since opening?

"There has been an overwhelming amount of support for our business since opening in October. Most of our patrons are repeat customers which tells us that most people who tries our service loves it enough to come back the following weekend."