2026 City Lights & Stars: Eric Essix- September 11th

Guitarist Eric Essix brings his contemporary jazz mastery to Burritt on the Mountain for the second concert of the 2026 City Lights & Stars season. With 28 albums spanning more than three decades, Essix has built a reputation for pushing jazz boundaries while creating music that connects emotionally with audiences of all ages. His performances blend technical virtuality with accessible melodies that make jazz enjoyable for both longtime fans and families introducing their children to live instrumental music. The outdoor setting at Burritt adds to the experience, letting families spread out on blankets while enjoying views that stretch across Huntsville as the sun sets. Gates open at 6:00 pm with the concert starting at 7:00 pm, giving families time to settle in and grab dinner from onsite food trucks before the music begins. General admission tickets run $25-$60, and concert-goers should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating on the grass. Beer and wine are available for purchase, though outside alcohol isn't permitted. For those wanting a more relaxed experience, an optional dinner at The View is available for $30 per person at 6:00 pm, featuring a BBQ buffet that must be reserved by the Tuesday before the concert. The event works well for elementary-age kids who can sit through an hour-long performance, though restless toddlers might do better arriving closer to showtime after burning energy elsewhere. If afternoon forecasts predict rain, the concert moves to the covered Bendickson Family Pavilion. Tickets are non-refundable and considered tax-deductible donations, so check the weather before heading out. Online sales close at 4:00 pm on concert day or when tickets sell out.