The Salt and Pepper Roots Music Celebration

The Salt and Pepper Roots Music Celebration Returns April 23 at UNA’s Mane Room

FLORENCE, Ala. — The Salt and Pepper Roots Music Celebration returns on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mane Room at the University of North Alabama in Florence, Alabama, for an evening honoring Alabama’s enduring roots music legacy.

Headlining the celebration is acclaimed Alabama artist Rick Carter, whose contributions to the state’s music history began with the influential and widely respected group Telluride. Over the decades, Carter’s work has reflected the depth, craftsmanship, and spirit of Southern songwriting and musicianship, helping shape Alabama’s modern roots sound.

Joining him as Special Guest is Stuart Douglas, a native of Fort Payne, Alabama. Douglas represents the strength of homegrown North Alabama musicianship, bringing his own authentic voice and regional perspective to the evening’s program.

The Salt and Pepper Roots Music Celebration was created to spotlight the artists, traditions, and stories that define the Shoals and greater North Alabama music culture — from blues and country to rock and soul. More than a concert, the series serves as a cultural gathering that connects community, heritage, and live performance.

“The Salt and Pepper Celebration is about honoring the architects and carriers of our sound,” said producer Russell Gulley. “It’s about recognizing Alabama’s contribution to American music and creating a space where that legacy continues to live and breathe.”

This April 23rd celebration is made possible through the generous support of Counts Brothers Music, Renaissance Shoals, Alabama Folklife Association, and Champy’s Chicken, whose continued investment in regional arts and culture helps sustain live roots music programming in North Alabama.

The event is produced by Russell Gulley for broadcast on APT.

Hosted in the intimate setting of UNA’s Mane Room, the evening promises an up-close experience rooted in authenticity, storytelling, and musical excellence.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Russell Gulley