McNairy County is proud of its long and varied music heritage, particularly its Rockabilly roots! Currently, AiM's Music Committee organizes several concerts, events, programs and music series.
Live! at the Latta features a variety of musical performances on the Latta stage from contemporary country or rock to the University of Tennessee at Martin's percussion ensembles.
Music at the Mural is a new series presenting live musical performances from the newly laid stage at Rockabilly Park in Downtown Selmer. Music at the Mural is a joint project between the Selmer Farmer's Market, Selmer Parks and Recreation and AiM. The monthly series (Memorial Day to Labor Day) takes place in the shadow of the iconic Rockabilly Highway Mural II by artist Brian Tull. From folk, to americana, to bluegrass, to jazz, to world music, Music at the Mural has been a live, outdoor music success story.
Jammin' at the Latta was started by AiM's president and drummer extraordinaire, Jack Martin. It is what it says, a traditional, old fashioned jam session for musicians of all genres to come together, to see what they can cook up. It's always interesting. Events are staged on an impromptu basis throughout the year.
Music Homecoming is an annual event (May) for musicians to gather at the Latta in recognition of the county's musical heritage. The Homecoming is an informal pickin' session that pays homage to the community jams that took place in the Latta in the 1940s and 50s when the building was still an automobile dealership. It is an opportunity for young players to learn from some of the area's best old-time pickers while audiences enjoy quality music with local roots.
Traditional and Old-Time Music are a huge part of McNairy County's identity, consequently the AiM Music and Folklife Committees often partner for preservation programs. Audio and video material such as the Stanton Littlejohn recordings and recently digitized 8mm documentary footage by community music scholar David Killingsworth are vital links to the county's musical roots.
The Rockabilly Highway Revival first began when AiM commissioned Rockabilly Highway Mural I, by Brian Tull. What began as a dedication ceremony for the mural, has become a full-fledged cultural festival with music on multiples stages and the McNairy County Music Hall of Fame inductions and tribute concert on the eve of the festivities. Now, a partnership between AiM and the McNairy County Chamber of Commerce, Rockabilly Highway Revival is the biggest music event on the local calendar, attracting thousand to downtown Selmer, the second weekend in June.
Stephen Foster Music Club is the second oldest Federated Music Club chartered in the state of Tennessee. The club has been in continuous operation since 1938 and members now act as AiM ambassadors while partnering with the AiM music committee for community music programs. Periodic concerts and other music appreciation events take place at the Latta and the club offers two annual scholarships for local music students.
Community Band and Chorus offers opportunities for local musicians and vocalists to participate in a concert band and community choir. This was a successful program from 2006-12, staging a popular spring/summer and Christmas concert each year.