The University of Alabama’s iconic Denny Chimes will ring out across the historic Quad on Sunday, May 24, 2026, when University Carillonneur Dr. Amir Zaheri presents “A Memorial Day Weekend Concert with Denny Chimes” — a free, outdoor carillon concert from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. The concert is open to the public at no charge, welcoming families, students, alumni, and community members of all ages.
The one-hour program will feature patriotic anthems, beloved folk songs, popular favorites, and timeless classics — all performed live on Denny Chimes, one of Alabama’s only true carillons and one of the most treasured landmarks of the UA campus. The program offers something for every generation. Audience members are invited to bring a blanket, enjoy a picnic on The Quad, and even see Denny Chimes played live from inside the tower. The concert requires no tickets and no registration.
A brief moment of remembrance will be offered by the Reverend Robin C. Wilson, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa, honoring the men and women who have given their lives in service to our nation.
“Denny Chimes has rung out across this campus for nearly a century. This concert is an opportunity to gather as a community — to be uplifted together, and to honor the memory of those who have served our country. I hope to see the Quad filled with people of all ages.”
— Dr. Amir Zaheri, University Carillonneur, Denny Chimes
Denny Chimes was dedicated on May 27, 1929, and named in honor of Dr. George H. Denny, who served as President of the University of Alabama from 1912 to 1936. So beloved was President Denny by students and faculty that they launched a fundraising campaign to build the tower bearing his name. Its 25-bell bronze carillon has marked the hours of campus life ever since, and its bells carry over The Quad daily. As the tower approaches its centennial in 2029, the Memorial Day Weekend Concert is free of charge and open to the entire Tuscaloosa–Northport community.
Dr. Zaheri serves as University Carillonneur and University Organist at the University of Alabama, where he is also Head of Music Composition in the School of Music. He additionally serves as Director of Music and Worship Arts and Organist at First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa.
