W. C. Handy Festival 2019



 W. C. Handy Music Festival


July 19-28 is one of the biggest 10 days in the Shoals.  It's when we celebrate music - in the streets, in the restaurants, in the churches, basically - everywhere!  The W. C. Handy Music Festival is a celebration paying honor to the Father of the Blues, W. C. Handy.  He was an internationally recognized composer of sacred and secular music.  We also celebrate the music produced locally in the "Hit Recording Capital of the World".  Musicians in the Shoals area are the best anywhere.  They produce a sound that has never been able to be replicated.

 The first festival was held in 1982 and has continued to grow in size each year.  It is recognized as one of the top 10 events in the State of Alabama and one of the top 20 events in the Southeast.  

 There is something for everyone!  



Are you a runner?  No worries, there is an annual run to cover the running enthusiast in the family.  Get all the details of this fun run by clicking the link below:   
https://www.wchandymusicfestival.com/events/images/docs/dadoorun.pdf

Running not your cup of tea?  Like to ride bikes?  As I told you, there is something for everyone.  There is a three-state bike ride!  For more information, click here.

Interested in learning more about this legendary man?  Then, you will certainly want to attend the stage play about the life of W. C. Handy at the historic Shoals Theater.







There is always a headliner to wrap up the wonderful week.  

This year it is Miki Howard, the Manhattans and Dee Lucas.  Miki is a top R&B recording artist and has had many major hits.  She played Billie Holliday in the Spike Lee/Denzel Washington movie, Malcolm X.  

 You might remember the Manhattans from their hit song, "Kiss and Say Goodbye".  And lastly, Dee Lucas will not disappoint with his saxophone.  We get to claim him as our own because he graduated from the University of North Alabama.  

 Read more about the headliners by clicking this link:
https://www.wchandymusicfestival.com/headliners


Snag your tickets for the headliner concert here:  
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/handy-headliner-2019-miki-howard-the-manhattans-tickets-64250369585


Here are some of my favorites!  Hope to see you there!

 Friday, July 19
First Metro Bank - Sax In The City
7:30 PM
Wilson Park

 Saturday, July 20
Who doesn't love a parade????  
First Annual Jazzin' It Up In Tuscumbia Handy Kick Off Parade
Downtown Tuscumbia
6:00 PM

 Sunday, July 21
Opening Ceremonies
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
W. C. Handy Home & Museum Front Lawn, College Street, Florence

 Monday, July 22
Double Trouble:  The Swampette & Beehive Queen Handy Fest Music Tour
12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Florence-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitors Center Gallery, Florence
Tickets $40   Call 256-740-4141 for more information

Josh Brannon Band with Tall As Pine
Singing River Brewery
7:30 PM


Tuesday, July 23
UNA Night on North Court Street Median
7:00 - 10:00 PM
The Eric  Kirkman Combo

 Wednesday, July 24
Rosie's Cantina At Sundown
6-9 PM
Featuring Deja Vu

 Thursday, July 25
Hot Temps and Cool Vibes with James LeBlanc and Angela Hacker
6:00 PM
Shoals Gold Record Room

 Billy Reid Presents Pond Diver
Billy Reid, 114 North Court Street
7-8 PM

 Friday, July 26
18th Annual Rollin' On The River
6:30 PM until
Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville

 Saturday, July 27
Handy Headliner
8:00 PM
University of North Alabama Norton Auditorium
Mark your calendars and check the links below to find where your favorite band is playing.  Bring the fans, the lawn chairs, and bottled water and enjoy listening to the best music anywhere. If you have never been, I promise you won't regret it.  And, I bet once you go, you will be a regular like the thousands of others who won't miss Handy!  

 Links:

 Information about the W. C. Handy Festival
https://www.wchandymusicfestival.com


Event list:
https://www.wchandymusicfestival.com/events/events.php












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