Invitation issued for Handy celebration

The city of Florence is issuing an party invitation to celebrate W.C. Handy's 136th birthday on Monday, Nov. 16.

Party activities will be at the W.C. Handy Home, Museum and Library at 620 W. College St.

William Christopher Handy, "Father of the Blues, was born in Florence on

Nov. 16, 1873.

Handy was a band conductor, a solo trumpet performer, author and composer of such blues classics as "Memphis Blues," "St. Louis Blues" and "Beale Street Blues".

The celebration will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

Birthday cake and other refreshments will be served.

As a special treat, Harvey Thompson and the Thompson Trio will perform with vocalist Mary Mason. The musical program will take place on the front porch of the cabin, weather permitting, so bring your lawn chairs. In case of bad weather, the program will be held inside the museum.

Thompson is a virtuoso saxophonist and a member of the Muscle Shoals Horns. He has recently toured with Little Richard and appeared on "Good Morning America."

In the past, Thompson has toured with Elton John, Eddie Mitchell, Lyle Lovett and other Malaco Recording artists.

As a member of Lyle Lovett's Large Band, he made televised appearances on The Grammy Awards, "Austin City Limits," "Today Show," and on the late-night shows of Johnny Carson, David Letterman and Arsenio Hall. He has more than 40 gold records to his credit and has been on the recordings of Elton John, Dr. Hook, Rod Stewart, Hank Williams Jr., Issace Hayes, Mac Davis and others.

The Thompson Trio includes Harvey Thompson Jr. on keyboards, Phil Lee on bass guitar and Marcus Pope on drums.

Vocalist Mason has performed with the group Iguana Party and recently released a solo album.

The W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration is sponsored by the Handy Cabin Committee and the Florence Department of Arts and Museums.

For details, call 760-6434.