Annie B. Turner entertains the crowd at the opening of the 2006 W.C. Handy Music festival.
Details
Date: July 20-26
Where: Several sites throughout the Shoals
Hours: Varies
Costs: Varies
Contact: (256) 766-9719, (256) 740-4141
The Shoals is the place for a weeklong tribute to Florence native and "Father of the Blues" W.C. Handy.
The festival, since 1986, has been rated each year as one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Handy was born in a log cabin in Florence on Nov. 16, 1873, and lived there until he was 19. He composed some of the best-known jazz songs such as "St. Louis Blues," "Memphis Blues," and "Beale Street Blues."
During the annual Handy week festivities, jazz and blues music can be heard throughout the Shoals at restaurants, malls, parks, theaters, concert halls, churches, along the riverside, libraries and other sites. There’s also a music camp and other educational activities.
The event, which was launched in 1982, has attracted numerous music legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Ellis Marsalis, Ramsey Lewis and the Bobby Blue Bland. Local musicians are also part of the event. In conjunction with the week, the play "Determined" depicts the life of Handy. You’ll also see art exhibits and other festivities.
ENLARGE
