THE SHOALS-In its 34th year, the Handy Festival likes to keep things fresh and interesting; more than 15 new events have been added along with 27 new venues. From Red Bay and Russellville to Rogersville and of course the Shoals, festival-goers have their choice of the air-conditioned Gallery at the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Visitor’s Center or a warm summer breeze viewing the beautiful fields at the Bluewater Creek Polo Club listening to Microwave Dave.
Here’s a sampling of what’s “New To Do”! On July 17, 18, 24 and 25, Tourism’s Visitor’s Center in Florence hosts the Swamp Fest 2015 Songwriter’s Series presenting various musical themes. There are several concerts benefiting the Alabama Music Hall of Fame: at 8:30 p.m. on Festival kick-off night July 17, join Rock & Soul at The Shoals (Theatre) featuring Travis Wammack, Christine Ohlman (of Saturday Night Live fame), Donnie Fritts, Kelvin Holly, Will McFarlane, Jerry Phillips, Wayne Chaney, and opening band, The Local Saints; Monday, July 20, the Muscle Shoals Allstars are stopping off on their way to Lincoln Center, NY with a bevy of well-known singers and musicians to blow the roof off of the Marriott Shoals Conference Center at 7:30 p.m.; and, stop by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame on July 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and tap your toes to the Cadillacs. The Shoals Scholar Dollars Silent/Live Auction with music from the Wildwood Ruminators will be held at the Marriott Shoals Conference Center on July 18 starting at 4pm. The Dempsey Foundation of Red Bay Hospital has a silent auction, dinner and jazz with Ferris, York and Sledge at 6:30 p.m. on July 24 in the Weatherford Center, Red Bay. How about an Evening of Indian Classical Music featuring Ustad Shafaat Khan and Coco Bastien at the Robert M. Guillot University Center on the UNA campus, July 24 at 7 p.m.? Close out the Festival with us on Sunday, July 26 at 6 p.m at The Gospel of Percy Sledge, a tribute to Mr. Sledge held in Leighton at the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church; featuring Howell “Flipper” Sledge, Renewed, Rev. Jerry Reeves & the Galilee Church Choir, the Orr Sisters, Gospel Harmoneers and Christine Ohlman.
Sample the Cajun food at the new restaurant, French Quarter in Sheffield or check out the offerings at Florence’s Singing River Brewery – visit Suntrust Plaza or the Southwest Corner and Beverly Avenue in Florence. No matter where you go from July 17 through July 26, you’re bound to hear good music, eat great food and enjoy the 34th W.C. Handy Music Festival – don’t forget to check our website for updates, www.wchandymusic.org!
MEDIA RELEASE/WC HANDY FESTIVAL/MELANIE ORSESKE, PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR
