W.C. Handy Festival 2015

W.C. HANDY FESTIVAL 2015

PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS

SATURDAY, JULY11

SWAMPETTE TROLLEY TOURS

Noon-4 pmFlorence-Lauderdale Tourism office, McFarland Park, Florence

Featuring:Tours led by Judy Hood to sites related to the musical heritage of The Muscle Shoals

THURSDAY, JULY 16

HOT BBQ! COOL BLUES!

N HARMONY WITHNATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT

6-8pm GAS Design Center, 109 W. Sixth St. Tuscumbia

Cost:$12.50in advance forBBQ Dinner (purchase ticket at Fiddledee D! 111 S. Main St. Tuscumbia or by calling 256-383-9797)

Music by:Maxwell RussellTrio

Sponsored by:Tuscumbia Retail Development, Inc. with GAS Design Center

FESTIVAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 17

COMMUNITY DRIFT

8:45 amCox Creek Parkway Overpass, Florence

SWAMPFEST SONGWRITER SHOWCASE SERIES #1: SWAMP SONGS

3-5 pmFlorence-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitors Center Gallery, Florence

Music by:Donnie Fritts * Scott Boyer * N.C. Thurman

Sponsored by: Florence-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitors Center

FIRST METRO BANK “SAX BASH”

(Pre - Party for “Sax In The City” event. Trolley rides available from First Metro Bank on Pine Street to Wilson Park)

5:30-7 pmFirst Metro Bank – 325 South Pine Street, Florence

Featuring: Drumb & Drumber

Sponsored by: First Metro Bank

COURTIN’ THE BLUES PARADE

N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER - FREE EVENT

Parade on Court Street, Florence

On-Line Registration * For additional information, contact Big River Broadcasting: 256-764-8121.

6 pmLine-up on N. Pine Street across from Norton Auditorium/UNA

7 pmParade begins

Sponsored by:Big River Broadcasting

SAX IN THE CITY

N HARMONY WITHNATURE LITTER - FREE EVENT

7:30pmWilson Park, Florence

(Please note: in case of rain, this event will be moved automatically to the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum)

Featuring:The Midnighters

Sponsored by:FirstMetro Bank

ROCK & SOUL AT THE SHOALS: A BENEFIT FOR THE ALABAMA MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND THE SHOALS THEATRE

8:30 pmShoals Theatre, Florence

Cost:$10 (tickets online at or call 256-764-1700)

Featuring:Christine Ohlman, Travis Wammack, Donnie Fritts, Kelvin Holly, Will McFarlane, Jerry Phillips, Wayne Chaney, Monkee Wammack, and

The Local Saints

Sponsored by:TASUS Corporation

HANDY NIGHT

5-7 pmSwampers/ Marriott Shoals, Florence – Chad Bradford

5-8 pm360 Grille, Florence – Harvey Thompson trio

6:30-9:30 pmFlobama, Florence – Rewind

7-10 pmRising Crust Pizza, Florence – James LeBlanc, Angela Hacker, Jon Davis

Ami’s, Sheffield - Cadillacs

7-11pmRicatoni’s, Florence – Julia Rich & Friends

8-11 pmChampy’s, Muscle Shoals – Diedra and the Ruff Pro Band

8-11pmSwampers/Marriott Shoals, Florence – Sean Rivers

8 pm-1 amJameson Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Sheffield – Renegade Jane

9pm-12 mnFrench Quarter, Sheffield – Follow Apollo

9:30pm-1:30 amOnThe Rocks, Florence–Josh Hoyer & The Shadowboxers

10:30pm-1:30amFlobama, Florence– Spunk Monkees

SATURDAY, JULY 18

31ST ANNUAL MID-SUMMER CLASSIC THREE-STATE BIKE RIDE

N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT

McFarland Park, Florence

21, 39, 61, 70, 100 & 107 distance options (helmets required)

All cyclists are required to ride single-file on the Natchez Trace Parkway

Route maps on line andPre-registration on-line at Pre-registration also available at P.O. Box 1827, Florence AL 35631, or at Handy Headquarters located at 217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence AL 35630

6 amRegistration

7:15 amMass Start

3 pm Aid Stations close

4 pmRoute closes

Cost:$30 per rider until July 6/ $35 if postmarked after July 6 (includes t-shirt, aid stations, map, food and refreshments after the ride)

(Proceeds to benefit the Music Preservation Society, Inc.)

Sponsored by: Shoals Cycling Club * Logan’s Roadhouse * Shoals Radio Group * The Spinning Spoke Cycle Club * Salt and Light Ministries

DADOORUNRUN (5K) & FUN RUN (1 MILE) & WALK (1 MILE)

N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER - FREE EVENT

Come enjoy a run or walk through beautiful and historic downtown Florence!

W.C. Handy Home & Museum, Florence

6:30-7:30amRegistration and packet pickup / race day * Pre-registration due July 11, 2015

8am5K Run (Certified) AL01020JD* Events will be chip timed by Solid Rock Race Timing

9am1 Mile Run & Walk

Cost:5K & 1 Mile Fun Run combo $20 / Run only is $15/Walk $10; prices increase after July 15, 2015

Registration:$10 for 1 Mile Run/Walk; $15 for 5K Run; $20 for both; $5 late fee for registration

Online: before July 11 ($2.50 fee if paid on-line)*

Handy Headquarters: 217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence * Mail: P.O Box 1827, Florence AL 35631

Featuring:Mary Mason Band

Sponsored by:Abroms & Associates * Tennessee River Athletic Club (TRAC) * Ricatoni’s Italian Grill * All Sports Trophy * Anytime Fitness *

Jack O’Lantern Farms*City Hardware * Garrett Chiropractic Clinic * Shoals Ambulance Service * Solid Rock Race Timing *

First Place Athletics

SHOALS CAR AND TRUCK SHOW

N HARMONY WITHNATURE LITTER - FREE EVENT

Wilson Park, Florence

8 am-2pmShow time (registration 8 am- noon)

Cost:Registration $20per vehicle (Mail to:1307Southwest 11th Street, Sheffield, AL 35660)

Information:Terry Mashburn 256-366-0564 or Ronnie James 256-381-3536

Sponsored by: Shoals Car & Truck Club* Bob’s Tire & Service Center * Extreme Auto Design* Shoals Tire & Wheel * Tires Only * O’Reilly Auto Parts * Coca-Cola Bottling Company * Lyda’s Delights * Designers Graphics * Detail Supply * B & L Transmissions * Holt’s Radiator * Holt’s Upholstery* Advanced Auto Parts, Hwy 72, Florence * First Southern Bank * Supreme Beverage Company * Legend’s Steakhouse * First Choice Chiropractic *Long-Lewis of the Shoals*Shoals Distributing

HANDY LUNCH

Noon-3 pmRicatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – Mitch Mann

SHOALS BLUES CHALLENGE

1 pmChallengeat The Mane Room, Florence

CostFree

FeaturingVarious Performers during the challenge

7pm Show at The Mane Room, Florence

Cost:$5

Featuring:Microwave Dave and The Nukes * Kent DuChaine * Diedra & The Ruff Pro Band

Information:For more information about the Blues Challenge, Call Dr. Bob Garfrerick at 256-765-4369

Sponsored by:University of North Alabama Dept. of Entertainment Industry * The Mane Room * On The Rocks * Music Preservation Society, Inc.

MUSCLE SHOALS LEGACY OF FAME BOOK SIGNING

1-3 pmPegasus Records, Florence

Music by:Russell Mefford, Jay Burgess, & Hannah Aldridge

Featuring:A conversation and performance *Muscle Shoals Legacy of Fame book signing by Blake Ellis

Sponsored by: Pegasus Records

BUBBA’S MARINE CONSTRUCTION PRESENTS THE CONCERT ON SHOAL CREEK

N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT

(In case of rain, the event will automatically move to Saturday, July 25th, 2015)

2-6pmShoal Creek At Spring Cove II – Boat Access Only½ mile South of Happy Hollow Bridge, East Bank,Florence

Info:Call John Aikin 256-710- 5931

Featuring:Featuring The Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman and Fathers & Sons Kelvin Holly * Will McFarlane * Justin Holder *

JamieMcFarlane * Mary Mason Band * Special Guest Caroline Webb

Sponsored by:Senators Coaches * Kenneth Williams/CocaCola* Lynch & Lynch* Benard Berosky, MD & Shoals Radiology Associates * TVACommunity Credit Union * Bunch and James PC * First Metro Bank * Keith Simpkins * Doyce Barnett * Counts Brothers Music* Waterfront Marina * Sheryl Self, Century 21 Clement Realty*GAS Studio * Singing River Realty, Broker/Owner Jill Trousdale * Tennessee River Dermatology* Ricatoni’s Italian Grill

SWAMPFEST SONGWRITER SHOWCASE SERIES #2: The Muscle Shoals Nashville Connection

3-5 pmFlorence-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitors Center Gallery, Florence

Music by:Mark Narmore * Walt Aldridge * Donny Lowery

Featuring:Robin Wade Furniture exhibit (from 10 am til 7 pm)

Sponsored by: Florence-Lauderdale Tourism and Visitors Center

SHOALS SCHOLAR DOLLARS BIDS AND BLUES

TheMarriott Shoals Conference Center, Florence

Live and Silent Auction which will include a 2015 Ford F150 truck, a 2015 Polaris, a 2014 Seadoo and lots of vacation opportunities as well as local merchant merchandise. All proceeds go to Shoals Scholar Dollars for scholarships for all 17 qualified Lauderdale and Colbert County High Schools who meet the 4 criteria.

4 pmDoors Open

5 pmSilent Auction Begins, Burgers and Beer

5-6 pmWildwood Ruminators

6-9pmLive Auction

Sponsored by:Scholarship Level: Northwest Shoals Community College * TNT / Diamond Level: Martin Supply / Gold Level: ICS Computers * Rogersville Chamber of Commerce * NAI *First Christian Church*Florence Exchange Club

ROBIN WADE EXHIBITION AND CELEBRATION

Florence Lauderdale Tourism, Florence

4:30-5:30 pmArt Competition: Ankle Painting Contest (see Robin Wade Furniture website for rules and details)

5 PMDr. Cameron Walker, anthropologist, archeologist, author, speaker, professor

5:30-7 pmMelissa Bain

Catering:Alan Phillips, Red Clay Epicurean with local produce * Jack O’Lantern Farms

Sponsored by:Robin Wade

HANDY’S EVENING OF INNOVATION STREET PARTY

5pmNorth Court Street Median, Florence

Featuring:TEROW-Band, Alpha Academy, Zuri Social Club, and more

Sponsored by:Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. * Something Ele’Gant Florist

HANDY FEST BIKE NIGHT

5-9 pmNatchez Trace Harley Davidson, Tuscumbia

Cost:Free – All Bikers and Non-bikers are welcome

Featuring:Handshake Promise

Sponsored by:Natchez Trace Harley Davidson, Tuscumbia

MUSIC IN THE PARK

N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT

7-10pmWilson Park, Florence

Featuring:Rewind

Sponsored by:CB&S Bank

RIP THE RUNWAY FASHION SHOW & HANDY ARTIST SHOWCASE CONCERT

Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum, Florence

7:30 pmFashion Show

10 pm The After Concert at Inspire, 320 North Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield featuring Handy Artists And All Models

Cost:$15 General admission / $25 VIP Section

Fashion Show For more information visit

Featuring:Miss Alabama 2015, Miss Quad Cities, Miss Tennessee Valley, Handy Artists, and top male & female models wearing fashions from Zoey Belle’s, Nicole Nicole Clothing andDesign, Unique Shoes, Charlotte Russe, The Gap, Devaney Made, Hidden Treasurer Boutique, C. Pride, Kathy Rose Fashions * Buckle

Sponsored by:Distinguished Productions * Dick Howell’s BBQ * Prestigious Childcare of the Shoals * Shalom Hair Salon * Rhoda P’s Catering * Thompson and Son Funeral Home

THE ULTIMATE WHITE AFFAIR

8 pmJameson Inn, Sheffield

Cost:$15 in advance, $20 at the door; Reserved seating for 4, 6, or 8 by calling 256-810-5221 or 256-280-8802

Featuring:Kenn Orr a/k/a “KO” & Friends * D.J. Swann

Sponsored by:Markess & Sabrina Gholston

AN EVENING OF “ATMOSPHERIC SOUL”: FEATURING PRINCE “BLACK MAGIC” DAMONS AND THE LEGENDARY LENNY WILLLIAMS

9 pm Historic Sweetwater Depot, Florence (doors open at 8:30 pm)

Cost:$15 advance; $20 at the door –Advance Tickets available at: Bunyan’s BBQ, The London Shop, Pegasus Records, Madison’s Hair Salon, Jamey”s Cut and Style, and Handy Headquarters(Food and Cash Bar will be offered at an additional cost)

Featuring:Prince Damons * James Roy * Joseph Stallworth * Brandon Cohn * Jarvien Hill * Norris Jones * The Legendary Lenny Williams

Sponsored: A Day of Beauty Boutique * AAMCO Transmissions * Acceptance Auto Insurance * Adam Rue Auto Sales * Alliance Title and Escrow * Allstate Insurance Company * Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. * B&B Trophies * Baby’s Room @ Magnolia * Bacon Alignment * Barnes Health Care Pharmacy * Big Star * Bob’s Tire and Alignment * Brenton and Mollie Mitchell * Brian’s Auto Sales * Bronzed Body * Brooks Barbeque * Bunyan’s Barbeque * C & R Cleaning * Carbine Construction Co. * Chandler Painting Co. * Cherry Tree Lane Bridal and Formal * Classy Nails * Coats Clothing Co. * Comfort Max Heating and Cooling * Creative Fashions and Furniture * Crunk Pools and Spas, LLC * Curves for Women * Dalton’s Pharmacy * Dave Smith * Dave’s Dent Medic * Dihanne Westfield * Eskins, King, & Marney Law Firm * Fleming Machining and Fabrication * Florence Pharmacy * Frazzled Boutique and Embroidery * Furniture and More Thrift Store * Gilchrist Homes * Gilchrist Rentals * Goins Auto Repair * Goins Auto Sales, Inc. * Head 2 Toe Salon and Apparel * Hines Tire Co. * Holt, Mussleman, Morgan, and Alvis, Attorneys * Jim Prince – State Farm * Johnny Wright Auto Sales * Julie’s Nails * Larry’s Jeweler and Pawn * Laura Johnson Butler -Nationwide Insurance * Lawn Max * Liberty National Life Insurance * Lorain’s Boutique * Lovely Nails * Miami Ice * Mike Franks * Mike Franks- Country Financial * Milner Rushing Discount Drugs * Monkey-N-Around * Murks Pest Control * National Advance Auto Sales * New Look Paint Co. * Nick Ahmed Auto Sales * Northington Clinic * Northgate Pharmacy * Nu Look Barber Shop * Oakley Lawn and Garden * Parke Cochran – State Farm * Problem Plumbing and Sewer * Puppy Love Pet Grooming * Quad Cities Carpets * Rebecca Stutts Hovater – State Farm * Renaissance Reality * Rent-A-Center Florence and Muscle Shoals * Rhoda P.’s Catering * Sassy and Classy Boutique * Sayas Chiropractic Center * Security Lock & Key * Security National Mortgage Company * Sheffield Hardware Store * Shoals Soccer Club * Shook’s Auto Sales * Southern Vape * St. Marks Baptist Church * Stephenson Tires * Tennessee River Urgent Care * Tennessee Valley Gastroenterology * Teresa Rogers – Allstate * Terry Oakley – Alfa Insurance * The Grasshopper * The Retreat Day Spa * The Tint Station * The Wood Floor Store * Tim Burnett’s Hardwood, Ceramic, and Painting * Touch of Class Barber Shop * Trinity Memorial Funeral Home * Unique Car Care * University Chevrolet Buick GMC * University Hyundai of Florence * Warehouse Furniture * Wesley Thompson – ALFA * Willows Day Spa * Woods Wholesale Flooring * Ye Old General Store * Zoey Belle’s Boutique and Briley’s Clothing

HANDY NIGHTS

5-8 pm360 Grille, Florence – Harvey Thompson duo

6:30-9:30 pmFlobama, Florence – The Hitmen

7-11 pmCity Hardware, Florence - Julia Rich & Friends

Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence -Tosha Hill Band

8-11 pmChampy’s, Muscle Shoals – Max Russell and the Shakedown Kings

Swampers/Marriott Shoals– Harvey Thompson Dance Band

9pm-12mnFrench Quarter, Sheffield –Scott Boyer Trio

9:30 pm-1:30 amOn the Rocks, Florence–Aaron Blades Band

10:30 pm-1:30 amFlobama, Florence – Sean Rivers Band

SUNDAY, JULY 19

10th ANNUAL HANDY CHAMPAGNE JAM AT THE SHOALS

10am-2pm Robert Trent Jones Golf Course Clubhouse, Muscle Shoals

Cost:$12.95

Featuring:Ray Reach & Friends

CELEBRATION SUNDAY

Wood Avenue Church of Christ, Florence

10 am Celebration Sunday Service

11 amPraise On The Lawn

Featuring: Wood Avenue Church of Christ Congregation and guests

Sponsored by: Wood Avenue Church of Christ

ARTWORKS

1-3pmTennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia

Featuring:ArtWorks 2015: An Exhibition of Current Works by Tennessee Valley Art Association Member Artists

Cost:Free admission

Music by:Blue Navigators

Sponsored by:R. L. & Nancy Qualls*Northwest Shoals Community College * Valley Credit Union

AFTERNOON MUSIC: CHRISTOPHER-JOEL CARTER & FRIENDS

2 pmFirst Presbyterian Church, Sheffield

Featuring:Christopher-Joel Carter & Friends

Sponsored by:First Presbyterian Church, Sheffield

AFTERNOON MUSIC: SHOALS CONCERT BAND

3pmFirst Presbyterian Church, Florence

Music by:Shoals Concert Band

Sponsored by:First Presbyterian Church, Florence

SWINGING WITH THE SAINTS

4-5 pmTuscumbia First United Methodist Church, Tuscumbia

Cost:Free to public

Reception to follow the concert

Featuring:Community Gospel Choir

Sponsored by:First United Methodist Church, Tuscumbia

AFTERNOON BREAK

4-8 pmRicatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence

Featuring:Julia Rich & Friends

ONE BODY, ONE VOICE

4:30-5:30 pmFirst Baptist Church (corner of Wood Avenue and Tombigbee Street, Florence

Featuring: First Baptist Church hosts the Mount Moriah P.B. Church, joined in worship and love

(all congregations are welcome!)

Sponsored by: First Baptist Church and Mount Moriah P.B. Church

POLO & PARTY WITH MICROWAVE DAVE AND THE NUKES

Blue Water Creek Polo Club, 9648 U.S. Highway 72, Rogersville (seven miles from Shoals Creek Bridge near Elgin Crossroads)

(Rain or Shine)

5 pmTeam: Bluewater Creek Polo Club Players

Cost:Gate Fee $5 (children 12 and under are free / parking isfree / bring your blankets chairs and picnics)

6-8 pmFeaturing Microwave Dave & The Nukes

Sponsored by:Teena Tucker and other polo enthusiasts

OPENING CEREMONIES

N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT

6:30-8:30pmW.C. Handy Home & Museum Front Lawn, College St., Florence

Rain location: Mt. Moriah PB Christian Life Center, Florence

Featuring:Kuumba * Dr. Carlos Handy* Bobby & PJ Winston * Alicia Threet & Friends * Renewed * Quad Cities Mass Choir

Sponsored by: City of Florence * Firestone Building Products * Holt, Mussleman, Morgan, & Alvis, Attys.* NAACP State Conference * Shoals Chamber of Commerce * Shoals Democratic Club * The Winstons * Mt. Moriah P.B. Church * Keep the Shoals Beautiful* W.C. Handy Home & Museum *Florence Parks and Recreation Department * Music Preservation Society, Inc. * WZZA

AN EVENING PREMIER WITH THE PBT QUARTET

6:30 pm St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, Florence

Featuring: The PBT Quartet

Sponsored by:St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church * Sandra and Thomas Murray

STUDIO A CONCERT SERIES

7 pmSheffield VFW, 419 North Raleigh Avenue, Sheffield

Cost:$20 Advance (For Tickets & Info, call 256-764-1434)

Featuring:Brandon Giles

Sponsored by:Cypress Moon Productions

WALK WITH ME FOUNDATION’S SOLAS

7 pmTrinity Episcopal Church, Florence

Cost:$10

Featuring:Solas * Trinity Episcopal Church Choir * Dr. Terrance D. Brown

Sponsored by:Trinity Episcopal Church Choir * Walk with Me Foundation, Inc.

HANDY NIGHTS

4-8 pmRicatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – Julia Rich & Friends

6-10 pmCity Hardware, Florence – Kent DuChaine

7:30-9:30 pmChampy’s, Muscle Shoals – Praise & Worship with NatalieAskew

8-11 pmSwampers/ Marriott Shoals, Florence –Nadine Tindall

9:30pm-1:30amOnThe Rocks, Florence – Big Mike Griffin

MONDAY, JULY 20

JAZZ IT UP WITH TRASH

N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT

10amFlorence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence

Featuring:Hands-on activities making musical instruments from recycled materials / for ages 3 and older

Special Guest: Microwave Dave

Sponsored by:Florence Recycling Center * Florence-Lauderdale Public Library * Keep the Shoals Beautiful *Shoals Earth Month, Inc.

BOOK IT WITH JAZZ

11am-1pmHelen Keller Public Library, Tuscumbia

Cost:Free to public ($5 lunch tickets, pre-purchase only, available at the library, or calling 256-383-7065, or Friends of the Library members)

Music by:Robert Dickson Combo

Sponsored by: Tuscumbia Utilities Department * Sparks Freeze Music, BMI * Henninger, Johnson & Layton Insurance *

Dr. Jimmy Gardiner Family Dentistry * Paige Borden Insurance * Friends of Helen Keller Library

CHECK OUT THE BLUES

11am-1pmFlorence-Lauderdale Public Library, Florence

Lunch available for purchase at Bookmarks Café in the Library

Music by:Howard Lamb & Friends