HANDY FESTIVAL IS GREAT FOR DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES — Been downtown during the Handy Festival? You’ve probably noticed the crowds there, taking advantage of all of the events planned at our downtown venues. There’s lots more planned, and you’re invited to partake! The 23rd Annual W.C. Handy Festival is in full swing, and much of it happens in historic downtown Florence. Here is a partial list of things happening for the rest of this festive week – for a complete list of events, visit www.wchandymusicfestival.org. Wednesday, July 24:
AT SUNDOWN
N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER - FREE EVENT 5:30-7 pm Wilson Park, FlorenceFeaturing: Acoustrio * Kent DuChaineSponsored by: TNT Fireworks NORTH WOOD ROCKS THE BLOCK N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT 6-8 pm North Wood United Methodist Church, Florence Bring your lawn chair * Food available. Featuring: Eric EssixSponsored by: North Wood United Methodist Church
LISTENING ROOM
6:15-7:15 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing: Sonny Harris & FriendsSponsored by: Friends of the Festival
HANDY CHURCH NIGHT
Greater St. Paul AME Church, Florence6:30-8:00 pm Handy’s Community Choir8-9 pm Handy’s Community ChoirTransportation: 6 pm and 7:30 pm - Free Shuttle from Downtown Florence Parking DeckSponsored by: Greater St. Paul AME Church TUNES ON TENNESSEE7-9 pm Tennessee Street & Wood Avenue Intersection In Front of Progress Bank, Florence N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENTFeaturing: Josh Brannon BandSponsored by: Progress Bank * McDaniel Window and Door * Associated Insurers * Mefford’s Jewelers ROCK OUT WITH THE WRITERS 7:30 pm Shoals Theatre, Florence Cost: $20 All proceeds benefit hungry Shoals area children! (Sidney's Safe Foundation)Featuring: Multi-Grammy winner Chris Tompkins * Walt AldridgeSponsored by: Isbell Farms * Dr. Lee Morris* Holt Mussleman Kelley & Morgan Law Offices * Mo & Stephanie Mallette * Tuscumbia Iron WorksShoal Creek Gibbons House * North Alabama Mortgage Inc. –Sean Elliott * David & Melissa Bailey * UNA Honors Program *Inbound Marketing LISTENING ROOM 7:30-8:30 pm Zodiac Theatre, Florence Featuring: Scott Silbert & FriendsSponsored by: SCA Tissue North America * Selwyn Jones PEGASUS ROCKS INSIDE THE HOUSE 8 pm Pegasus Records Garage, FlorenceFeaturing: Basement Burlesque & the Florence Jazz Collective Presents All Jazzed Up FIVE-BAND SHOW 8 pm MANE Room, Entertainment Industry Department, downtown FlorenceFeaturing: Ramble Tamble * The Old Souls * Cheap Thrill Deville * The Lonely Gales * SCM ElectrixCost: Free, but donations are accepted at the door.Sponsored by: UNA’s Entertainment Industry Department LISTENING ROOM 8:30-10 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing: Bill Goodwin & FriendsSponsored by: SCA Tissue North America
HANDY NIGHTS
5-7 pm Yumm Thai, Sushi and More, Florence – Farris,York & Sledge Jazz Trio
6-9 pm Rosie’s, Florence – Microwave DaveLegends, Florence – Max RussellOn the Rocks, Florence – Shane Baker6-9:30 pm Flobama, Florence – James LeBlanc & Angela Hacker8-11 pm City Hardware, Florence – Rob Aldridge8 pm-mn Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – Pine Hill Haints9 pm-1 am On The Rocks, Florence – Aaron Blades Band10 pm-1:30 am Flobama, Florence – Rollin’ in the HaySomewhere Else Sidepockets Lounge, Florence – BYRON GREEN
THURSDAY, JULY 25
MR. HANDY’S BLUES: A MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY10-11 am W.C. Handy Home and Museum, Florence Featuring: Preview and conversation with filmmaker and producer Joanne Fish
HANDY ON THE PLAZA
N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER - FREE EVENT11 am-1 pm Mobile Plaza, FlorenceFeaturing: Tennessee River Ramblers Army Materiel Band Redstone Arsenal
LUNCH BREAK
11 am-2 pm Rosie’s, Florence – Ray Reach TrioRicatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – Travis WammackLegends, Florence – Farris, York, Sledge11:30 am-1:30pm Flobama, Florence – AcoustrioMR. HANDY’S BLUES: A MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY1-3 pm W.C. Handy Home and Museum, FlorenceFeaturing: Preview and conversation with filmmaker and producer Joanne Fish SCREENING ROOM2-4:30 pm Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, FlorenceFeaturing: Martin Scorsese’s documentary The Last Waltz (1978),starring The Band, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Neil Young,the Staple Singers, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters, Dr. John, Ronnie Hawkins, Ringo Starr and Neil Diamond.Introduced by Terry Pace, with special guests Jimmy Johnson (Schedule Permitting)Sponsored by: Florence-Lauderdale Public Library * Pillar of Fire * Muscle Shoals Music Association MUSIC & REFRESHMENTS AT KEESTONE2 pm Keestone of Florence, 201 N. Cedar St., FlorenceFeaturing: The Thompson TrioSponsored by: Keestone of Florence Senior CommunityHAPPY HOUR AT ON THE ROCKS4-7 pm On the Rocks, Florence – Rob Aldridge MUSIC IN THE PARK N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER- FREE EVENT4:30 pm Wilson Park, FlorenceFeaturing: The Ray BrothersSponsored by: Merrill Lynch LISTENING ROOM 5-6:30 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing: John McAndrewSponsored by: Friends of the Festival * Gonce & Messer, Attorneys BILLY REID PRESENTS 5-7 pm Billy Reid, Florence Featuring: Dan Dyer CHURCHIN’ DOWN THE STREET CONCERT 6 pm St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, 220 E Alabama Street, FlorenceFeaturing: Quad Cities Mass Choirs Directed by Aaron FreemanSponsored by: T & V Barbershop * Emmanual Christian Center * Higher Ground Productions * Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church *A & N Property Maintenance * Trinity Memorial Funeral Home * St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church* First Missionary Baptist Church Town Creek.COACHES vs. CANCER “Howlin’ Madd for a Cure”6 pm Pickett Place, FlorenceCost: $80 per person, $150 per couple* Tickets available at the American Cancer Society Office/ Pickett Place‘Tour of the South’ cuisine multi-course dinner, BYOB, set-ups available for purchaseFeaturing: Bill Howlin’ MADD Perry & Band- A member of the Delta Blues FoundationSponsored by: Pickett Place * Pat & Rod Slusher MUSIC & FOOD FEST ON NORTH COURT MEDIAN N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT 6-10 pm North Court Median at Coby Hall Featuring: The MidnightersSponsored by: UNA Alumni Association * Off Campus Bookstore * Lynch & Lynch * Johnson & Johnson CPA * Karen Rose d.b.a. Karen Rose Real Estate and Shoals Realty Group * Watkins,Johnsey Professional Group PC * Geo-Source * Holt, Mussleman, Kelley & Morgan * Moore, Berry & Linville * Brink Apartments * Mefford’s * Wells Fargo * TVA Community Credit Union LISTENING ROOM: Songwriters Night6:30-8 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing: Donny Lowery * Walt Aldridge * Eric Dylan * James SlaterSponsored by: Shoals Community Theatre * Friends of the Festival * Gonce & Associates AWAKENING: AN EVENING OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP7 pm 1st United Methodist Church, McDowell Hall, FlorenceFeaturing: Songs of Praise And Worship GRAY SISTERS SINGERS OF DECATUR, ALABAMA IN CONCERT 7 pm Trinity Episcopal Church, FlorenceCost: $10 advance tickets available (call 256-764-6149) & $15 at the doorFeaturing: The Gray Sisters Singers of Decatur, AlabamaSponsored by: Trinity Episcopal Church Choir BEALE STREET BLUES N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT 7-9 pm Lewis Field, FlorenceFeaturing: Thompson Trio and Mary MasonSponsored by: Councilman Dave Smith * Lauderdale County ADC * Shoals Democratic Club * Johnson’s Cleaners * Hayes Garage * American Legion Post #11 * Tom Jones Insurance * Florence Housing Authority * Mitchell’s Bail Bonding * Herman’s Cut & Style * Selwyn Jones*Dr. Wayne Stanley * J.D. Barnett * The Beale Street Committee ELEGANT EVENING AT THE SHOALS 7:30 pm Shoals Theatre, Florence Cost: $15.00Featuring: Scott Silbert * Robert Redd * Sue Matthews* Mundell Lowe * Holly Hofmann * Howard Lamb * Gary LambJim Ferguson* Mel Deal * Gary Wheat * Bill Goodwin * Ken Watters * Jose Betancourt * Ike Harris * Robert DicksonSponsored by: TVA * Local Ford Dealers * Friends of the Festival * Anderson & Anderson
HANDY NIGHTS
6-7:30 pm Rivertown Coffee Co., Florence – Doc Dailey * Tosha Hill6-9 pm Rosie’s, Florence – Eric EssixFlobama, Florence – Three Wheel DriveLegends, Florence – Kent DuChaine8 pm-mn Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – Microwave DaveCity Hardware, Florence – Michael “Supe” Granda of Ozark Mt. Daredevils 9 -11 pm Rivertown Coffee Co., Florence – While The Ship Sinks * RedmouthSomewhere Else Sidepocket Lounge, Florence – JEREMY HUNT & ELECTRIC SOUL9 pm-1 am. On The Rocks, Florence – The Fiddleworms10 pm-1:30 am Flobama, Florence – The Pollies11 pm-1:30 am Somewhere Else Sidepockets Lounge, Florence – THE LEDBETTERS FRIDAY, JULY 26 MR. HANDY’S BLUES: A MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY10-11 am W.C. Handy Home and Museum, FlorenceFeaturing: Preview and conversation with filmmaker and producer Joanne Fish
LUNCH BREAK
11 am-2 pm Rosie’s, Florence – Charlie Rose Duo. Ricatoni’s, Florence – AcoustrioLegends, Florence – Thompson Trio11:30-2:30 pm Flobama, Florence – Microwave Dave MOUNT MORIAH FISH FRY 11 am-6 pm Mount Moriah P.B. Church, Community Christian Life Center, Florence2:30 pm Music by Dorothy Cole * Deborah NehemiahCost: Catfish $10 eat in or take out / for information or tickets call 256-765-0312Sponsored by: Mount Moriah P.B. Church MR. HANDY’S BLUES: A MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY1-3 pm W.C. Handy Home and Museum, FlorenceFeaturing: Preview and conversation with filmmaker and producer Joanne Fish LISTENING ROOM4-5 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing: Robert Redd & Sue Matthews – Tribute to SinatraSponsored by: SunTrust * Friends of the Festival HAPPY HOUR AT ON THE ROCKS4-7 pm On the Rocks, Florence – Matt Roy and Son HANDY WITH THE HITMEN4-8 pm Office of Kimberly A. Norris, 401 E Tombigbee St, Florence – The Hitmen
RIVERSIDE JAZZ
5-10 pm McFarland Park, Florence (Rain Location Florence Coliseum)N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER - FREE EVENTFeaturing: Bay City Brass Band * Festival All-Stars * Dr. Eric Kirkman Trio * Replay * Acoustrio * Mary Mason Band * Tosha Hill * SteelGray * Nyoka NicoleTransportation: Free shuttle from Florence Parking Deck to McFarland ParkSponsored by: City of Florence LISTENING ROOM5:15-6:15 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing: Tim Goodwin & FriendsSponsored by: Friends of the Festival SHOALS PRAISE & WORSHIP CHOIR CONCERT6 pm Faith Church, FlorenceFeaturing: Shoals Praise & Worship Choir RECORDED LIVE: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!Mane Room, FlorenceCost: $56-7:30 pm 1st Set – Ray Reach & Friends: Tribute to Nat King Cole and the Crooners7:45--9 pm 2nd Set –Ray Reach & Friends: Tribute to Jazz LegendsSponsored by: University of North Alabama Entertainment Industry Department * Music Preservation Society * Anderson & AndersonLocal Ford Dealers * TVA FROSTBITE IN JULY 7 pm Frostbite/Montagu’s, FlorenceFeaturing: Mojo Risin’Sponsored by: Frostbite * Montagu’s * Shoals WEB * Your Insurance SolutionPARK & SOUL N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER-FREE EVENT 7-9 pm Wilson Park, FlorenceFeaturing: CC JagsSponsored by: Vic Porter Agency * Dr. James D. Hudson DMD, Orthodontic Specialist * Affordable Inflatables * Shoals Marine PEGASUS ROCKS INSIDE THE HOUSE9 pm Pegasus Records GarageFeaturing: The Bear * Dead Fingers * Lauderdale HANDY NIGHTS6-9 pm Rosie’s, Florence – Pine Hill HaintsLegends, Florence – Florence Jazz Collective6-9:30 pm Flobama, Florence- Asleep by Ten
8-11 pm Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – Kent DuChaine
8 pm – mn City Hardware, Florence – Mitch Mann9-11 pm Rivertown Coffee Co, Florence – Dillon Hodges9 pm-1 am On the Rocks, Florence – Microwave Dave10 pm-1:30 am Flobama, Florence – The SpringsSomewhere Else Sidepockets Lounge, Florence – LYNAM
SATURDAY, JULY 27
N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER - FREE EVENTMcFarland Park, Florence21, 39, 61, 70, 100 & 107 mile options (helmets required)All cyclists are required to ride single-file on the Natchez Trace Parkway Route maps on line at www.Handy100.com. 6 am Registration7:15 am Mass Start3 pm Aid Stations close4 pm Route closesCost: $30 per rider until July 17/ $35 if postmarked after July 17 (includes t-shirt, aid stations, map, food and refreshments after the ride)Pre-registration on-line www.Active.com search “Handy”, by mail at P.O. Box 1827, Florence AL 35631, at festival headquarters located at 217 East Tuscaloosa Street, Florence AL 35630Sponsored by: American Midstream * Shoals Cycling Club * Bank Independent * Logan’s Roadhouse * Shoals Radio Club * Road ID * Shoals Bicycle Shop * Mid-South Insurance, Scott Townsend * North Alabama Chiropractic and Sports Clinic
GETTIN' READY TO STRUT
9:30 am Offices of Gonce & Messer Attorneys, 109 N. Court St, FlorenceFeaturing: Jacob LovellSponsored by: Gonce & Messer, Attorneys * The Hofmann Group
STREET STRUT & PARADE
N HARMONY WITH NATURE LITTER - FREE EVENT 10 am: Wilson Park, Florence (Rain location – Regency Square Mall)Prizes for the best StruttersMusic by Bay City Brass * Thompson Trio * Johnson High School Band * Sheffield High School “Sound of the Shoals Marching Band”Sponsored by: Senator Tammy Irons * Rhoda P’s Catering * State Farm Insurance, Myron Gardner, Agent * TVA Community Credit UnionLauderdale County Community Development Commission
HANDY LUNCH
11 am-2 pm Rosie’s, Florence – Ken Watters & FriendsRicatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – All Star JazzCity Hardware, Florence –Tosha HillLegends, Florence - Charles Rose & FriendsLISTENING ROOM: CLASSICAL BLUES Noon-1:30 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing: Microwave Dave * Phil Weaver * Ingrid SpakovskySponsored by: Shoals Community Theatre * Friends of the Festival * SCA Tissue North America MR. HANDY’S BLUES: A MUSICAL DOCUMENTARY1-3 pm W.C. Handy Home and Museum, FlorenceFeaturing: Preview and conversation with filmmaker and producer Joanne Fish LISTENING ROOM 2-3:30 pm Zodiac Theatre, FlorenceFeaturing The Great GuitarsSponsored by: Shoals Community Theatre * Friends of the Festival LISTENING ROOM 4-5:30 pm Zodiac Theatre, Florence Featuring: Tim Goodwin & FriendsSponsored by: Shoals Community Theatre * Friends of the FestivalFROSTBITE IN JULY 7 pm Frostbite/Montagu’s, Florence Featuring: The HitmenSponsored by: Frostbite * Montagu’s * ShoalsWEB * Your Insurance Solution FROLIC6-7 pm Norton Auditorium Courtyard, FlorenceFeaturing: Mojo Risin’Sponsored by: Gonce & Associates
HEADLINER CONCERT: AN EVENING WITH KEB’MO’
7:30 pm Norton Auditorium University of North Alabama, Florence Featuring: Keb’Mo’For information visit www.wchandymusicfestival.orgCost: $40 general admission/ $125 VIP package as availableSponsored by: Music Preservation Society, Inc.Parkes Mechanical and Metals, Inc. * Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa * University of North Alabama Department of Music & Theatre *Local Ford Dealers* TVA HANDY NIGHTS 6-9 pm Rosie’s, Florence – The DecoysFlobama, Florence – Kent DuChaineLegends, Florence – Nyoka Nicole w/1028-mn City Hardware, Florence – Christian Turner9 pm Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – All-Star Jam9 pm-1 am On The Rocks, Florence –Fatso 9 pm-1:30 am Somewhere Else Sidepockets Lounge, Florence – KOZMIC MAMA10 pm-1:30 am Flobama, Florence – Second Creek
HANDY JAM
9 pm-Until Ricatoni’s Italian Grill, Florence – ALL-STAR JAM
SUNDAY, JULY 28
MUSIC OF W.C. HANDY SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE 10 am First Christian Church, Florence Featuring: Sanctuary Choir * Children’s Choir * Sign Choir * Creative Dance Team * Orff Ensemble * Puppet TeamStudent from Handy Music Camp YOUTH CONFERENCE 2013 & HIP-HOP FINALE CONCERT6 pm New Birth Ministries, FlorenceFeaturing: Mr. Del & Holy Smith (Former Three 6 Mafia) * NBY Step Team * Free to Grow* Vocal PointeFor more information http://www.facebook.com/newbirthyouthSponsored by: New Birth Ministry * Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuit * WFIX 91.3 * TVA Credit Union * Signature Smile – Dr. L. Don Wilson * 1 Step At A Time Learning Center * Listerhill Credit Union HANDY NIGHT9 pm- 1:30 am Somewhere Else Sidepockets Lounge, Florence – MARTY LEWIS & DIXIE MAFIA