W. C. Handy Festival in full swing in the Shoals
Live music can be heard throughout the streets of the Shoals after a popular festival has kicked off this week.
The W. C. Handy festival will feature live performances at different locations throughout Lauderdale and Colbert County.
A Grammy award winning gospel group Take 6 are headlining his years festival.
They actually got their start in the Valley and they’re making a return for the festival.
Take 6 and other groups are filling restaurants, hotels, churches and parks with their music.
Fans are buying up merchandise and picking up schedules of events.
All to enjoy the festival honoring the musical heritage of the Shoals.
The event is named in honor of the late W. C. Handy, a native of Florence who went on to become a world famous composer.
It’s something that brings great pride to the Shoals.
"A small town like Florence you would think there’s nothing special about it. W. C Handy went to become the ‘Father of Jazz’ and ‘Father of Blues.’ Just his power and impact that he had on music that we listen to today. Oh, it’s just kind of special that he is from Florence, Alabama. We actually have something to talk about for Florence," says Wesley Thompson.
The festival runs until Saturday July 28th.
