Anyone going to any of the Handy Fest events? Personally, I think it is becoming stale, and just a repeat of last years event. My gripe about it, is that this is arguably the biggest event in the Shoals area each year, why not get some big musicians come in. Dont get me wrong, I think local music is good, and I wish everyone success who plays local music. But, at the same time, this is the chance to bring in some big acts, and attract people to the shoals, which will put money into our local economy. You can pretty much hear local music throughout the year, why not bring in some known bands/musicians during Handy. Anyone else feel the same way?

Eric Essix is from Birmingham but is known the world over. Kent Duchane is originally from Alabama but now lives across the state line in Georgia on the Chattahoochee River. The last time I saw him perform at Ricatoni's my wife and I shared a table with a couple who came from Sweden just for this event. Check out some of the tags at the venues - they are from all over. 2 years ago (the last one I got to really spend enjoying the festival) we found tags from Canada, Cali, Washington and Maine (cars and RV's). That doesn't include those who fly in for the event. Have you ever tried to rent a car in this area this week? The reason this festival doesn't recruit bigger names is because the headliners we have are GIANTS in their genre. Just sit back and enjoy the tunes Justin, open your ears to a whole new world of music.

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Originally posted by Flyboy70:
Eric Essix is from Birmingham but is known the world over. Kent Duchane is originally from Alabama but now lives across the state line in Georgia on the Chattahoochee River. The last time I saw him perform at Ricatoni's my wife and I shared a table with a couple who came from Sweden just for this event. Check out some of the tags at the venues - they are from all over. 2 years ago (the last one I got to really spend enjoying the festival) we found tags from Canada, Cali, Washington and Maine (cars and RV's). That doesn't include those who fly in for the event. Have you ever tried to rent a car in this area this week? The reason this festival doesn't recruit bigger names is because the headliners we have are GIANTS in their genre. Just sit back and enjoy the tunes Justin, open your ears to a whole new world of music.

I understand your points, Fly... But I would like to see some "big" bands come play around here. I guess the argument here is there is really no venue to host something like this. But here is an example....

Get 3-4 bands (or musicians) come play a show, bands that people know. (Foo Fighters, John Mayer, Nickelback... bands of that sort, that all ages enjoy listening too). Have them play a show say at the Lauderdale Coliseum, or even Florence High (Coffee's) Gym... Or anywhere that could support it. I just think it would bring more people into the area than normal.

Im not saying the musicians playing are not good or well known, but having a "known" band/musician come in would attract all types of people I think. Maybe I am wrong, but I would just like to see something like that.

Also, I do not care for the bands I listed, just trying to give out examples (although John Mayer is great). I will, unfortunately never seen any bands I like play around here I always go to Nashville or Birmingham to see bands I like.

I see your point but Bonaroo is only an hour or two away and they have that type of festival sewn up for the region. The W.C. Handy Music Festival is all about blues and jazz. W.C. Handy is a local legend and is known worldwide as the "Father of the Blues" why would the organizers want to bring in big venue rock bands to play in a high school gym? Do you have any idea how much $ you have to put up to get bands/artists of the magnitude you have mentioned just to show up? To recoup the investment the organizers would have to charge $2000 a ticket! And the Lauderdale Coliseum is the kind of venue my old band used to play in. May not be your style but the Alabama Music Hall of Fame has had several big time bands perform. I grew up in Birmingham and remember always having to go to Huntsville to see a good rock concert. TIFWIW

For those who are unaware of the discussion topic, there is an awesome blues and jazz festival held in Florence, Alabama every third week in July. The AJC has listed it as a Top 10 music festival in the south and it has been #1 in the recent past. Southern Living listed it as a must see event along with several other publications.

Here is a link! Mash here...

I used to really get into the Handy Festival back in the 90s when I was in college, but since then it's like I don't care anymore. I still hope it goes well though even if I'm not there.

I see your point Flyboy, and you have me convinced. I never really looked at it that way.

As far as Bonnaroo goes, No thanks. Im not interested in listening to hippie jam bands and being around drug use.

I'm going to be over that way this weekend...might have to check out an act or two.