W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Mail

Handy Festival Linup

Mon, 02 May 2011 19:40:00 GMT

The 2011 W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue has been almost completely finalized. Please visit <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/events.php">http://www.handyblues.org/events.php</a> to see the lineup and links to all of this year's artists. Regards Henderson Music Preservation Society

Artist from 2010 Blues Festival to be Featured

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:27:00 GMT

88.3 WNIN-FM is launching "Regional Voices" in May! WNIN Tri-State Public Media seeks to preserve and promote the Tri-StateÃ¢ÂÂs unique cultural traditions of music, entertainment and civil discussion. Beginning May 1, Ã¢ÂÂRegional VoicesÃ¢ÂÂ, a weekly, one hour program will air on WNIN-FM at six p.m. central time each Sunday evening, with a simulcast stream on wnin.org. "Regional Voices" is truly a Tri-State effort. Through partnerships with various organizations over the past several months, WNIN has recorded performances, performer interviews and panel discussions from such venues as the W.C. Handy Blues and BBQ Festival in Henderson, the ROMP bluegrass festival in Owensboro, the Atheneum in New Harmony and the Jasper Arts Center. Here is the May schedule of "Regional Voices" shows: May 1: Folk artist Jason Wilber, recorded in Ferdinand, Indiana in January 2011. May 8: The Coal Porters, a British bluegrass group, recorded at the International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro in February, 2011. May 15: Alex DePue and Joel Sanchez, recorded at the Jasper Arts Center in March, 2011. May 22: The New Harmony for Peace interfaith panel discussion, recorded at The Atheneum in March, 2011. May 29: To get you in the mood for this yearÃ¢ÂÂs event, highlights of some 2010 W. C. Handy Blues and BBQ Festival performances, featuring Shemekia Copeland, Joe Louis Walker, Tab Benoit and many more.

W.C. HANDY BLUES & BARBECUE FESTIVAL KICKS OFF SATURDAY

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 18:29:00 GMT

Taste of Henderson Barbecue, National Blues Act, Street Strut On Schedule (HENDERSON, Ky.) June 10, 2010 Ã¢ÂÂ The W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival kicks off on Saturday, June 12 in Central Park with the Ã¢ÂÂTaste of HendersonÃ¢ÂÂ barbecue, live music, the William Branaman Street Strut People's Parade and several other events. The lineup boasts the soulful sounds of national blues recording artist Albert Castiglia as headliner, as well as several regional and local bands. As always, the festival is completely free. The day gets off to a colorful start with the William Branaman Street Strut People's Parade. The parade forms around 9:30 a.m. at Central Park and will begin at 10 a.m. The Strut is organized in the Mardi-Gras style, with participants invited to wear their wildest, glitziest costumes. A perfect event for the whole family, the parade offers awards to both adults and children in several contest categories. One participant will be crowned Ã¢ÂÂGrande Ooh-Pee-DooÃ¢ÂÂ and will Ã¢ÂÂreignÃ¢ÂÂ over the 2010 festival. Live music for the parade will be provided by Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society. The Ã¢ÂÂTaste of HendersonÃ¢ÂÂ barbecue gets underway next as nine local teams fill the Main Street side of Central Park with the sweet and smoky scent of barbecue. Barbecue sales officially begin serving at 11 a.m., though some teams may be ready as early as 9 a.m. Live blues music begins at 11:30 a.m., with sets by Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society, Blues4U, Velveeta Jones and Albert Castiglia. Castiglia headlines the day at the 6 p.m. time slot, with a signature blend of blistering electric and slide guitar combined with soulful vocals. SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY, JUNE 12 Ã¢ÂÂ TASTE OF HENDERSON BARBECUE Location: Central Park, Downtown Henderson, Ky. 10 a.m. - The William Branaman Street Strut People's Parade with music by Bob Minnette and The Dixieland Society. Parade forms around 9:30 at Central Park on Elm Street. 10 a.m. - "Gardens That Swing III" Garden Tour - Sponsored by The Garden Club of Henderson. There are eleven stops on the tour this year, many within walking distance of Central Park. 10 a.m. - Poker Run Ã¢ÂÂ This parade-stye motorcycle run starts at Audubon Mill Park. Bring your bike along with a $10 entry fee for charity. 11 a.m. until sold out - Beginning as early as 9 a.m., local barbecue teams will be cooking up mouth-watering barbecue of mutton, chicken, pork and ribs for sale to attendees. 11:30 a.m. - Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society 1:30 p.m. - Blues 4u 4:00 p.m. - Velveeta Jones 6:00 p.m. - Albert Castiglia The W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival continues next week with over 20 blues performances, including Handy Lunch Breaks in local eateries, workshops, and national blues artists on the Audubon Mill Park stage June 16-19. The Handy festival is a family-friendly event and even offers a Children's Fun Zone with inflatable amusements from June 16-19, with the purchase of an all-day access wristband. The festival itself is completely FREE, thanks to the generous support of sponsors, a complete list of which can be found at the website, <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a>. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a>. About the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival: Now in its 20th year, the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival began in 1991 and has become one of the largest free music festivals in the nation, drawing over 30,000 attendants from almost every state and many countries. The festival was recently recognized by the Kentucky Main Street Program as the number one outdoor festival in Kentucky and was voted "One of the Top Ten Festivals" in the Commonwealth by the Kentucky Tourist Commission, as well as being recognized as a Ã¢ÂÂTop 20 EventÃ¢ÂÂ by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2009. The event is a celebration of the life and legacy of Henderson resident and "Father of the Blues," William Christopher Handy. For complete festival information, go to <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a>. Follow the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival on Twitter and Facebook: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/HandyBluesCrew ">www.twitter.com/HandyBluesCrew </a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/handyblues">www.facebook.com/handyblues</a> For public relations inquiries, please contact: Christi G. Dixon, Promotions Chairman W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival <a href="mailto:cdixon@handyblues.org">cdixon@handyblues.org</a> Mollie Durbin, Publicist Blue Heaven Design, LLC <a href="mailto:mollie@blueheavendesign.com">mollie@blueheavendesign.com</a>

W.C. HANDY BLUES & BARBECUE FESTIVAL TO KICK OFF JUNE 12

Thu, 20 May 2010 18:53:00 GMT

(HENDERSON, Ky.) May 19, 2010 Ã¢ÂÂ The Henderson Music Preservation Society is proud to present the 20th Annual W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival during the week of June 12-19 in downtown Henderson, Ky. Over 20 blues performances are scheduled during a weeklong celebration that includes a Street Strut Peoples Parade, The Taste of Henderson Barbecue, Zydeco Night with Red Beans and Rice, and other events. As part of one of the largest free music festivals in the country, Handy events are all offered free of admission. Schedule of Festival Events: SATURDAY, JUNE 12 Ã¢ÂÂ TASTE OF HENDERSON BARBECUE Location: Central Park, Downtown Henderson, Ky. 11 a.m. until sold out - Beginning as early as 9 a.m., local barbecue teams will be cooking up mouth-watering barbecue of mutton, chicken, pork and ribs for sale to attendees. 10 a.m. - The William Branaman Street Strut People's Parade with music by Bob Minnette and The Dixieland Society. Parade forms around 9:30 at Central Park on Elm Street. 10 a.m. - "Gardens That Swing III" Garden Tour - sponsored by The Garden Club of Henderson. There are eleven stops on the tour this year, many within walking distance of Central Park 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Live music. Artists scheduled to perform are Bob Minnette and the Dixieland Society, Blues4U, Velveeta Jones and Albert Castiglia. Free Admission. MONDAY-THURSDAY, JUNE 14-17 Ã¢ÂÂ HANDY LUNCH BREAKS Location: Local Henderson eateries 11:45 a.m. - Enjoy live music as you dine in one of HendersonÃ¢ÂÂs many local restaurants. From coffee houses to steakhouses, youÃ¢ÂÂll find a match up of food and music to delight your tastebuds and your ears. See <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a> for a full listing of Handy Lunch Breaks schedules. Free admission. MONDAY-SATURDAY Ã¢ÂÂ W.C. HANDY TENNIS TOURNAMENT Location: Water Street Courts, Downtown Henderson Singles, Men's and Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Sign up on Water Street Courts bulletin board; deadline is Friday, June 11th at 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16 Ã¢ÂÂ RED, WHITE & BLUES NIGHT Location: Audubon Mill Park, Downtown Henderson, Ky. Riverfront 4:30 p.m. to 10:45 p.m. - The main music portion of the festival begins on the downtown Henderson riverfront. Fabulous view of the Ohio River, cool breezes, plenty of shade and some of the best blues musicians you will ever have the opportunity to hear. Scheduled performers include the evening's headliner Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, as well as Shirley Johnson, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin' Malcolm and Alias Jones. Free admission. ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Fun Zone (with purchase of Fun Zone wristband) and Concessions also available. 6 p.m. - ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Celebration - Hands-on art activities. Location: ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Art Area in Audubon Mill Park. Sponsored by Methodist Hospital, Henderson Area Arts Alliance and Junior WomenÃ¢ÂÂs League. THURSDAY, JUNE 17 Ã¢ÂÂ ZYDECO NIGHT WITH RED BEANS & RICE Location: Audubon Mill Park, Downtown Henderson, Ky. Riverfront *except where noted 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Art Camp & Umbrella Workshop. For ages K-5th grade, featuring umbrella decorating, Street Strut workshop and other art activities. Location: J.F. Kennedy Center, Alvasia & Vine Streets 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - The Handy Committee will be serving up red beans & rice, andouille sausage, gator on a stick and other Cajun food. Scheduled performers include festival favorite Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Curley Taylor and Zydeco Trouble and Doug MacLeod. Come early for the food and stay late for high energy zydeco music. Free admission. ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Fun Zone (with purchase of Fun Zone wristband) available. FRIDAY, JUNE 18 Ã¢ÂÂ RIVERBANK BLUES BLAST Location: Audubon Mill Park, Downtown Henderson, Ky. Riverfront *except where noted Noon - Concession sales begin Noon to Midnight - All-day music in a beautiful venue, featuring Tab Benoit, Kenny Neal, Albert Castiglia, The Stella Vees, Bryant-Stevens Band and Hog Maw Blues Band. Free admission. ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Fun Zone (with purchase of Fun Zone wristband) available. 3 p.m. - Doug MacLeod guitar workshop at Riverbend Academy (145 N. Main Street) SATURDAY, JUNE 19 Ã¢ÂÂ JAVA BLUES JAM Location: Audubon Mill Park, Downtown Henderson, Ky. Riverfront Noon - Concession sales begin Noon to Midnight - All day music in a shady park overlooking the Ohio River, featuring festival headliner and Blues Music Award Ã¢ÂÂAlbum of the YearÃ¢ÂÂ winner Joe Louis Walker, Shemekia Copeland, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Otis Taylor Band, Kilborn Alley Blues Band and Doug MacLeod. Free admission. ChildrenÃ¢ÂÂs Fun Zone (with purchase of Fun Zone wristband) available. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a>. About the Henderson Music Preservation Society: Founded to support the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival in 1991, The Henderson Music Preservation Society, Inc. is tax-exempt, non-profit organization. The society, generous corporate and individual sponsors, as well as volunteers, help keep the W.C. Handy Blue & Barbecue Festival free and open to everyone. About the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival: Now in its 20th year, the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival began in 1991 and has become one of the largest free music festivals in the nation, drawing over 30,000 attendants from almost every state and many countries. The festival was recently recognized by the Kentucky Main Street Program as the number one outdoor festival in Kentucky and was voted "One of the Top Ten Festivals" in the Commonwealth by the Kentucky Tourist Commission, as well as being recognized as a Ã¢ÂÂTop 20 EventÃ¢ÂÂ by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2009. The event is a celebration of the life and legacy of Henderson resident and "Father of the Blues," William Christopher Handy. For complete festival information, go to <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a>. Follow the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival on Twitter and Facebook: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/HandyBluesCrew ">www.twitter.com/HandyBluesCrew </a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/handyblues">www.facebook.com/handyblues</a> For public relations inquiries, please contact: Christi G. Dixon, Promotions Chairman W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival <a href="mailto:cdixon@handyblues.org">cdixon@handyblues.org</a> Mollie Durbin, Publicist Blue Heaven Design, LLC <a href="mailto:mollie@blueheavendesign.com">mollie@blueheavendesign.com</a>

KENTUCKY EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION TO FILM HANDY FESTIVAL

Mon, 10 May 2010 17:04:00 GMT

HENDERSON, Ky.) May 10, 2010 Ã¢ÂÂ Kentucky Educational Television will film the 20th Annual W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival in June 2010. The performances will be distributed nationwide as part of the networkÃ¢ÂÂs Ã¢ÂÂJubilee SeriesÃ¢ÂÂ in 2011. KETÃ¢ÂÂs Jubilee series is a celebration of American music, featuring performances of nationally known artists and popular local musicians at summer music festivals in Kentucky. Since its premiere in 1996, Jubilee has presented an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary bluegrass, blues, folk, gospel, and other forms of distinctly American music. The series is a KET production, distributed to public television stations nationwide. The 2010 W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival kicks off June 12 with live music, community events, and food by local barbecue teams. KET will join the festival June 16-19 as the festival kicks into high gear with performances by national blues recording artists in Audubon Mill Park. Artists slated to appear include Joe Louis Walker, Tab Benoit, Shemekia Copeland, Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, Magic Slim and the Teardrops, Kenny Neal, Shirley Johnson and many more. Performances from the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival have appeared in the Jubilee Series several times over the years, most recently in 2004; air dates for these performances, as well as other Jubilee productions, may be found on the KET website at <a href="http://www.ket.org/">www.ket.org</a>. For more information and a complete schedule of the Handy festival, visit <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a>. About the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival: Now in its 20th year, the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival began in 1991 and has become one of the largest free music festivals in the nation, drawing over 30,000 attendants from almost every state and many countries. The festival was recently recognized by the Kentucky Main Street Program as the number one outdoor festival in Kentucky and was voted "One of the Top Ten Festivals" in the Commonwealth by the Kentucky Tourist Commission, as well as being recognized as a Ã¢ÂÂTop 20 EventÃ¢ÂÂ by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2009. The event is a celebration of the life and legacy of Henderson resident and "Father of the Blues," William Christopher Handy. For complete festival information, go to <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">www.handyblues.org</a>. For public relations inquiries, please contact: Christi G. Dixon, Promotions Chairman W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival <a href="mailto:cdixon@handyblues.org">cdixon@handyblues.org</a> Mollie Durbin, Publicist Blue Heaven Design, LLC <a href="mailto:mollie@blueheavendesign.com">mollie@blueheavendesign.com</a> ###

Handy Blues Schedule Update

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 20:17:00 GMT

Ã¢ÂÂOkay, blues fans! You thought we forgot to book bands for the 20th Handy Festival ? You thought we were asleep at the switch ? Not a chance! We were simply working overtime to put together the tastiest lineup ever for the 20th anniversary of the WC Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival! Check our list of 2010 performers and youÃ¢ÂÂll see some old favorites and a bunch of new faces. One thing you wonÃ¢ÂÂt see is ticket prices! ThatÃ¢ÂÂs right, free admission! WeÃ¢ÂÂll come back from time to time and give you more detail on this fantastic group of artists. In the meantime Ã¢ÂÂ book your motel room, get that new hat and lawn chair, and make plans to join us at the BEST little Ã¢ÂÂol Blues Festival around ! Ã¢ÂÂ Visit <a href="http://www.handyblues.org/">http://www.handyblues.org/</a> to check out the 2010 music lineup. See you there Handy Blues Crew