FLORENCE – The 42nd annual W.C. Handy Music Festival is underway in the Shoals, and this year’s headlining act is the Bar-Kays. The legendary group will perform July 27 at 7 p.m. at UNA’s Norton Audiotorium.
Formed in Memphis in the mid-1960s, the Bar-Kays have faced tragic losses and several reformations, but the group has continued to create and play its distinctive R&B sound. Original vocalist Larry Dodson will return to the stage with the Bar-Kays.
From Stax Records to stages all over the world, the Bar-Kays have kept the dance floor packed with songs like “Shake Your Rump To The Funk,” “Hit and Run,” “Move Your Boogie Body,” “Holy Ghost,” “Too Hot To Stop,” “Attitudes,” “Freak Show on the Dance Floor,” “Son of Shaft,” and “Return of the Mack.” The group had a run of 23 singles on the R&B charts in an 11-year span. Their music has been featured on movie soundtracks, sung and sampled by other artists, and can be heard on radio.
Shoals-area artist Lorinda “Pinky” Warren Pryor will open for the Bar-Kays.
The Handy Fest kicked off Thursday and ends July 28. Musical acts will perform at restaurants, bars, churches, theatres, and parks all over the Shoals, culminating with the July 27 Bar-Kays concert.
Some of the special events include the Shoals Car & Truck Show on Saturday, at McFarland Park at 8 am; the Official Handy Sunday Ceremony Sunday at 6:30 pm at Burrell-Slater School; and the University of North Alabama Handy Night on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Wilson Park.
For a full schedule, click here.
- Handy Headliner: The Bar-Kays
- Location: UNA’s Norton Auditorium
- When: July 27 at 7 p.m.
- Tickets: $40 General Admission; $75 for VIP Seating and Reception
- Purchase: www.WCHandyMusicFestival.com, Counts Brothers Music, Ye Olde General Store, WZZA Radio, and at Handy Headquarters at Southhall Moore House, or call 256-766-7642.
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