Roxy holds annual Great Pretenders show July 13

The official 43rd annual W. C. Handy Music Festival of the Shoals will take place July 18-28.  The festival events can be found on the W.C. Handy Music Festival Website or in the brochure.

Pre-festival events start July 6 with the West Florence Music Awards ceremony honoring those who have contributed to the Muscle Shoals Sound. This event will be held at the Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum.

“Evening at the Roxy with The Great Pretenders” is presented by the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council and will be held at the Historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville July 13 at 7 p.m.

The W.C. Handy Festival brings people from not only Alabama but other surrounding states. This event promotes tourism in our area, and that helps the economy. We are fortunate to have local businesses, industries, civic organizations and individuals to support our show.

Twenty-three years ago, the Franklin County Arts and Humanities Council got involved in this festival through the encouragement of Edsel Holden and Nancy Gonce who worked with organizing the Music Preservation Society that sponsors the W. C. Handy Music Festival.

Some of the earlier shows at the Roxy included the UNA Jazz Band/Little Big Band with Edsel Holden featured as lead singer, John McAndrew and Kent DaChaine. For the last several years, the entertainment has highlighted local talents performing as “The Great Pretenders.” The Historic Roxy Theatre also serves as performance venue.

Past local entertainers have included the Still Here Gospel group, Terry Benton-Johnny Cash,  Aleya Lane-Dolly Parton; Caroline Sparks-Etta James; Kandi Parker-Lainey Wilson; Lucas Shepherd-George Jones, Garrett Booth, Jeff Allen, Buford Parker, Sydney Medley and many more.

This will be a fun night of outstanding entertainment, so come out to support your favorite entertainer and support the Historic Roxy Theatre. Tickets are $10, and children under six are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the door.