Alabama Folklife Association and the W.C. Handy Music Festival are collaborating to bring you the following programs and cultural events in Florence, Ala.  Saturday, July 30, 2011

A lecture by Peter Gurlanick, "The Revolution that Started in Florence, Ala." and Panel Discussion, "Passing Down the Shoals" will take place on the campus of the University of North Alabama.  FREE, but guests are encouraged  register online at  http://muscleshoalsmusic.eventbrite.com/.   The link will provide further information and details.  

READING LIST- CLICK HERE

Historians, authors, musicians, and producers will join journalists and scholars in a panel discussion on the legends and heritage of the Muscle Shoals Sound.  They will explore the traditional roots of the various genres in Alabama that blended themselves together and developed into a sound with a soul and drive that continues to infuence American music. 

A screening of the documentary film, The Secret to a Happy Ending with question and answer period with DBT band members will round out the afternoon's discussion and exploration of the musical heritage of Muscle Shoals as an Alabama Tradition.  Please register and print tickets online at   http://happyending.eventbrite.com/

Rocking the Blues Concert

Drive-By Truckers with The Decoys and special guests, Spooner Oldham and Donnie Fritts

Tickets and further information:  http://dbtconcert.eventbrite.com/

At each event page you fill find further information and links to all of the agencies, businesses, and organizations that have sponosred and contributed to these programs.   Grant funds have been awarded by South Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Alabama State Council on the Arts, Alabama Tourism Department, and the Alabama Humanities Foundation.  North Alabama University and Billy Reid clothing store are sponsoring the events and programs.

PRESS RELEASE:  See attached documents below.