Date: June 15th 2009

Wednesday Night Events Lead Off With All-Star Blues Acts

HENDERSON, Ky. – June 12, 2009 – The ever free W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival is underway and continues a full slate of events with live music at Audubon Mill Park, downtown Henderson, KY. Headliner for Wednesday evening is the sensational Tommy Castro Band from the west coast, who follows Grammy nominated Eric Bibb from London, England and Delta blues master Lil’ Dave Thompson. This opening night is as good as it gets, and it doesn’t back down as the week rolls on, with a jam-packed schedule that offer something for everyone.

Festival Events Schedule:

Wednesday, June 17

Opening Night at Audubon Mill Park:

Picnic in the park and visit your friends during a full evening of live music on the river. Concessions & children’s inflatable games available starting Wednesday evening.

6:00 pm: Eric Bibb

7:30 pm: Lil’ Dave Thompson

9:15 pm: The Tommy Castro Band

Other Events:

10:30 am: Music Mentors – Children’s Workshop, Riverbend Academy. Eric Bibb shares his music with children.

11:45 am: Handy Lunch Breaks: Live music at Planters Coffeehouse, Big Daddy’s Boathouse and Wolf’s Tavern.

3:00 pm: Songwriting/Guitar Workshop, Riverbend Academy. Eric Bibb holds workshop for aspiring musicians

6:00 pm: Children’s Celebration, Audubon Mill Park. Children’s hands on art activities


Thursday, June 18

Zydeco Night with Red Beans & Rice, Audubon Mill Park:

Come early for Red Beans & Rice and other Cajun fare that turns the Henderson riverfront into bayou country. Serving begins at 5:30 pm. Stay late for the Zydeco party.

5:30 pm: The Crawdaddies

8:30 pm: Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band

Other Events:

11:45 am: Handy Lunch Breaks: Live music at Wolf’s Tavern, En El Rio, Big Daddy’s Boathouse and Liquid Life Café.


Friday, June 19

Riverbank Blues Blast, Audubon Mill Park:

Take off early and join us for twelve hours of must see blues acts. Concessions open at 11:00 am.

12:00 pm: Small Train Blues Band

2:00 pm: Amazing Soul Crackers

4:00 pm: Kilborn Alley Blues Band

6:00 pm: Nick Moss & the Flip Tops

8:00 pm: Tad Robinson

10:00 pm: Zac Harmon

Saturday, June 20

Java Blues Jam, Audubon Mill Park:

Another full day of amazing blues musicians in a delightful riverfront setting. You can’t miss this!

12:00 pm: Moreland & Arbuckle

2:00 pm: Eric Bib

4:00 pm: The Nighthawks featuring Hubert Sumlin

6:00 pm: Albert Cummings

8:00 pm: Shemekia Copeland

10:00 pm: Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials

For a complete listing of festival events, go to www.handyblues.org or pick up a free festival guide at the Henderson Visitor’s Center.

About the W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival:

Now in its 19th year, W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival has become one of the largest free music festivals in the nation, drawing attendants from almost every state and many countries. The festival was recently recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of its Top 20 events for June 2009. The event is a celebration of the life and legacy of Henderson resident and "Father of the Blues," William Christopher Handy. For more information about the festival go to www.handyblues.org or call 1-800-648-3128.


Can't wait to see you there.

Blues Crew