(HENDERSON, Ky.) Mar. 17, 2010 – The W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival will celebrate its 20th year in 2010. Festival dates are set for June 12-19, with events ranging from live music featuring some of the hottest blues acts, a barbecue celebration and Mardi Gras-style parade, to music events in local eateries.

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 “Top 20 Event” 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.

The 2010 festival kicks off June 12 with the “William Branaman Street Strut People's Parade” and the "Taste of Henderson Barbecue" with barbecue of all varieties sold by local teams and great live music in Henderson's Central Park. Live music at the scenic Audubon Mill Park on the Henderson Riverfront continues every night from Wednesday, June 16, to Saturday, June 19.

The festival committee is lining up some exciting acts for 2010, about which Chairman Rob Toerne remarked:

"We asked our fans what they wanted and we listened. Our music chair, Dorin Luck, has been in contact with many of the requested artists. These are some of the top headliners throughout the country. Some will be new to the festival and others are among our favorite alumni. As we sign these artists, we will make immediate announcements on our Facebook page."

Throughout the festival week, there will be a host of other events, including Handy Lunch Breaks at local restaurants, children’s events and more.