W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival
  • FESTIVAL INFO
    • 2023 SCHEDULE
    • LUNCH BREAKS
    • ABOUT
    • NEWS
    • TRAVEL INFORMATION
    • STREET STRUT
    • RULES AND REGS
  • KEEP IT FREE
  • GET INVOLVED
    • VOLUNTEER
    • BECOME A VENDOR
    • ASSOCIATE EVENT APPLICATION
  • SPONSORS
  • CONTACT
WCHandyFestival@gmail.com
W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival
  • FESTIVAL INFO
    • 2023 SCHEDULE
    • LUNCH BREAKS
    • ABOUT
    • NEWS
    • TRAVEL INFORMATION
    • STREET STRUT
    • RULES AND REGS
  • KEEP IT FREE
  • GET INVOLVED
    • VOLUNTEER
    • BECOME A VENDOR
    • ASSOCIATE EVENT APPLICATION
  • SPONSORS
  • CONTACT

Blogpost

Henderson’s W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival schedule, lineup

d4vidM4ishon June 12, 2021

John T. Martin – Henderson Gleaner

HENDERSON, Ky. — Brian Bishop recalled the pre-pandemic “good old days,” when the only thing W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival organizers had to worry about was rain.

COVID-19 has changed all of that. The festival is going forward for 2021 after the pandemic forced its 2020 cancelation, and Bishop, the event’s chairman, said virus safety will be a priority as the crowd gathers and performers hit the stage.

The free festival at Downtown Henderson’s Audubon Mill Park is June 16-19. The outdoor setting offers some added protection from COVID-19, although organizers have encouraged attendees to be vaccinated.

All federal, state and local health protocols that remain by mid-June will be used at the festival.

“I know the committee is excited,” Bishop said. “We’re cautiously optimistic. We’re not out of the woods with COVID, but we’re working hard to have a safe festival. After the year we’ve had, we need things like this, the committee included.”

Bishop also is excited about the lineup of blues performers, which is a mix of returnees and newcomers.

Handy week 2021:New 5K run/walk event coming to Handy week in Henderson

Walter Trout, who closes out the event’s last night, is among the most familiar names. Samantha Fish, another familiar name, has the 8 p.m. slot that evening.

Bishop said a new act he looks forward to hearing is Larkin Poe, who have the 8 p.m. slot on the festival’s Friday.

Larkin Poe is a sister duo based in Nashville featuring descendants of Edgar Allan Poe.

Bishop said Kingfish Ingram, who closes the festival’s first night, is a dynamic performer. 

“We’re super excited,” he said. “I think it’s the best Handy lineup we’ve ever had.”

Handy Festival schedule of performers

June 16

  • 3 p.m. Blues 4U
  • 5 p.m. Kara Grainger
  • 7 p.m. Ghost Town Blues Band
  • 9 p.m. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

June 17

  • 5:30 p.m. Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers
  • 8 p.m. Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band

June 18

  • Noon Gough-Martin Blues Band & Tramp
  • 2 p.m. Mississippi Heat
  • 4 p.m. Joe Louis Walker
  • 6 p.m. Mr. Sipp
  • 8 p.m. Larkin Poe
  • 10 p.m. Eric Gales

June 19

  • Noon Duwayne Burnside
  • 2 p.m. Amanda Fish
  • 4 p.m. Rick Estrin & the Nightcats
  • 6 p.m. Tommy Castro & the Painkillers
  • 8 p.m. Samantha Fish
  • 10 p.m. Walter Trout

Click here for more >

in News
  • Previous

    Handy Fest’s annual Street Strut returning to Henderson with new energy this year

  • Next

    Street Strut 5k coming to W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival

Latest Posts
  • W.C. Handy Blues and Barbecue Festival releases artist lineup for 2021
  • Street Strut 5k coming to W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival
  • Henderson’s W.C. Handy Blues & Barbecue Festival schedule, lineup
  • Handy Fest’s annual Street Strut returning to Henderson with new energy this year
  • Handy Committee Working on 2021 Festival
Archives
  • June 2021
  • March 2021
  • June 2019
  • April 2019
Categories
  • News
  • Henderson Music Preservation Society
    P.O. Box 1456
    Henderson, KY 42419-1456
    WCHandyFestival@gmail.com