ABOUT US

The Music Preservation Society (MPS), a non-profit organization, was established in 1982 to “preserve, present and promote the musical heritage of Northwest Alabama.” MPS has a strong educational mission, and educational programs are a big part of the schedule during the W.C. Handy Music Festival. MPS hosts an annual music camp, jointly sponsored by the Department of Music at the University of North Alabama in Florence. With the W.C. Handy Festival Music Camp, MPS provides scholarships for students to learn from professionals who provide musical expertise to those who would otherwise have no access to that level of teaching.

Other MPS and Handy Festival related educational and outreach programs include a design competition, art exhibits, a poetry competition, research projects, GeoBlues, Literally Music, Industry and Songwriting Panels, ABCs of Blues and Jazz and Beyond, as well as programs in several public libraries. The non-profit organization is led by a board of directors and is maintained primarily through the efforts of community volunteers.

Funding for the Music Preservation Society comes from a variety of sources including grants, corporate contributions, event sponsorships, donations from Friends of the Festival, and the sale of Festival memorabilia. The Music Preservation Society and the W.C. Handy Music Festival Committee extend their heartfelt appreciation to the family of William Christopher Handy for its support of the W.C. Handy Music Festival.

Paid for in part by funds from the State of Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel.

W.C. Handy Festival Recognition

The first music festival dedicated to W.C. Handy was held in 1982 in the Shoals. Since then, every year has featured a growing number of talented musicians drawing thousands of visitors to the Shoals area. Festival visitors come from all over the U.S. as well as internationally, providing an economic tourism boost to northern Alabama. The W.C. Handy Music Festival is recognized as;

• An Alabama Top 20 Event
• Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event for the months of July, August, September 2005 and July 2006
• Geotourism MapGuide to Appalachia Featured Site
• Three time Cultural Olympiad Regional Designee
• Southeast Tourism Top 21 Event for July
• Travelocity.com "Local Secret, Big Find"