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" Family gathers in Memphis for shows, exhibitions. "
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By Norm Shaw
Of all the historic names associated with Beale Street, perhaps W.C. Handy's is the best-known. His name is on the park that dominates Beale, and it was his name on the song that started the legend. Handy is known as the "father of the blues" because he was the first to publish and codify the music. His "Memphis Blues," published in 1912, was the first published piece to include a jazz break and the 12-bar form. And even though Handy moved his publishing company to New York City before 1920, he returned to Memphis regularly. It is appropriate then that the celebration of his 123 birthday focuses on Beale Street. An entire slate of events is planned from Nov. 14-17 to mark Handy's birthday, ranging from a showing of the 1958 film St. Louis Blues: The Story of W.C. Handy to special tours to panel discussions to a riverboat cruise. Special guests at all events will be members of Handy's family. "There will be eight or nine family members here for everything," says Elaine Turner of Heritage Tours and the W.C. Handy House Museum. "We also will have people in from the museum in Florence, Alabama, as well. The activities actually start in New York City at the publishing company and then move here. The family will be here for about four days." There will be plenty to keep them busy. Here's the schedule: Thursday, Nov. 14 At 7 p.m., there is a reception and showing of Paramount Pictures' St. Louis Blues: The Story of W.C. Handy , which stars Nat King Cole, at the New Daisy Theater on Beale Street. Following the film, there will be the official opening ceremonies for the birthday celebration and a blues jam featuring performers dedicated to keep the blues alive. The cost is $20. Friday, Nov. 15 From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. a panel discussion is planned at Club Handy, which upstairs from Information Center at 340 Beale St. Panelists will discuss Handy's life, legacy and contribution to the music industry, particularly for African Americans. A light buffet brunch will be served. The cost is $5. There will be an open house from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at the W.C. Handy House and Museum at 352 Beale St. The Handy house was moved from its original location on Jeanette Street, where Handy lived from 1909-'18. It opened as a museum in 1985, and has been fully restored. Family members will be on hand to sign Handy's autobiography, Father of the Blues. There is no charge. At 6 p.m., there will be an exhibition of "The Life and Times of W.C. Handy: Father of the Blues" at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, 97 S. Second St. The Hall of Fame will display memorabilia and photographs from Handy's life, including rare artifacts and photographs from the Handy family. The exhibition will be followed by a birthday reception and surprise presentation to two of Memphis' noted historians and supporters. There is no charge. Saturday, Nov. 16 An 11 a.m. Parade and Beale Street Strut kick off the day in front of the Handy house on Beale. The strut features live music, and the audience will be able to join in. A street festival will the parade, and birthday cake will be served. Following the parade, there will be a special children's showing of the Handy film at the New Daisy. Included will be a Kids & the Blues Program. The cost is $3 for children and $5 for adults. Also at 1 p.m., a Blues Cruise will be leaving the dock at the foot of Monroe Street at Riverside Drive. Music and a buffet are included in the $45 admission, as is admission to the Birthday Bash at the Ritz on Beale. That Birthday Bash begins at 8 p.m. at the Ritz, 349 Beale St. A blues jam will be the highlight. Admission to the Birthday Bash only is $10. Sunday, Nov. 17 The day after the big bash starts at Metropolitan Baptist Church, where at 10:45 a.m. you can hear songs from Handy's Second Collection of 37 Spirituals. Admission is free.
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