Many consider a going-away party as a one-time event — you celebrate with friends, everyone has a good time and then you say your goodbyes. Unless you're Will McFarlane, that is.
The musician will be performing at the 6th annual WillFest this weekend at the Blue Note Grill, a celebration that was originally a sendoff for McFarlane.
“WillFest was first formed as a going-away party for me when I was moving back to Muscle Shoals, but everyone had such a good time that we said, ‘Let’s do it again next year, and then again next year,’” McFarlane said.
This particular WillFest will be a special one. Earlier this year, McFarlane was inducted into the Musician’s Hall of Fame for his participation in the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section — a group that has appeared on over 75 gold and platinum hits.
He said although Muscle Shoals, Alabama is a quiet town of less than 15,000, one can find musical talent throughout the city – even in a cobbler shop.
"This guy behind the counter looks at me and he says ‘Well I’ve got an old guitar right here,’ he hands it over the counter to me, I started pickin’ on it, and he grabs a little mandolin, and the two of us are just standing there in this old cobbler, and we just played together for twenty minutes, just talking and playing,’" McFarlane said.
McFarlane and the other members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, also known as The Swampers, have been featured on numerous R&B classics like Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” and Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
For McFarlane and his friends and family participating in WillFest, the event is a chance to jam alongside some of the best R&B players the region has to offer.
“Will is such an accomplished player — he always brings out the best in everybody, so it’s always a great night of music,” said Bill Whittington, this year's WillFest host.
