University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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u Display your wheres for the street walkers As the colorful pavement moves in oil painting a frame of reference For those who create Ann Arbor art fares well. - ' M iv m ' 10

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I The blues belong to the black man. As a reflection of past slavery and city ghetto living, his music presents a unique culture. Most blues lyrics provide the listener with a poetic but starkly realistic look at the American black man. Born in the Mississippi deltas, the blues evol ' ved from moans, drones and bottle-neck guitars to a more intense city rhythm. With the help of a University grant, some of the original great bluesmen made their way to Ann Ar- bor for a three day festival. August 1, 2 and 3 brought black culture into view as the blues were belted out or softly spoken by performers such as Big Mama Mae Thornton, Otis Rush, Son House, B. B. King and Muddy Waters. Each singer cast a spell as voice and guitar merged. The audi- ence, committed to the blues by just listening, be- gan to understand what a difficult road the black man has travelled. Charles Kiel ' s description of B. B. King sums up the blues people and the mood of Ann Arbor ' s three day experience. He ' s more than a singer or a guitarist . . . he is a personal- ity, a spokesman, a culture hero perhaps. His prob- lems are every man ' s problems; and when he sings about those problems and the guitar talks back or echoes his desperation, everyone present feels that he is taking part in the conversation.

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In a benefit concert sponsored by the Tenants Union, Joan Baez performed for a sell out crowd at the University Events Building on August 12. Her husband David Harris has been imprisoned for protesting the draft. Joan Baez has spoken out against the establishment, the war, income taxes used for military purposes, and all forms of violent injustice. Her voice, heard all over the country, is a voice of peace, of change and of human love. She sings against the latest war For men can ' t understand that Their hatred and resentment Cause the brittle Death. Her battle moves encompassing Those who feel and join Against the institution That deals in Murder. Love can conquer. She knows it. She lives it. She embraces all humanity For peace For brotherhood If the men only understood How prevailing is compassion How compelling is her message If the men only understood Love. 11