Thursday August 5, 2010 was my first opportunity to see one of my life long inspirations. A social conscience with a voice that must have aroused envy amongst the most modest of angels. My fellow fans and travelers to see Joan Baez in Baton Rouge were Diane Tune and James Gunter. All Alabamians.
Growing up in and around Birmingham, Alabama I had some relatives who made it necessary to hide Joan's recordings along with other such "subversive" artists as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and The Mamas and The Papas) under the mattress in my bedroom. These LP's all lay there quietly as in a bunker awaiting further orders. I listened to Pete Seeger at the home of a trusted friend. Patti Page seemed free to sing about little doggies in windows at will. Was it that pretty blonde hair that gave her clearance? These hidden treasures (Pete got lucky) all burned in a house fire December 5, 1970. They were later replaced with money I earned cutting grass or re-capping tires at my father' Goodyear dealership.
By late Thursday August 5, 2010 while the band loaded for their late night trip to Phoenix I got the opportunity to sit down with Joan for a few minutes. We returned from Baton Rouge the next morning.
Here are some photos from a memorable night in Baton Rouge
Glenn Shares some time with Joan Baez after the show.
Joan playing to a packed house in Baton Rouge.
The Baez Band
John Doyle----------Guitar, Vocals
Dirk Powell----------Fiddle,Banjo
Todd Phillips--------Bass
Blair Woods---------Tour Mgr.
Jim Stewart----------Merchandizing
Emma Vasseur-----assistant to Ms. Baez
The bittersweet lone mic as Joan leaves the stage.
