Working Girls
A Night with Joan Baez and Amanda Petrusich
Last night Symphony Space hosted an evening celebrating Joan Baez’s book of poetry When You See My Mother Ask Her To Dance. We read her poems talked of writing, activism, and the creative process, not without a good measure of humor. No singing, the music contained in her words. When I listened to Joan, a senior in high school in 1964, it never came to mind we would become long distant pals. Amanda is a great person, and treasured writer for The New Yorker. We three, all Capricorns, made a good team.
It was pouring rain but the people braved it. I was with Lynn Goldsmith and she took the pictures. On the way back we reminisced on the music we were listening to back then. Joan and Bob and Bo Diddley. I came home and put on some Bo Diddley, who I share a birthday with. Joan, being a pretty wild dancer would have certainly joined in as I took the stage in my hallway.
I’ll read some of her poems in the next couple days, but for now here is Bo. Check out his guitar player. Electric with a gown…..
It's impossible not to dance to Bo Diddley. The fact that he invented that rhythm, which is a foundation of rock 'n' roll, is just incredible. It seems to have been with us since the beginning of time.
I love this video from the amazing T.A.M.I. film which showcased so many great performances. And I always enjoy Norma-Jean Wofford on guitar, adding to that rhythm while mirroring all the moves of the backing vocalists. The perfect soundtrack for a Saturday afternoon.
Thanks for the photos of last night. Two extraordinary artists. Like a lot of people on this site, I'm sure, I wish I could have been there.
What a wonderful night that sounds like. Thank you for the great photos. Was it videoed and, if so, do you know if it will be made available for viewing or for audio? I hope so.
I very much look forward to your reading whatever poems that you want to share.
As ever, with warmth and gratitude,
Robin