And
This Was Free
A Maxwell Street Blues Bus Production
Performances open to the
public free of charge
(Chicago, July 6, 2004) Catch a live street theatre performance that presents the spirit of Chicago’s old Maxwell Street Market. This free theatre show features the Blues Bus, the actual 1972 blue Chevy bus that sold blues recordings at the Maxwell Street Market. The Blues Bus serves as a backdrop for actors portraying real life characters from Ira Berkow’s 1977 book Maxwell Street: Survival in a Bazaar, and for Maxwell Street blues musicians returning to street entertainment. Stories include the art of “pitches” and bartering; the development of the unique style of Chicago blues; challenges facing immigrant entrepreneurs and workers; the cultural mix of the Near West Side community; and the contributions of social and cultural organizations. Maxwell Street blues musician guest appearances will include Frank Scott Jr., Bobby Davis, Piano C. Red, Johnnie Mae Dunson, Clarence Scott, Bobby Too Tough, Mr. H “Baron of the Blues,” and the Cut Rate Band. A Vienna Beef hot dog and “Polish” stand will bring Maxwell Street’s signature foods back to the streets of Chicago. Co-authors Lori Grove and Laura Kamedulski will sell copies of their book Chicago’s Maxwell Street by Arcadia Publishing. When
& Where: Thirty-minute
performances, interspersed with Blues sets, 11am - 4 pm August
11, 1-2 pm In a separate
production, Free
Street Theater will perform a staged reading of its own Maxwell
Street-themed, youth-produced performance in front of the Blues Bus at
Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk St. (south
end of the park; call 773-772-7248 for more information) Details can also
be found at www.maxwellstreet.org
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