Hmmmmm....been thinking a lot about this one for the last few days. Thought I'd throw it out for some general thoughts.

In a few days I'll be playing one set for some inner city kids at an 'alternative' school. I've been hired by one of the teachers (a friend of mine) to sing and talk about 'protest' in music. Now for years I've done workshops and stuff on Labour music, civil rights, Joe Hill songs, the whole historical setting right up through Dylan, Ochs, and some of my own songs on these various subjects. In fact I've sung at this school dozens of times....but not in the last eight or nine years.

But the bottom line (for me) is that I'm no longer even remotely relevant in these areas. Truthfully I'm sick to death of singing "Solidarity' and "We Shall Not Be Moved" etc. whether it be to a group of activists interested in the history of the Labour movement, or to members of a Union earning far more in a year, than I could make in three. Same with things like "The Times They are a Changin'", and "I Ain't a Marchin' Anymore" etc. This music had a strong effect on me when I was in my twenties, but if someone's gonna sing 'em today with any real passion....well "it ain't me babe".

The kids I'll be facing at this school have their OWN music...it's angry, in your face, and reflects THEIR experience. Their support circles are the various gangs they belong to, their instrument is the boom box, and their perceived foes are people who all look like me.

Now I guess Pete Seeger just takes on a challenge like this by throwin' his head back and singin out "John Henry" or "Rock Island Line", and maybe the kids get caught up in his special magic, but I never had either his confidence or his "right to the bone" belief system, so I'm doin' a LOT of of thinking right now. Any feedback?

Thanks

Rick