Course gives students the 'blues'

Beard

n associate professor of religion and classics is bringing a respected practitioner of the "Devil's Music" to one of his classes Monday, April 23.

Daniel Beaumont, a specialist in Arabic languages and literature, will be the host for Rochester resident Joe Beard when the musical legend makes a guest appearance in Beaumont's class, "The Blues."

In a departure from his regular fare in the religion and classics department, Beaumont is teaching the course on the blues for the first time this semester.

His 32 students are studying the blues from its origins and earliest recordings through contemporary artists such as B. B. King and Muddy Waters. They also are examining the social conditions in which the music developed and analyzing its impact on American culture, including the development of rock 'n' roll. The course is also offered through the Frederick Douglass Institute of African and African-American Studies.

"The blues grew up in the context of black Southern culture, where the major institution was the Baptist church," Beaumont says. "There always was a tension between African-American religion and this music, which was viewed as 'the devil's music.' Some people kept their foot in both camps--blues legend Son House also was a preacher--but there are still people who are religious who refuse to listen to the blues."

Beard also will perform the same day with his band, Blues Union, at 4 p.m. in the Hirst Lounge of Wilson Commons on the River Campus. The Wilson Commons show is free and open to the public.

For more information on Beard's performance, call x5-5911.

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