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| Josh White Jr. in Whitmore Lake, Michigan On Monday, October 30, 2006 an entire extended album's worth of new, original music will be born into the world through a concert at the W.J. Maxey Boys Training School in Whitmore Lake, Michigan. Even more unusual than the venue for this event is the actual source of the material - all the new music to be presented was written by the young incarcerated residents of the school itself. The concert is the climax of Project Roots, a workshop facilitated by humorist/writer Mike Ball and folk music legend Josh White Junior, in which a select group of the facility's youth work together to create music in the uniquely American folk and blues traditions. Project Roots is a partnership of the MHC and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. It was designed in collaboration with Ball, who is also Cultural Services Coordinator at the Northfield Area Township Library. The Maxey program is being conducted as an outreach program from the library. After finding White listed in the Humanities Council's Touring Artist Directory, Ball recruited him to provide the program with what he calls "A touch of greatness." He explained; "Working with a seasoned professional gives an added dimension to the work we do with the kids. When they hear their songs performed by a consummate artist like Josh, it takes them to an entirely new level." During each six-week workshop, Ball and White help the boys work together to produce one "group" song. They also work with individuals to add music to personal poetry. The experience culminates in a professionally-produced concert performed for the Maxey population and invited guests, in which the songs are introduced to the world for the first time. Blues master Robert Jones will be on hand to help out with the final performance. There may even be a cameo appearance by singer/songwriter Kitty Donohoe, who is working with Ball on a similar project at the Adrian Training School in Adrian, Michigan. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |