Clem Perez This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. The Center for Spirituality and the Arts - Latif Bolat

   www.spiritualityandthearts.org - [Cached]

   Published on: 1/1/2004   Last Visited: 5/16/2005

   Jan. 2004 — Clem Perez: WOODY GUTHRIE AND THE AMERICAN DREAM
   ...
   by Clem Perez
   ...
   Writer and musician Clem Perez finds in Guthrie's music an expression of the "concern for the rights of everyone, based on the existence of a common 'Creator', that has become a uniquely American form of spirituality."
   
   Performing a selection of some of Guthrie's most popular songs, Perez demonstrates the extent to which Woody Guthrie's music is a herald to respect the rights and the dignity of all citizens, especially of the impoverished, the working poor and the disenfranchised. Armed with a rich voice, guitar, banjo and mandolin, Perez conveys the musical and philosophical commitment of Guthrie's legacy, showing how far we've come and how far we have yet to go to reach his version of the American Dream. But this "one-man hootenanny" is not all philosophizing; there will be lots of singing and picking and a chance for the audience to sing along, so join in!
   
   Clem Perez teaches English at St. Philip's College and has taught at the University of Texas at San Antonio. As a singer/musician -- playing guitar, harmonica, and mandolin -- he has performed folk music in the French Quarter in New Orleans and with several small groups in San Antonio.