The Blues is a Feeling
Artist Info
Don McGhee
Don McGhee began taking photos strictly as a hobby, for his own enjoyment/memories. In time, the local blues artists were coming to him saying, 'Don, you have chronicled the Blues scene here. Please be our keeper of it, and our historian, and show your work.' At that point, Don began displaying the photos. Don’s photos have been seen at events and festivals here in Michigan as well as, to date, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, & Missouri. During the exhibit at Henry Ford College -- October – Don is excited to also be displaying his photographs at the granddaddy of blues festivals, the KING BISCUIT BLUES FESTIVAL in Helena, Arkansas.
Artist's Statement
"Music, the Blues in particular, moves me -- it touches my heart and soul! I love the passion of the Blues, and am likewise drawn to the visual aspects of musical performance. As a photographer, I strive to capture that passion.
“A musician's expression (a smile or a clinched jaw; closed eyes or a far-away gaze; a serene countenance or a grimace; a casual swaying or frantic nodding of the head) when he or she is "in the groove," as well as a wide range of body movements while performing - they all add to and enhance my enjoyment of the musical feast. Add the myriad of audience reactions - heads bouncing, hands clapping, fingers popping, toes tapping, bodies swaying or bouncing in their seats -- and dancers doing their thing -- and the music becomes an all-encompassing experience.
“The music really grabs me, whether I'm hearing it during a jam in a local club, or enjoying a Blues band at a concert or festival. It is my sincere hope that through these photos you can hear and feel the music, too, and will be able to share in the joy and other emotions of the musicians as they make the Blues come alive for their audience."
Questions? Contact the Director of Exhibitions, Steve Glazer, at 313-845-6485 or via email at sglazer@hfcc.edu.