The iconic American folk singer, songwriter, musician, and activist Joan Baez announced last month a 2015 Australian and New Zealand tour. Some of her popular and hit songs include “Diamond & Rust”, “Night They Drove Old Dixie Town”, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, and “Farewell Angelina” and the tour begins September 17 at the Royal Theatre in Canberra and ends at the Festival Theatre in Adelaide on October 12.
Joan Baez has been known for her philanthropic and activist mentality and actions. Her beautiful songs represent major themes of social justice and have often been considered “protest songs” of her day. On May 21st, 2015, Baez received the Amnesty International’s Ambassador for Conscience Award, recognizing her lifelong commitment as an outspoken activist, subjects evident in her rich music catalogue.
“The Ambassador of Conscience Award is a celebration of those unique individuals who have used their talents to inspire many, many others to take injustice personally. That is why both Joan Baez and Ai Weiwei make such worthy recipients; they are an inspiration to thousands more human rights activists, from across Asia to America and beyond,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
Joan Baez has led an extraordinary life. She used her songs to protest in Vietnam, fought for women’s rights, participated in a protest with Dr. King, and most recently was featured in the documentary film Welcome to Eden. The documentary took place in the year 2006 where farmers and activists, such as Daryl Hannah and Willie Nelson, came together to stop an awful eviction of the fourteen acres of farmland in South Central Los Angeles and prevent the largest farm in America. Baez was part of the farming demonstration. She sang and voiced her opinion that a land developer, Ralph Horwitz, wanted to get rid of.
You can read more about Joan Baez on tour here and on her website. Welcome to Eden is now available on VOD and DVD.
