by Harold McMillan

Thanks once again for picking up and reading Austin Downtown Arts.If you are a regular reader you will notice that over the past few issues we have gone through some changes. For one, we are working on a new look. This is issue is not exactly where we will end up in terms of design. But we are definitely on our way. Most of that is due to our newest family member, Ricardo Acevedo. Ricardo is our new Art Director and will be responsible for steering our search for a new look for the mag. Your feedback on how we are doing, what you like and don't like is appreciated.

I also should mention that the interviews contained in this issue were done ten years ago as part of our Blues Family Tree documentary project. Photos used are the work of T.O. Petitt and Diane Watts.

The great thematic poetry in this issue largely comes from a locally published book of verse called Heritage Blues. We thank the publisher, Stazja McFayden for permission to reprint. If you like the poetry, and want to support the Heritage House, Heritage Blues can be purchased at 810 East 13th. Proceed go to the preservation of the Heritage House.