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One might conclude that such a varied artistic career may be the result of a lack of direction. On the contrary, A more self-di. rected, focused artist would be hard to come by, Near's career has spanned 20 years, She's recorded 15 albums (14 on her own Redwood label), performed in the Broad- way production of HAIRI. at Carnegie Hall, at peace festivals in El Salvador and Nicaragua, and made guest appearances on the Partridge Family, All in the Family, and The Mod Squad, Holly Near - sunger-composer-musi- clan-actress-author-lecturer-political ac- tivist (whew) - has never been a superstar - at least not In terms of commercial success or mainstream exposure, But to her fans - herdGtiUiegion of fans - she is the brightest star of them all. Versatility hallmark of Near’s career By Deborah Crandall Throughout her career, Near has never 'The music is very powerful. I was raised on all kinds of music and very affected by it - whether it was The Weavers, Judy Garland or Patsy Cline - it moved me so," Near says from a friend's Near, instead, wnll reach - has been reaching - her audience on a more personal level - one-to-one. if you will - through her recordings. live performances, lectures and literature. The result IS a far more intimate, inspiring relationship. And whether or not it's Intentional, her music influences, encourages thought, and guides her audiences through a journey of self-awakening. She is outspoken about women's issues, gay and lesbian issues, anti-war move- ments, and human rights - not a very popular topic on top 40 radio. But, then, that's something she's never aspired to. compromised her mtegnty. She's never suppressed her thoughts and ideas, never censored herself and never conformed to find financial success. Near is currently touring North America promoting her latest musical release sn. yer in the Storm, her first recording on a (Contunued on page 19) "Sometimes youll hear artists say, Aw, hey man, I'm not political , and l want to say to them, 'Youte just Chicken - you re afraid to own up to what you're dong T Near drawls mischievous) That is what gundes Near - the realiza- tion that whatever she does musically, for better or worse, affects people It s some- thing she's always aware of apartment in New York City " also noticed that a marching band can move people to enlist, lullabres can put chlldren to sleep. muzak an a doctor's office can lull people away from them fears, and they have music tor typists m certain ofllces that ls programmed a little faster so they can get more work out of people Its powerful stuff. " a very manipulative thing, whether ts used tor good or for bad." The play IS a mush mesh o' anecdotes, memones and Vlgnenes woven together by Mervyls own thoughts ‘Its really abom commg worm Smith says The Ieao ma'ane' a a" actor/writer who has We" Du? r' m; road for months an end and she Lumpy, back to Cornflower every so over "- C tame she s come back 10 mt:- abut 6 home But what gets In the ma» y course, are the memories that refuse t: yield, She constantly gets Wow 1+ and taken down different paths The may 5 teed character ws Mervyl Hamstead (played by uan Wood) who has returned to her meme home ot Cornflower Alta to wme a play about her lute and the was of three 01 her childhood friends. - Judy slayec bs Maggie Nagle, vet' forayec " JCtr' Jams) and PCT 'mayec r» Dnnalc Adams) These people arent somebody that you couldn l cmagme 09mg or oouidn't Imagine knowing You come knoweaoh of these people and m that way, I thank It 5 ounce accessibae . (Contmueu on Gage 25