Music And Poetry Honors The Working Man At Hartland Music HallMusic And Poetry Honors The Working Man At Hartland Music Hall

1/31/13 - Poet and Wayne State University professor M.L. Liebler and fellow musician Reverend Robert Jones put on a performance in Hartland yesterday to pay tribute to the working class. About 50 people gathered in the Hartland Music Hall last night to listen to Liebler and Jones perform songs and poems written by and about working men and women. The performance complements the traveling Smithsonian exhibit, titled “The Way We Worked,” which is on display at the Hartland Cromaine District Library and discusses the history and culture of America’s workforce. Liebler spoke and sang poetry dating as far back as the 1700’s discussing the life and struggles of blue collar workers. Jones, who sang the blues and played guitar, shared songs with local connections about the working class. He tells WHMI that while many modern songs focus on romance, songs about work reflect the more serious topics of struggle and survival. The Smithsonian’s “The Way We Worked” exhibit will remain on display in Hartland through the first week of February. There is no charge to attend. (TD)