Baez performance a hit at arts center

When Joan Baez walked out onto the stage Saturday night at the Maine Center for the Arts, there was no introduction, no light show or fanfare. There was just Joan Baez, the folk-singing, freedom-marching voice of the 1960s and 1970s. The audience was surely inspired by their memories of an era gone by, but when Baez picked up her guitar and sang “Forever Young,” their applause and appreciation was fresh and marked by renewed excitement over this woman who led so many through such challenging events.

“We’re going to traverse 30 years of music tonight,” said Baez, as she brought on her four-piece backup band. They began with “China,” a song about the recent events in Tiananmen Square from her 1989 release “Speaking of Dreams.”

Other songs from the newest album included “Warriors of the Sun,” “Carrickfergus,” and “Rambler Gambler/Whispering Bells.” Playing the piano, Baez also sang the title track, a love song she introduced by saying “I guess every woman should have an affair with a young frenchman.” When she finished this obviously heartfelt ballad, she said, “So that’s the romantic side of me, you guys. It’s been there the whole time, but I kept it hidden.”

The audience was generally receptive to this new side and new sound of Baez, but when she sang the old favorites, the songs that made her a legendary American folk singer, the audience was notably moved. “Diamonds and Rust,” “House of the Rising Sun,” “The Boxer,” “Don’t Think Twice,” “Where Are You Now, My Son?” and “Gracias A La Vida,” all were met with screams of delight and loud applause. After singing “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” Baez said with a touch of sarcasm, “I know: Where were you when that song came out?”

Baez spoke freely and comfortably with the audience, inviting everyone to sing along with her. Sometimes she performed with her band, sometimes in duets, sometimes alone, but always lifting an arm in testament to her music. She even stepped away from the microphone for a charismatic version of “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” During a jazzy rendition of “Blackbird,” she stood aside the piano and sang with much feeling, proving to the audience that her rich voice has grown in strength and range.

“You still got it,” someone called from the audience. Baez was quick to respond, with apparent cynicism “I hope so.”

As a celebration of the changes in Eastern Europe, Baez sang “Oh, Freedom” as her closing number. A standing ovation brought her back for two encore performances, an old favorite “There But for Fortune,” and an a cappella version of “Amazing Grace,” during which she harmonized with the audience. “Jerry Falwell, eat your heart out,” were her final words as she left the stage.

Fans left the concert hall saying “She was great!” “Fantastic!” and “Terrific!” The times have changed and so has Joan Baez. You can see the tiredness in her eyes, but she’s still speaking of dreams and hoping for a better world.