by Steve Balkin, Professor of Economics at Roosevelt University and Vice President of the Maxwell Street Historic Preservation Coalition, 312-341-3696, Email: mar@topicbox.com

The internationally acclaimed and Oscar nominated film maker, Wim Wenders, came to old Maxwell Street on Sunday afternoon, August 5, 2001 to shoot a Blues documentary for PBS. This project is a joint effort of Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Marc Levin, and Wim Wenders. Mr. Wenders's segment will focus on the Bluesmen Skip James and J.B Lenoir. J.B. Lenoir sang on Maxwell Street in the 1960s and a song of his was recorded on Maxwell Street as part of the award- winning CD set, And This Is Maxwell Street.

Besides acquiring general footage of Maxwell Street, Wenders interviewed Maxwell Street Bluesman Jimmie Lee Robinson who was a good friend of J.B. Lenoir, and like Lenoir was an activist who wrote Blues of protest. The interview took place at the Maxwell Street Market restaurant at the corner of Halsted and Liberty. As part of the interview, Jimmie Lee sang a J.B. Lenoir tune, Alabama Blues.

Mr. Wenders was horrified to see the destruction in the Maxwell Street area and wishes the remaining old buildings, businesses, and churches would not be destroyed. He was gratified to see Blues still being played on the street. He hopes his work and efforts will raise awareness for Maxwell Street preservation, a world Blues landmark.

Earlier this year, Marc Levin came down to old Maxwell Street to shoot a segment with Marshall Chess (son of Leonard Chess) and Chuck-D, legendary rapper.

Wenders shooting from in front of the recently closed Original Jim's Hot Dog Stand. (19K)

Wenders shooting the jam at the corner of Maxwell and Halsted Streets, next door to the Johnny Dollar Thrift Shop (not shown). (16K)

A close-up of the jam: Bobby Smith, Little Willie James, Frank 'Little Sonny' Scott Jr., Mr. H, Bobby 'Top Hat" Davis, and Jim Reynolds. (39K)

Wenders with Bluesman Jimmie Lee Robinson. (14K)

Wenders with Bluesman Ray Scott. (22K)

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Crowds at the Maxwell Street Express, the last hot dog stand of Maxwell Street. The owners are cousins of Jim, creator of the Maxwell Street Polish and founder of Original Jim's, next door. (18K)

The Luna Family dancing on Maxwell Street. Coming from Mexico, their first neighborhood in the U.S. was the Maxwell Street area. They returned today for a family reunion to eat Polish sausages, dance on Maxwell Street, and teach their children about their family history. (20K)

For more information about Maxwell Street and the Call for a Boycott of UIC's new dorm and University Village, visit the Preserve Maxwell Street website <www.openair.org/maxwell/preserve.html> or call 312-341-3696.

For information about the Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Marc Levin, and Wim Wenders PBS Blues project, contact Mikaela Beardsley <mikaela@601nw.com>. Also see <http://www.openair.org/maxwell/ppress25.html>.

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