« • •A * ■ ♦ December 1 6 ,1992...The Portland Observer...Page 7 YMCA Wins Tax Case “I’m Free Now, Baby, “I’m Free From Your Spell” If you're a blues aficionado, you likely know that lyric from B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone.” Whether your knowledge of the blues is elementary or sophisticated, “A Blues Session: B.B. King and Friends” airing 9 p.m. Eastem/Standard Jan. 21 on The Fam­ ily Channel could delight you. Joining B. B. King are Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Etta James, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Albert King, Billy Ocean, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan and the late Paul Butterfield. The concert was taped in 1987 in the Ebony showcase Theatre in Los Angeles and previously aired on Cinemax. It’s sultry, it’s soulful, it’selectric, it’sthe blues. B.B. King on “The Thrill is Gone” is assisted by Eric Clapton on guitar who does a thrilling solo piece. That’s followed by Etta James with “I’d rather Be Blind;” Billy Ocean’s When Something Is Wrong With My Baby,” and Stevie Ray Vaughan and Albert King on “The Sky Is Crying.” Everyone joins in on “Midnight Hour,” while the trio of Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan and Etta James treats “Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do” and “Pre­ cious Lord” with respect. And that’s not all. B.B. and Albert King, Ocean and Clapton cook a spicy “Let The Good Times Roll” with all four onguitar, one of several occasions that several mem­ bers of this illustrious group play to­ gether. Harmonica player Paul Butterfield was the leader of his own popular ’60s band and has played with Bob Dylan A Gala B lues Affair King recorded more than 50 albums and Muddy Waters. Eric Clapton has and has won acclaim for “The Thrill is long been considered one of the best, if gone,” among others. Grammy-win­ not the best guitarist, with a career ning Gladys Knight has had many smash enduring decades of change. Grammy hits with the Pips. Billy Ocean became Award-winning vocalist and drummer the first black British singer to have a Phil Collins keeps the hits coming. No.l single with his Grammy-winning Vocalist Etta James has recorded a suing “Caribbean Queen (No More Love On of rhythm ‘n ’ blues songs since their The run).” Stevie Ray Vaughan topped first hit, “Roll With Me, Henry.” Guitar Player Magazine’s 1985 reader’s Chaka Khan made the charts with Poll in three categories: best new talent, “ I Feel For You” and was featured on bluesalbum and electric blues guitarist. the “Miami Vice” soundtrack. Albert The one-hour show brings top tal­ King has played guitar with everyone ent together to salute one of America’s from Janis Joblin to Booker T. and the originals, the blues. MG’s. Four-time Grammy winner B.B. The Oregon Tax Court ruled De­ cember 7,1992, that the Metro Family YMCA on Barbur Blvd. has requalified for property lax exemptions effective July 1, 1989, as a result of the Metro Family YMCA’S change in focus to family and children increased scholar­ ships. This decision affirms the March 23,1992, opinion of the Department of Revenue and follows a similar win by the Oakland California YMCA in September. The Y MCA is very pleased that the Tax Court recognized in its strongly worded opinion the significantchanges made at the Branch to serve children and families and to provide scholar­ ships and community access. Today, 40% of the membership at the Branch are chiidren and families, and one-third of the members are op scholarships. The Metro Family Branch has reachcdout to the community,expanded child care programs and youth sports, added 20 new children’s programs and provided services each week to 26 com­ munity groups such as Morrison Center and Depaul. “We are back to basics; and are what we have always been. We earn our property tax exemption every day,” says Y President, Jerry Balser. - J Ybur 6800 N.E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Professional and Quality Dry Cleaning & Laundry Is Assured By Our Courteous New Manager Marva Mitchell Open From 8 - 6 Mon. - Fri. and 9 - 4 on Saturday We Offer Professional Alterations Drapery Cleaning All Weather Proofing Of SkkWear & Rainwear 48 Hour Shoe Repair And Specialize In Silk Cleaning & Leather Goods 10% Discounts For Senior Citizens Creed Of The Black Press The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every person, regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back. Packwood Makes Statement Concerning Allegations Continued from front page Once again, let me repeat my apolo­ gies to the women who were hurt by my conduct. It was not done with malice or evil intent. Now let me make these assurances. I pledge to restructure, drastically and totally, my attitude and my professional relationships. If that requires profes­ sional counseling, I will seek it. I guar­ antee that nothing like this will ever happen again. I am prepared to cooperate fully with the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate and resolve this matter. I have been a strong force in the Senate for 24 years for Oregon and our nation. Even my most severe critics will admit that. Whether it was saving Hells Can- yon or French Pete, or whether it was those lonely and solitary hours in the late 70’s and early 80’s defending Rod vs Wade, trying to prevent its reversal or dismemberment, I led the fight. I plan to remain in the Senate and con­ tinue my work on behalf of the people of Oregon. To that end, I would like to address these comments to all Oregonians: This is a critical and defining time in my life, 1 go forward without illu­ sions, but with a new sense of purpose and determination. The bond of trust between us is stretched thin right now, but I am committed to repairing that bond. I ask for the chance to earn back your respect. I pledge to be worthy of your trust.