MLK Tribute Concert

I had the great honor and joy to attend an amazing concert in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.  This is a yearly event, entitled “In the Name of Love”  organized by RCI, creators of community music events such as Jazz Camp West and Jam Camp (for teens).  Each year, 1,400 adults, elders, children and families from very diverse communities come together and share the hopes, teachings and dreams of Dr. King through the joy of music (and this year dance too!).  The event, now in its 7th year, had even more energy as we were all looking forward to Obama’s inauguration just 2 days later.

Here’s the hall as it filled up:

Our fabulous emcee was none other than Clifford Brown Jr., of KCSM, KDYA and KDIA fame:

Up first was the incredibly adorable and inspiring Oakland Children’s Community Choir.  There was about 150 2nd graders singing their hearts out and it was a great way to start the show.  They sang about unity, peace, Obama, hope and sang several chorus’ of “yes we can”.  I was moved and I know everyone else was too.

Next up with the very classy and hip Marcus Shelby and the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra.   They performed some amazing arrangements from his commissioned body of work celebrating the life of Harriet Tubman.

Marcus for sure is a sharp dressed man!

Accompanying them was an amazing line up of vocalists:  Nicolas Bearde, Jeannine Anderson, The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol and Kenny Washington.

Faye brought the house down and gave me shivers when she sang!

Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company performed for us too.  These young folks co-created their origianl performance art pieces with professional artist, combining all form of dance and expression.  What a treat!

This is a community event and every year they give out the Citizen of Oakland Humanitarian Award to someone who has given back to the community in extraordinary ways.  This year the award was given to Kevin Grant for his work with troubled teens on the streets.  He used to be one of those teens but found a way out and now goes back to the streets to seek out those who probably wouldn’t seek help otherwise.  Because he’s been there he knows how to reach them and is very effective.  He was very honored and touched to receive the award.  Oakland is lucky to have someone like this in the community.

To end the show, the 60-voice Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir got us inspired, sining and dancing in the isles.  It was the only way to end such a wonderful night of love, hope, music and community.

Terrance Kelly wanted to hear more form the audience and we happily obliged.  🙂