Musicians Play Soulful Tribute to Honor Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Message in the Music Concert

Washington Convention Center, DC, August 25

In Washington, the week of August 22^nd was filled with tribute events to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to celebrate the unveiling of the MLK Memorial, a beautiful and bold set of stone and carvings located at the Tidal Basin, next to the FDR Memorial.

On August 25, a concert called The Message in the Music featured music from the Civil Rights era. Each act performed two songs before a cheering, enthusiastic crowd, some of whom were dancing in the aisles. Some notable guests were in that crowd, in fact, including actor Cuba Gooding, Jr., athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersey, and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Roy Chew and his band served as the backing band for the evening. The evening’s acts included Naturally 7, a talented a capella group from New York; gospel singer Anthony Hamilton with his backup Hamiltones; and two soul/doo-wop/R&B acts: the Impressions from Chicago and Eddie Levert of the Ojays.

But two ladies stole our hearts that evening. The lovely India Arie appeared with Israeli pianist Idan Raichel. They performed two songs from their forthcoming album, Open Door, the first of which she sang in Hebrew. The second song was a fitting one for the evening, with a message of peace and unity.

For the final act, Patti LaBelle entertained us with her powerful vocals and sassy personality. She concluded with “Over the Rainbow.”

It was a night of powerful music befitting a King.