
The University of Minnesota is set to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with its 44th Annual Tribute Concert, aptly themed "Light Transforming Darkness." Slated for January 19, 2025, at 3 p.m., the commemorative event will take place at the Ted Mann Concert Hall and is open to all without charge, no tickets necessary. Those who cannot make it in person can still join the tribute, as the concert will be live-streamed, with the link posted on the university's event page on the day of the event, as detailed on the University of Minnesota website.
This year's program, steered by University of Minnesota alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, intends to closely intertwine the stirring words of Dr. King with musical and reflective offerings. The lineup boasts an array of performers such as the Kamoinge Strings from Walker West Music Academy, Jornae Dance Collective, led by U of M alum Suzette Jornae Gilreath, and the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, among others. Youth speakers, under the guidance of Joe Davis Poetry, are also set to contribute to this intergenerational dialogue.
The Tribute Concert not only honors Dr. King but also Dr. Reginald Buckner, a professor at the School of Music, who initiated this tradition over four decades ago. Since the inception of this event, the University has recognized Buckner's vision by maintaining this annual celebration, which is now jointly managed by the University of Minnesota's Office for Equity and Diversity and the School of Music. The university's announcement highlights the concert's history as Minnesota's first and only event of its kind when it began.
The Tribute Concert showcases talents who are deeply committed to fusing art with social consciousness. Artists like Joe Davis, an award-winning spoken word artist, and Kamoinge Strings, consisting of middle and high school students, are anticipated to inspire attendees with their performances. The Jornae Dance Collective and G. Phillip Shoultz, III's VocalEssence Singers Of This Age will similarly offer their own transformative takes on the themes of King's legacy. For more on the performers and their commitment to the arts and the community, visit the event's official page.
Those looking for accommodations during the event can reach out to the Office for Equity and Diversity via email at [email protected].