TRAVERSE CITY — Music, art and poetry will echo through the region this coming Monday as the community comes together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Leading the charge with a day-long series of events, capped by a special evening performance at the City Opera House, is area nonprofit Building Bridges With Music.
“The cornerstone of our programming is Dr. King’s message that everything we say and do is rooted in either love or fear,” said the nonprofit’s founder and creative director Jeff Haas. “This upcoming event is all about that while using the arts to create connections based on open-mindedness and respect.”
Since 2003, Building Bridges With Music has brought the teachings of Dr. King to life through music and conversation, and this year’s program promises to be one of its most moving yet according to Haas.
The day begins at 10 a.m. at The Alluvion, located in Commongrounds, with a music class for young children led by Traverse City bases musician Miriam Pico. Designed for toddlers and their families, the class blends music, movement, and storytelling to teach values of kindness, compassion, and fairness.
“Dr. King is one of my personal heroes,” Pico said.
Pico’s class will revolve around King’s teachings while, as she explains, “…will use music to inspire kids to think about peace and love while celebrating joy and creating positive memories as a community.”
A free community lunch will then be served from noon-2 p.m. at Commongrounds, followed by a children’s art project inspired by Dr. King, led by Laura Adams. The afternoon then continues with poetry readings by local middle school students, featuring original works inspired by the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights.
The evening programming begins at 6:30 p.m. at the City Opera House, headlined by Detroit’s Brazeal Dennard Chorale, one of the nation’s oldest African American a cappella ensembles. Joined by Northwestern Michigan College choirs, the chorale will perform civil rights-era music and other pieces reflecting Dr. King’s enduring message.
“This is a special homecoming for the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, who last performed here in almost a decade ago,” Haas said.
“Their work is a living testament to the power of music to preserve history and inspire change,” he continued.
All events for the upcoming event hosted by Building Bridges With Music, including the City Opera House performance, are free to the public, with evening tickets available online at www.cityoperahouse.com.
Traverse City’s tribute to Dr. King isn’t the only event honoring his legacy. Across town in Interlochen, the Interlochen Arts Academy will host “Lift Every Voice: A Global Perspective” at 7:30 p.m. in the Corson Auditorium.
This free-to-all and interdisciplinary showcase will feature performances from students and faculty, blending music, art, theater, and dance to highlight Dr. King’s global impact.
Both events offer powerful opportunities to reflect on Dr. King’s vision and the ongoing work for equality and justice.
For more details on the various offerings at Commongrounds and the City Opera House, visit Building Bridges With Music at their website at www.buildingbridgeswithmusic.org. More information on Interlochen’s celebration can be found online at www.interlochen.org.