Neshawn Calloway, guest vocalist, will be performing a song by Duke Ellington with jazz combo, and a Gospel song that was a favorite of Dr. King
Littleton H. Mason Singers will perform "Fight On" by Kevin Davidson to end the program
Dr. Jonathan McNair, composer of two works on the program, including a world premiere, is also the organizer and main sponsor of the event. He will also be at the piano for a couple of performances..
In appreciation for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, legacy, and impact on the civil rights movement, the UTC Department of Fine Arts Music Division will host a gala event, O King, on Thursday, March 9.
"My favorite aspect of Dr. King's work is his combination of tough-mindedness and tender-heartedness: thinking clearly and carefully while speaking truth to power is compatible with acting out of love and compassion for all human beings," said Dr. Ethan Mills, UTC Department of Philosophy and Religion.
O King will take place at the Roland Hayes Concert Hall at the UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St., at 7:30 p.m. with the presence and support of Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. This event will be followed by a reception in the Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. Admission and parking are free.
The multi-disciplinary event will feature music ranging from Gospel and Spirituals to Jazz and Classical music by black composers, with performers from across campus and the community.
In between performances, faculty members from the departments of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Philosophy will be joined by campus and community leaders to offer brief spoken reflections about various aspects of Martin Luther King’s impact on society, and how to benefit from his ideas in today’s world.
For more information, visit www.UTC.EDU/Music, or call 425-4679.