Embracing the theme, “Peace Begins With Me,” Westsiders will join together to celebrate our city’s rich diversity and promote peace, brotherhood, and social and economic justice in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.
From January 13, 2012 through January 16, 2012, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition will present a variety of activities for the whole family which will culminate in a commemoration of the civil rights leader’s birthday on Monday, January 16th, at the SGI-USA World Culture Center Auditorium in Santa Monica.
The 2012 MLK National Holiday “Weekend of Celebrations†will include the following events:
Friday, January 13, 2012 7:30am to 9:00am:
Westside Interfaith “MLK Prayer Breakfast”
Presented in Cooperation with the Westside Interfaith Council. An inspirational community gathering, featuring Speakers, Reflection and Prayer. Guest speaker to be announced. At Calvary Baptist Church, Carter Center, 1502 20th Street, Santa Monica. Tickets: $25 person donation, $200 for a table of 10.
Friday, January 13, 2012 7:00pm to 9:00pm:
MLK Education Awards “Jazz & Blues Dinner Show”
Piano Jazz with Ron Levy with Sharon Marie Cline, “The Divine Miss Cline”, plus Blues Singer, Sista Jean. Enjoy a complete dinner along with intimate musical performances. At Upper West, 3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Valet parking. Advance Tickets: $50/person donation. Proceeds to be used for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards for Westside high school and community college students. .
Friday, January 13,2012 10:00pm to 12:00am:
MLK Education Awards “R&B Dance Party”
Featuring the Derek Bordeaux Group. One of the hottest bands in Southern California, for more than 25 years, the Derek Bordeaux Group has performed in Southern California and Las Vegas, becoming one of the most sought after artists for his sultry renditions of Motown classics, Jazz, R&B and Blues standards. At Upper West, 3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Valet parking. Advance Tickets: $25/person donation. Tickets are for admission only. Additional charge for food and beverages. Proceeds to be used for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards for Westside high school and community college students.
Saturday, January 14,2012 9:00am to 12:00:
“MLK Kidz Partyâ€
A kid-friendly introduction to the life and teachings of MLK, featuring live music for kids by Michael Cladis; “We Shall Overcome,†by Creative PlayGround; Face Painting, Wet-On Tattoos & Stickers; Art Projects & Origami; Fabian’s Foto Booth & More! At Virginia Avenue Park’s Kidz Zone, 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica. Free and Open to the Public. Space limited.
Saturday, January 14,2012 1:00pm to 6pm:
MLK Westside Teen Unity “Peace Inâ€
Featuring “Dreams of King,” by Actor Gerald C. Rivers; DJs & Live Teen Bands; Spoken Word Poets, Art & More! At The Talking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. Free and Open to the Public. Space limited. Addl. parking behind building. Co-sponsored by the NAACP Santa Monica-Venice Branch and the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council.
Sunday, January 15,2012 3:30pm:
Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra’s 6th Annual Commemorative “MLK Weekend Family Concert”. Featuring Adam Del Monte, Guitarist, and Allen Robert Gross, Conductor. Program: Dvorák: Three Slavonic Dances; Chen Yi: Duo Ye; Adam Del Monte: Paisajes, Concerto for Flamenco Guitar & Orchestra (premiere); and Bizet: Carmen Suite No. 2. At the SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free and Open to the Public. Presented in Cooperation with SGI-USA.
Monday, January 16, 2012 from 9:00am to 12:00pm:
27th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration & Community Involvement Fair, a Multi-ethnic Interfaith Program, Featured Speaker, Congresswoman Janice Hahn, U.S. House of Representatives; Music & Dance Performances; Education Awards Presentations; Inspirational Readings & More! This annual celebration of the official King National Holiday has grown to become one of the largest and most diverse celebrations of its kind on the West Coast. At SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free & Open to the Public. The celebration includes a Community Involvement Fair, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon, across the street at 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. There will be refreshments and informational displays by a variety of community organizations. Free and Open to the Public.
The 2012 MLK National Holiday “Weekend of Celebrations†is presented by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition, and is Sponsored by the City of Santa Monica, Rand Corporation, CityTV-Santa Monica, the Santa Monica College Associates, Soka Gakkai International (SGI-USA), Santa Monica College, and a variety of other individuals, organizations, and corporate contributors.
