NEVADA CITY

A Nevada City tradition returns this Martin Luther King Jr. Day as the MLK Community Choir presents a free noon gospel concert at the historic Nevada Theatre on Monday, Jan. 19.

Led by longtime choral director Stan Thomas-Rose, the MLK Community Choir brings together approximately 50 local singers from diverse musical and spiritual backgrounds. The program revives the traditional MLK Day concert format originally guided for four decades by Zenobia Brokenbrough and the Bethel AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church Choir, who remain actively involved in this year’s performance. Singers from local churches, Music in the Mountains, InConcert Sierra, and other regional ensembles will join voices in a collective expression of hope, justice, and unity.

The MLK Day noon concert tradition began in 1982, when Rosa Lopez and Ken Crow invited the Bethel AME Choir to perform live on KVMR from the Miner’s Foundry. 

After the tradition paused following its 40th anniversary in 2022, producer Paul Emery is proud to help revive this community event. While admission is free, donations will be welcomed to support concert costs and ensure the tradition continues.

This year’s program focuses on building community and uniting the nation peacefully. Audiences can expect a moving blend of gospel songs, hymns, spirituals, patriotic selections, poetry, guest speakers, audience sing-alongs led by local musicians, and a beloved original song that traditionally closes the concert.

Join friends and neighbors this Martin Luther King Jr. Day as Nevada City comes together in music, remembrance, and a shared commitment to walk forward toward that “shining city on a hill.”

For more information, visit paulemerymusic.com/martin-luther-king-day.

~ Paul Emery Music press release