A "Weekend of Celebrations" is Planned for the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday

Santa Monica, CA - Embracing the theme, “Peace Begins With Me" Westsiders will join together to celebrate our rich diversity and promote peace, brotherhood, and social and economic justice. The activities and events presented by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition will span an entire weekend, from January 13th-16th, leading up to and including the 2012 MLK National Holiday Celebration & Community Involvement Fair, commemorating the birthday and legacy of America’s preeminent civil rights leader, 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, 7:30 to 9am: Westside Interfaith “MLK Prayer Breakfast”
Presented in Cooperation with the Westside Interfaith Council and the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council. An inspirational community gathering, featuring speakers, dialogue and prayer. Guest speaker Shakeel Syed, is the Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council. At Calvary Baptist Church, Carter Center, 1502 20th Street, Santa Monica. Donation: $25/person, $200/table of 10.
 
Friday, January 13, 7pm to 9pm: MLK Education Awards “Jazz & Blues Dinner Show”
Featuring Jazz Pianist Ron Levy and Sharon Marie Cline “The Divine Miss Cline,” plus Blues Singer, Sista Jean. Enjoy a complete gourmet dinner along with intimate musical performances. At Upper West, 3321 W. Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Valet and limited street parking are available. Space is limited. Advance Tickets: $50/person donation. Proceeds to benefit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards for Westside high school and community college students.
 
Friday, January 13, 10pm to Midnight: MLK Education Awards “R&B Dance Party”
Featuring The Derek Bordeaux Group. One of Southern California’s hottest bands, for more than 25 years the Derek Bordeaux Group has performed throughout the Southland and in 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: $25/person, Door: $30/person donation. Tickets are for admission only. Additional charge for food and beverages. Proceeds to benefit the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition’s Education Awards. www.facebook.com/events/252338431495721/

Saturday, January 14, 9am to Noon: “MLK Kidz Party”
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, Refreshments & More! At Virginia Avenue Park’s Kidz Zone, 2200 Virginia Ave., Santa Monica. Free and Open to the Public. Space is limited. www.facebook.com/events/117887414944593/
                                               
Saturday, January 14, 1 to 6pm: MLK Westside Teen Unity “Peace In”
Featuring “Dreams of King" by Actor Gerald C. Rivers, DJ Noj & The Veniceville Players, The 440’s, Bermuda Squares, Zsoveonne, Rockstar Education, YoYo’s School of Hip Hop, YWCA S.M. Bay Area, Sessions LA, KnockStudy & More! At  TheTalking Stick Coffee Lounge, 1411 Lincoln Blvd., Venice. Free and Open to the Public. Space limited. Additional parking is available behind building. Presented in Cooperation with the NAACP Santa Monica-Venice Branch, the Santa Monica Bay Area Human Relations Council and Enhanced Brilliance Productions. www.facebook.com/events/168466579858112/
 
Sunday, January 15, 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, 9am to Noon: 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! At SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Free & Open to the Public. The celebration is followed by a Community Involvement Fair from 10:30am to Noon, across the street at 606 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Refreshments served and informational displays by a variety of community organizations. Free and Open to the Public. www.facebook.com/events/109136529159790/
        
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.

CONTACT:  Gary Avrech  ;(310) 207-4500                                         

Contact Information

Gary Avrech

Chairman & CEO

Martin Luther King, Jr. Westside Coalition

Contact via E-mail