A beloved 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, January 19. Rooted in music, reflection, and shared purpose, the concert honors Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence while celebrating the power of community to unite and uplift a nation.
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. Over the next 40 years, the event grew into a cherished annual gathering, often featuring local high school choirs and community performers. In 2012, a connection between the Bethel AME Choir and the Trinity Community Chorus—both linked through singer Helena McDaniels—led to a deep collaboration that became known simply as “The MLK Choir.”
After the tradition paused following its 40th anniversary in 2022, producer Paul Emery, who helped bring many of the concerts to KVMR, is proud to help revive this meaningful 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 our 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.
Following the performance, attendees are encouraged to continue the day’s reflection just up the street at the Methodist Church, where Creating Communities Beyond Bias and Color Me Human will host “Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Community Conversation.” This free event features small-group discussions centered on Dr. King’s message, racism, justice, equality, and meaningful community action.
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—together—toward that “shining city on a hill.”
For more information:
https://paulemerymusic.com/martin-luther-king-day/
Monday, January 19 | 12:00 PM
Nevada Theatre, Nevada City, California
FREE CONCERT – Donations Accepted at the Door