Jan. 13, 2015. This year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be special in Abingdon, because it includes appearances by two legendary African-American musical ensembles who will not only be performing at Barter Theatre, but participating in community events throughout the weekend.
The Blind Boys of Alabama have been performing for more than 70 years and marched in rallies with Dr. King in the 1960s. Today, the band’s management confirmed that they will be joining the Abingdon MLK Day march and celebration on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1:30 p.m. Afterwards, they will perform at Barter Theatre at 8 p.m. with special opener Jarekus Singleton.
The Grammy-nominated Heritage Blues Orchestra have dedicated their careers to preserving and celebrating African-American music. In addition to their performance Friday at Barter Theatre, they will be the special guests at the Thursday Night Open Jam at Heartwood in Abingdon. Musicians will have the chance to play with HBO and hear their special fusion of gritty blues with a modern edge.
In addition to the ticketed performances at Barter, the Heritage Blues Orchestra will be participating in the Open Jam at Heartwood Artisan Gateway Thursday, Jan. 15. The Blind Boys of Alabama marched in rallies with Dr. King in the 1960s, and now they have announced that they will join Abingdon’s march on Saturday, Jan. 17.
The Appalachian Peace and Education Center, in partnership with Virginia Highlands Community College and the Virginia Education Association, present Abingdon’s 28th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
Participants are asked to meet at Charles Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1:30 p.m. for a march to Abingdon United Methodist, where the community celebration will begin at 2 p.m.
For tickets to the concerts at Barter Theatre, call (276) 628-3991 or visit www.bartertheatre.com.
For more information about the Thursday night Open Jam with the Heritage Blues Orchestra or the Saturday MLK celebration, contact Amanda Livingston, Marketing Manager for the Abingdon CVB at (276) 492-2236 oralivingston@abingdon-va.gov.
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