What a magical evening.
Thank You for Joining Us!
Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event honoring Martin Luther King Jr., returns to the Paramount Theatre for its 20th anniversary.
In the Name of Love will honor the vision and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., through the music of Stevie Wonder. Not only did his music inspire hearts and minds across the globe, it was Wonder’s version of “Happy Birthday” and his tireless campaigning with the King family that led directly to the enshrinement of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, observed for the first time in 1986.
The Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award will be presented at this Tribute, giving beyond well deserved recognition to those who serve Oakland tirelessly, who exemplify the heart-centered, unrelenting leadership and dedication to improving the lives of East Bay citizens.
This year, Living Jazz will honor Sabrina Thomas of Building Futures, who has been wholly committed to ending homelessness and domestic violence through her work with the organization.
In the Name of Love also celebrates our hope for the future amidst challenging times, by showcasing our youth from three legacy Bay Area music institutions. This is the first year that Living Jazz Children’s Choir, SFJAZZ High School All-Stars, and Oaktown Jazz will participate together.
What all three institutions hold in common is the value of preserving jazz-rooted education, creating community, and using improvisational music as a vehicle to uplift the next generations.
This event features special arrangements of Stevie Wonder’s change-making catalogue backed by Oakland’s own Awesöme Orchestra Collective.
Experience The MLK Tribute
History of Living Jazz’s MLK Tribute
In 2002, Living Jazz created In the Name of Love, The Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Tribute is an extensive civic and cultural event bringing our diverse community together to honor, through music, the teachings and memory of the great Dr. King. “In the Name of Love’ showcases the culmination of the Living Jazz Children's Project, providing free music education for Oakland public elementary schools, alongside outstanding local and international talent. The Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award, created by Living Jazz, is presented by such prominent politicians such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee and highlights the work of an outstanding Oakland resident working tirelessly to make a difference. Previous artists have included legendary performers such as Mavis Staples, Jennifer Holiday, Ledisi, Goapele, the Gospel Hummingbirds and Toshi Reagon, along with Bay Area local treasures including the Dynamic Ms. Faye Carol, Marcus Shelby, Jeanie Tracy, and more.
