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THE UK CORNER: Dream On (An MLK musical tribute review)
History was alive and in your face. I sat next to a young girl who said she loved history because of moments like that.
I wished I had a chance to experience such history lessons at their age. A few days later and a multi-faith tribute service to Dr King Jnr was held at Westminster Abbey where attendees were encouraged to ‘keep the dream alive’ in a service of hope on the 40th anniversary of his death.
For many young people, too young to remember the injustices Dr King Jnr fought against, the dream is alive in the shape of President Elect Barack Obama. But Martin Luther King III warned that while “It would not be totally possibly for us to have the candidacy of Senator Barak Obama if it not been for that movement that Martin Luther King Jnr led over 40 years ago…that won't be if he's elected though, the fulfillment of the dream, that will be a portion of the dream fulfilled.” For Martin Luther King III to beat the illusion, everyone must play a part in fighting poverty and social injustice.
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The Dream On! project 40 international independent musicians have written and performed 30 songs over two CDs to carry on Dr. King’s fight for social justice. No matter what your musical tastes, there is diversity with elements of Folk, Country, Indie Rock, and R&B, and sprinkles of Jazz, hip-hop and gospel. I favoured CD two with its surprise touch of reggae in Tony Fair-I’s Dr. Martin. Dixon Chibanda brought a sense of world music with Africa.
The acoustic numbers are the best such as Elaine Ryan’s Dream of Peace. Laura Vecchione’s Tell ‘em about the Dream, Metah’s Dream On, Shakka Hasberry’s Bring it Back, Daysahead’s It’s in your hands and Craig A. Thompson’s I have a Dream – MLK tribute also stood out. But more important than the music is the sense of history the lyrics capture and the values, which are epitomised.
The music, to be launched amid Obama’s inauguration, is in alignment with Dr. King’s ideals of peace, justice, love and freedom. Available as free downloads; the “user” is invited to donate to one or more of several charitable organisations. In addition to the CDs, five exclusive MP3s will be release each month via free download. The most popular of the exclusive tracks will become another CD to be released at a later date.
An educational documentary about Dr King’s life, work and vision, and the continuation of the dream is also planned to coincide with the release. The documentary, which will also be available for download, will give insight into the musicians and the charities benefiting from the project.
Music producer and writer Armstrong of Three of Wands Productions, LLC, together with five charitable organisations, aim to build a community of people dedicated to continuing the dream – through peaceful, collaborative efforts to create positive change. Dr King, who would have been 80 on January 15, 2009, inspired Armstrong. Born to two peace Corp volunteers, she has been a life-long volunteer. She was stirred to launch the project on King’s Birthday this year when she rediscovered a sermon given by King at Temple Israel in Hollywood in 1965. The sermon spoke of the insuppressible power of love. Dr King’s powerful oratory awakened something in Armstrong that she couldn’t deny. This project is one not to sleep on.
To learn more about Dream On and the live events planned visit: http://www.thedreamcontinued.org/
The UK Corner covers urban entertainment from a British perspective and is written by Fiona McKinson. She is a freelance journalist and creative writer based in London. Contact her at info@thetalentshow.co.uk.
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