Northwestern University’s 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. day celebration on January 18 will feature a free concert performance by Chicago jazz legend Ramsey Lewis and his trio, lectures by prominent keynote speakers, a week-long series of informative panel discussions, and film, music and theater events. All events are free and open to the public. In commemoration of the late civil rights leader’s life and legacy, Northwestern will suspend classes Jan. 18 on both campuses for a university-wide, full-day observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. At noon Jan. 18, Lewis will take part in an on-stage question-answer session prior to performing new and old songs in his free concert at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston.
Locally, the Grammy Award-winning composer and pianist also is remembered as WNUA-FM Chicago’s weekday morning drive-time radio host from 1997 to 2009. He continues to host the syndicated “Legends of Jazz with Ramsey Lewis” radio program that airs in more than 75 cities across the nation. It also will feature performances by the Alice Millar Chapel Choir, Northwestern Community Ensemble and Northwestern University clarinetist and saxophonist Victor Goines, Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music professor and director of jazz studies. The event is free; seating is on a first-come basis. No tickets are required. Pick-Staiger doors will open at 11:15 a.m.
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall,
50 Arts Circle Drive,
Evanston.
