Oakland’s MLK Tribute Concert w/ Music of Aretha Franklin (Paramount Theatre)
Paramount Theatre | 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA
Event Details
In the Name of Love, a powerful celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and legacy through the iconic music of Aretha Franklin. Living Jazz presents this showcase in partnership with SFJAZZ as Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event, returning to the historic Paramount Theatre for its 21st anniversary on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
This celebration of MLK’s legacy takes place the same weekend of the Presidential Inauguration. During a time of division, In the Name of Love delivers a message of unity, a celebration of the uplifting communities of color, and features strong black and brown talent throughout the evening.
Music Director Kev Choice leads a Bay Area rooted lineup featuring talents like America’s Got Talent finalist Dee Dee Simon, Chika Di (featured on HBO’s Euphoria), SōLauren (EMMY Winning Artist), Destiny Muhammad (ASCAP Songwriter Awardee), Sundra Manning (Grammy-nominated Pianist), Terrence Brewer (SF Weekly “Best Jazz Artist” Award), Howard Wiley and Band (SFJAZZ Artist in Residence), and the Awesöme Orchestra Collective. Experience original arrangements and performances by the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars & Alumni, Oaktown Jazz Workshops, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Ensemble, and the 200 member Living Jazz Children’s Project Choir led by Bryan Dyer. Living Jazz in partnership with the City of Oakland will also be presenting the 2025 Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award to Andrew Park, Executive Director of Trybe for his work in uplifting the strengths, needs, and voices of residents of Oakland’s San Antonio, Clinton, and Little Saigon neighborhoods for over two decades.
“Andrew Park is one of the Department of Violence Prevention’s most important community partners in bringing violence interruption, conflict mediation support, and healing services to neighborhoods in Central Oakland.”
– Mailee Wang, Deputy Chief Administrator, Department of Violence Prevention, City of OaklandLast year’s sold out event was a soul-nourishing tribute to Oakland’s artistic community, and this year promises to be even more unforgettable. Respect the legacy and witness the rising talent of the Bay Area as we come together in celebration. Hosted by RyanNicole, this is an evening you won’t want to miss!
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: $10*
