Funk-rock, pop music icon Nona Hendryx, Sing Harlem Choir, Stanley Nelson’s documentary “Attica,” Reggie Wilson’s dance premiere of “Power” and a visual art exhibition titled “Salvation: A State of Being” will be presented free of cost to celebrants of MLK holiday on Jan. 17 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Following the annual tribute from dignitaries inside the BAM Howard Gilman Opera House at 30 Lafayette St., a free entertainment offering promise a potpourri of all-day salute to the Civil Rights leader who was assassinated at age 36 at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Fans of the former LaBelle funk-rock singer will be particularly enthralled by the repertoire Hendryx probably will incorporate into a set in tribute to the group she featured with Patti Labelle and the late Sarah Dash.
The trio won accolades for their stylistic, singing delivery, fashion savvy and futuristic stage presence.
Much acclaimed as a solo artist, Hendryx will delight Brooklyn audiences on the special date. Composer/trombonist Craig Harris & Tailgaters Tales will provide accompaniment.
Vy Higginsen’s Sing Harlem Choir are also billed and will cross the river to the borough to rock the rafters delivering a spirited gospel serving in homage to the Nobel Prize winning martyr.
The annual tribute will also include a recorded performance of King, a powerful solo piece by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Kyle Marshall to the oratory of Dr. King’s final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.”
BAM is expanding its annual tribute with a wide variety of free events for community members of all ages and interests.
BAM Rose Cinemas will present a free screening of Attica by Emmy-winning documentarian Stanley Nelson and co-director Traci Curry.
The film spotlights the 1971 prison uprising and the urgent need for change. In the Harvey Theater at BAM Strong, Brooklyn-based choreographer Reggie Wilson offers a community performance of “POWER,” a propulsive new dance piece as part of its New York City premiere run.
And a digital billboard-based group exhibition titled “Salvation: A State of Being,” by seven Black visual artists draws inspiration from the late trailblazing Black feminist, social critic, and author Bell Hooks will fill the bill fit for a King.
For more info. check www.BAM.org.
