If you go
› What: Live at the Bessie’s United in Freedom: In Honor of MLK› When: 7-11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15› Where: Bessie Smith Cultural Center, 200 E. M.L. King Blvd.› Admission: $5 donation› Websites: www.jazzanooga.org, bessiesmithcc.org
The M.L. King Mural on the AT&T building adds a bright pop of color to the cityscape.
565 citizens provided input and helped paint the mural, including the children in the photo above.The M.L. King Mural dedication gives Jazzanooga a high-profile chance to kick off its Live at the Bessie series.
Jazzanooga and the Bessie Smith Cultural Center will co-host the first event in the series, which is intended to give community projects and emerging artists a jump-start by offering a space for workshops, performances and other events.
The kickoff event on Friday, Jan. 15, is United in Freedom: In Honor of MLK, an evening of music and dance performances focused on the life of the late civil-rights leader. In addition to live music, a DJ will encourage everyone to get on the dance floor.
“It is open to all and [has] a suggested donation of $5, but if they don’t have it, no problem,” says Jazzanooga co-founder Shane Morrow. “I believe that all events that give exposure to the arts should be at a low cost or free, especially for the ones that don’t have the dollars but have the desire. Bring your dancing shoes.”