Jazz: Spirituals, Prayer and Protest Concert

“I Have a Dream for the World”

Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the transformative power of music in advancing equality and justice. This year’s program highlights jazz’s vital role in the civil rights movement, featuring Michigan State University Jazz Orchestra I alongside talented jazz vocalists and alumni.

The concert will explore the theme “I Have a Dream for the World” through a compelling selection of works by legendary artists such as Pharaoh Sanders, Abbey Lincoln, Billie Holiday, and Arthur Herzog Jr., as well as contemporary icons like Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Nickolas Ashford. These timeless pieces showcase the enduring ability of music to inspire hope, unity, and social change.

Don’t miss this cherished annual tradition, uniting students, faculty, and community members in an unforgettable celebration of Dr. King’s vision and the unifying power of music.

Generously sponsored by the Patrick and Victoria McPharlin Guest Artist Endowment for Jazz Studies in the College of Music, Robert Last and Jill Canny, and a special thank you to the MSU Office for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion for supporting this event.