FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                            January 11, 2006

CARY HAS ALL THAT JAZZ & MORE FOR ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION

Marcus Belgrave performs a tribute to Louis Armstrong as part of Cary’s MLK, Jr. Dreamfest

CARY , NC – For the first time ever, a jazz maestro is bringing his show-stopping sounds to the Town of Cary when Marcus Belgrave and his 8-piece ensemble perform at Cary’s Herbert C. Young Community Center , 101 Wilkinson Ave. , on Friday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Town’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamfest 2007.  Tickets are now on sale for $18 (adults), $16 (seniors 55 and older), and $15 (12 and under) at the community center or at Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com or (919) 834-4000.  

Belgrave is described as one of the few performers in the world with three essential qualities needed to deliver a loving and convincing tribute to Louis Armstrong:  an astonishing jazz trumpet virtuoso, a natural low, gravelly voice, and a warm stage persona with “down home” humor.  In fact, Wynton Marsalis chose Belgrave to be one of the original members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

“We invite everyone to come out and enjoy the music while helping celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.” said Performing Arts Coordinator Sarah Bunch.  Preceding the concert, Vision United “ONE SONG” – a vocal group featuring community singers – will perform.

The concert is being held in conjunction with the 2007 MLK, Jr. Dreamfest celebration.  Each year in January, the Town and the MLK Jr. Task Force host Dreamfest to recognize and celebrate the life, work and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The following are free events also being held as part of this year’s Dreamfest:

• Dream of Expression Art Exhibition & Display Opening & Display: Featuring the artists Miriam Sagasti, David Wilson and Timothy Telkamp; Community EXPO (showcasing Artist Gift Shop; Community Partners Consortium; Cary Museum of History; Fireside & Book Signing by Dr. Brenton G. Yorganson); Dream of Achievement Awards & VIP Reception featuring performing artist Rhonda Robichaux. 

Saturday, January 13, 7-9 p.m. , Page-Walker Arts & History Center   

View the work of artists celebrating Dr. King’s vision of inclusiveness and diversity.

January 13-February 27, Page-Walker Arts & History Center

• Dream of Unity Ecumenical Observance: Special Guest of Honor Dr. Brenton G. Yorganson will speak on “Capturing Your Dream”.

            Sunday, January 14, 6 p.m. , Church of Later Day Saints 1^st Ward

• Dream of Democracy: Unity March, Rally & Greater Triangle Area MLK, Jr. Day of Service:  March & Rally (the non-violent means of demonstration used in the struggle for equality during the civil rights movement) in downtown Raleigh & Triangle Area; MLK, Jr. Day of Service in Cary and surrounding communities to which the Cary community is invited to participate.

        Monday, January 15, 10 a.m.

• Dream of History Post-Dreamfest Black History Presentation: Featuring Debbie Redfern, Rosa Parks’ cousin, who will share personal insights into the woman known as “the mother of the civil rights movement”.

Saturday, February 3, 2 p.m. , Barnes & Noble of Cary

Belgrave’s appearance also marks the second concert in the 7^th Annual Marvelous Music Series, which draws national performing artists to the area.  Past performers in the series have included the Grammy Award winning Riders in the Sky, the Harlem Gospel Choir, the Count Basie Orchestra and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.  This 2006-2007 Marvelous Music Series continues with Dukes of Dixieland on Feb. 23 and Time for Three on May 4.  Season tickets are available through Friday, January 12 by requesting an order form at (919) 462-3969; prices are $45 (3-concert package).

For more, visit Events at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 469-4061.

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