CARY, NC – One of the oldest and most prestigious musical groups, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, will kick off the Town of Cary’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Dreamfest on Saturday, January 10 at the Herb Young Community Center at 7:30 p.m.; the performance will be preceded by a performance by the Vision United Singers & Dancers. Tickets are still available for this event for $18 (adults) and $16 (seniors 55 and older); tickets can be purchased at the Herb Young Community Center , Monday through Friday, noon-6 p.m. or through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com or (919) 834-4000.  The Dreamfest is held each year to encourage a greater sense of community through actualizing and celebrating the legacy, dreams, aspirations and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Directed by Paul T. Kwami, the Fisk Jubilee Singers comprise vocal artists and students of Fisk University . The original Jubilee Singers introduced “slave songs” to the world in 1871 and were instrumental in preserving the unique American musical tradition known today as Negro spirituals, while breaking racial barriers in the US and abroad. Today’s Fisk Jubilee Singers continue the tradition of singing the Negro spirituals around the world, allowing the ensemble to share this rich culture globally while preserving this unique music.

“We are pleased to welcome the Fisk Jubilee Singers to Cary to celebrate the dream and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Cultural Arts Program Specialist Rob Garner.  “We are also looking forward to other activities throughout the month to continue the celebration of King’s life.”  Garner encouraged everyone to attend other, free festivities planned in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including:

• Dream of King 80th Legacy Birthday Celebration. Thursday, January 15 at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center .  A lunch and learn topic related to King will take place at noon .  An evening program starting at 6 p.m. will include a candelight tribute to King in addition to activities to remember and celebrate this important date in American history.

• Dream of Expression Art Reception.  Saturday, January 17, 7 p.m. at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center .  Enjoy an evening of music, food and art in celebration of the legacy left by MLK, Jr. Award-winning photojournalist Bruce Roberts will discuss his exhibition, Just Yesterday in North Carolina , on display at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center . There will also be a community expo, which includes the work of local artists, public awareness displays by community partners, VIP reception and a presentation of Dream of Achievement Awards.

• Dream of Unity Ecumenical Observance.  Sunday, January 18 at 6 p.m. at the Herbert C. Young Community Center . Join local religious and secular leaders to remember the life and cause of MLK, Jr. This event is open to persons of all faiths and beliefs.

• Dream of Democracy Unity March /Rally & Greater Triangle Area MLK, Jr. Day of Service.  Monday, January 19 at 10 a.m. in Downtown Raleigh and Cary.  Join other Triangle residents at the 28th Annual Martin Luther King Commemorative March, which begins at the State Capitol Building . Community service projects will take place in Cary from 2-4 p.m. For more, visit www.king-raleigh.org.

• Dream of History Black History Presentation.  Saturday, February 7 at 2 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, Cary.  Special guest presenter will be Sherrod N. Gresham, Jr., founder and CEO of Gresham’s Coins, Stamps and Medals. He plans to present a worldwide stamp tribute to MLK, Jr.

For more, visit Dreamfest 2009 at www.townofcary.org or call (919) 460-4963.

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