Save the date: January 18, 2025

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event honoring Martin Luther King Jr., returns to the Paramount Theatre for its 21st anniversary.

In the Name of Love, a powerful celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision and legacy through the iconic music of Aretha Franklin. Living Jazz presents Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event, returning to the historic Paramount Theatre for its 21st anniversary on January 18, 2025.

Music Director Kev Choice leads an Oakland-based lineup featuring talents like America’s Got Talent finalist Dee Dee Simon, CHIKA DI, SōLauren, Destiny Muhammad, Howard Wiley's Band, and the Awesöme Orchestra Collective. Experience original arrangements and performances by the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars & Alumni and the Living Jazz Children’s Project Choir. We will also be presenting the 2025 Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award.

Last year's sold out event was a soul-nourishing tribute to Oakland's artistic community, and this year promises to be even more unforgettable. Respect the legacy and witness the rising talent of the Bay Area as we come together in celebration. Hosted by RyanNicole, this is an evening you won't want to miss!

Many Thanks to Our Sponsors:

City of Oakland

Community Bank of the Bay

SFJAZZ

Tom Gregory

Media Partners:

BART

 

Experience The MLK Tribute

 

History of Living Jazz’s MLK Tribute

 

In 2002, Living Jazz created In the Name of Love, The Annual Musical Tribute Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The MLK Tribute is an extensive civic and cultural event bringing our diverse community together to honor, through music, the teachings and memory of the great Dr. King. “In the Name of Love’ showcases the culmination of the Living Jazz Children's Project, providing free music education for Oakland public elementary schools, alongside outstanding local and international talent. The Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award, created by Living Jazz, is presented by such prominent politicians such as Congresswoman Barbara Lee and highlights the work of an outstanding Oakland resident working tirelessly to make a difference. Previous artists have included legendary performers such as Mavis Staples, Jennifer Holiday, Ledisi, Goapele, the Gospel Hummingbirds and Toshi Reagon, along with Bay Area local treasures including the Dynamic Ms. Faye Carol, Marcus Shelby, Jeanie Tracy, and more.