Save the date: January 17, 2026
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
LIVING JAZZ PRESENTS
ft. THE MUSIC of SLY & THE FAMILY STONE
TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
KEV CHOICE, MUSIC DIRECTOR
ARTISTS: Adrian Marcel ■ Ashling “Biscuit” Cole ■ August Lee Stevens ■ Awesöme Orchestra Collective ■ Black London ■ Bryan Dyer ■ Kev Choice ■ Martin Luther McCoy ■ Oaktown Jazz Workshops ■ Rustee Allen ■ RyanNicole ■ Silk E ■ Sundra Manning ■ Terrie Odabi ■ TURFinc
ARRANGERS: Brian Adam McCune ■ Kev Choice ■ Mike Blankenship ■ Vincent Rillera
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026
PARAMOUNT THEATRE, OAKLAND
Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event honoring Martin Luther King Jr., returns to the Paramount Theatre for its 22nd anniversary.
This Concert is Made Possible By:
Fiscal Supporters
Media Sponsors
In the Name of Love, a powerful celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision and legacy through the ft. the music of Sly & The Family Stone. Living Jazz presents Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event, returning to the historic Paramount Theatre for its 22nd anniversary on January 17, 2026.
Originating from the Bay Area, Sly & The Family Stone broke barriers as one of the first integrated bands to achieve international success. Today, their message rings truer than ever—reminding us of the power of unity and the importance of everyday people coming together across lines of difference.
In the Name of Love carries that legacy forward, delivering a vibrant celebration of community and culture. The event highlights the strength and creativity of Black and Brown artists, bringing together some of the Bay Area’s most acclaimed talent for an inclusive evening that uplifts and inspires
Music Director Kev Choice leads a Bay Area rooted lineup featuring powerhouse performances by Adrian Marcel, Ashling “Biscuit” Cole, August Lee Stevens (Oakland Rising), B Deveaux, Martin Luther McCoy, Silk E, Sundra Manning, TURFinc featuring Johnny5 & Intricate, and the Awesöme Orchestra Collective conducted by founding artistic director David Möschler. The evening also features original Sly & The Family Stone bassist Rustee Allen, with house band Black London, led by Kev Choice, saxophonist Howard Wiley, and keyboardist Mike Blankenship. Adding to the magic, the stage will also shine with the next generation from Oaktown Jazz Workshops and the 150 member Living Jazz RootED Choir led by Bryan Dyer. Original Arrangements by Brian Adam McCune, Kev Choice, Mike Blankenship, and Vincent Rillera. Hosted by RyanNicole, this is an evening you won't want to miss!
Also, at the event, we will be presenting the 2026 Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award to Oakland legend, the late William “Bill” Patterson. This award carries a special legacy, having been presented by Mayor Barbara Lee in past years.
For those who may not know, Bill Patterson is one of Oakland’s greatest mentors. He played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of sports legends like Frank Robinson, Curt Flood, Bill Russell, Joe Morgan, Vada Pinson, Willie Stargell, and many more. His leadership also strengthened organizations such as East Bay Municipal Utility District, Oakland Zoo, Peralta Colleges Foundation, Oakland Parks & Recreation, and so much more.
Last year's event was a soul-nourishing tribute to Oakland's artistic community, and this year promises to be even more unforgettable. We got to live together and witness the rising talent of the Bay Area as we come together in celebration of everyday people.
The 22nd Annual Living Jazz MLK Celebration is BARTable
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.
