All events are free and open to the public, thanks to our
generous sponsors and community members!
PRESENTING SPONSORS:
– Friday, January 17 –
Poet D. Colin
Dr. King Weekend Kickoff Celebration
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn
232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs
An evening of performance with Emcee Bakari Grady-Willis. DJ sets & music by Jermaine Wells and The Ill Funk Ensemble. Reception, food, cash bar, fun art projects for kids, face painting, dancing & more! Family friendly. Free. Donations appreciated!
Featuring performances/Appearances by:
Jenny-Adama Anderson • Hettie Barnhill • Joe Bruchac D. Colin • Lezlie Dana • Francelise Dawkins
Giulietta Gargano • Ace Hafez • Gary Hoffman
Julie Holmberg • Nancy Holzberg • Jean Remy Monnay
Jermaine Wells and The Ill Funk Ensemble
– Saturday, January 18 –
Jordan Taylor Hill
African Drumming Workshop
with Jordan Taylor Hill
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Saratoga Springs Public Library (Dutcher Community Room)
49 Henry Street
Saratoga Springs, NY
Embark on a musical journey with Jordan Taylor Hill, a talented artist known for captivating performances and a unique blend of traditional African drum and dance sessions. With a diverse range of influences from Guinea Conakry to Brazil and Cuba, Jordan’s workshops will immerse participants in the rich tapestry of cultural rhythms and traditions. If you have an African drum, we encourage you to bring it with you. Some drums will be supplied, some will be shared.
Sing a Song of Gladness
with the Civility Puppets
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
624 N Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs invites you to celebrate the values of love and friendship that animated Dr. King’s life – with this puppet performance and singalong. Perfect for youngsters and their caregivers; all are welcome!
Dances of Trinbago (Dance for All)
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Saratoga Springs Public Library
(Dutcher Community Room)
49 Henry Street
Saratoga Springs
Step into the enchanting world of Trinidadian and Tobagonian dances and uncover the rich tapestry of their intricate roots and influences with Skidmore College Assistant Professor of Dance, Kieron Dwayne Sargeant. “Dances of Trinbago” is a masterclass designed to guide dancers through the multifaceted retentions and influences that have shaped these Caribbean marvels, revealing their distinct essence and allure. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes to allow for movement. Ages 10-100. All dance levels.
Dancing for Audacious Hope Party
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Frederick Allen Lodge
69 Beekman Street
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
The Presbyterian United Church of Christ of Saratoga Springs invites you to come enjoy dancing and light refreshments as you enjoy the sounds of Out of the Box, one of the region’s hottest jazz bands. Please register for the party here.
– Sunday, January 19 –
The Heavenly Echoes
“Audacious Faith” Sunday Gospel Service with the Heavenly Echoes
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Dyer Phelps AME Zion Church
122 Crescent Street, Saratoga Springs
Frederick Allen Elks Lodge & Dyer Phelps A.M.E. Zion Church invite you to a Sunday service with Reverend David Baugh featuring the music of the Heavenly Echoes. Join the congregation and community as we celebrate this year’s “Audacious Faith” theme. Service from 10-11:30 a.m. Fellowship to follow.
Faith in the Future:
A Conversation Between
Youth and Adults
About Carrying on MLK’s Legacy
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Dutcher Room
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
Camp Stomping Ground and MLK Saratoga invite the community to join together to explore barriers to empathy and then work together to brainstorm ways to overcome those barriers in our daily lives.
Gina Coleman of Misty Blues
Gina Coleman and Misty Blues
MLK Weekend Tribute to Odetta
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Caffè Lena
47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs
FREE CONCERT! Misty Blues lead singer Gina Coleman brings to life the majesty and vocal power of Odetta (1930-2008), the groundbreaking American folk singer and civil rights activist whose music blended gospel, blues, and traditional folk.
Reserve your seat(s) here. Sponsored by Caffè Lena.
“An Unsettling Force” Film Screening and Discussion
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
624 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs invites you to a screening of An Unsettling Force, which documents the revival of Dr. MLK Jr’s Poor People’s Movement by Bishop William J. Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharis. From the first 40 Days of Action through Moral Mondays to 2021, the film tracks the development of this “fusion movement” that aims to pick up Rev. Dr. MLK Jr’s movement for economic justice and racial equality. Discussion to follow.
– Monday, January 20 –
Dr. King Day of Service
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Saratoga Springs Public Library
49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs
Celebrate the life and work of Dr. King by participating in projects that help serve and enrich our community. There will be opportunities to make blankets and donate pet food for shelter pets, donate groceries and make signs of support and care with Saratoga PRIDE, donate loose change to and make kindness rocks for Shelters of Saratoga, help repair books for donation to libraries, make lanterns to light our way as we walk together in 2025, make reusable menstrual products with Mooncatchers, and more. Most projects are appropriate for children.
For a full schedule of participants and organizations, click here
Top: Soulist Garland Nelson
Above: Author and Skidmore Professor,
Dr. Tammy Owens
Dr. King Weekend
Community Celebration
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church
175 Fifth Avenue
Saratoga Springs
The highlight and culmination of our weekend, this community celebration will feature local speakers, a keynote address by author and Skidmore professor Dr. Tammy Owens and music by Soulist Garland Nelson and vocalist and pianist Azzaam Hameed. Please join us to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through our fellowship and community.
Keynote: Dr. Tammy Owens
Performers/Speakers:
Pastor Braugh
Lezlie Dana
Azzaam Hameed
Pastor Heather
Marcus Kwame Anderson
Garland Nelson
All events are free and open to the public, thanks to our generous sponsors and community members!