A CONCERT TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): The District of Columbia officially begins its commemoration of the March on Washington with Reflections on Peace: From Gandhi to King on Saturday, August 10, 2013 from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Reflections on Peace represents an important cultural collaboration between the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and Her Excellency Nirupama Rao, Ambassador of India to the United States, and The Embassy of India. Reflections is created and produced by NEWorks Productions and DESHO Productions.

The candlelight program, which is free and open to the public, will feature sacred songs from the Indian, African, and African American traditions. The evening headline performers include Grammy Award winning singer Donnie McClurkin, and internationally renowned Sri Lankan pianist Soundarie David Rodrigo joined by Reverend Nolan Williams, Jr. and the Voices of Inspiration. Other artists joining this tribute include Vidya and Vandan Iyer; Shankar Tucker with Jonathan Batiste; POEM-CEES, Christylez Bacon and Nistha Raj. “The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities celebrates and promotes cultural expression from around the world,” said Judith Terra, Chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

“Reflections on Peace from Gandhi to King honors two peace and justice leaders through the arts and celebrates their legacies in a new way. Washington, DC is the national destination for activism and a global destination for expression through the arts.” The Honorable Nirumpama Rao, Ambassador of India to the United States, explains the significance of these two men, “The spirit of the peoples of India and the United States is joined by the inspirational call of freedom, peace and non violence. It is a powerful bond that unites us and we should forever hold it sacred in our thoughts and deeds.

“Reflections on Peace from Gandhi to King honors the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a significant event in our nation’s history and also the District’s history as home to the march,” said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. “As the 50th anniversary celebrations kick off, the Commission provides this singular experience by highlighting some of the finest in international and local talent.”