The Message in the Music

India Arie performs a song of peace

We attended a special concert at the Walter E.Washington Convention Center tonight featuring artists spanning musical decades from 1960s Impressions to the 21st Century acapella sounds of Naturally 7, all performing songs with themes from the messages promulgated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights era.

Fitting enough for the time period being explored, the 2-hour show was in the format of those old Motown reviews, where each artist had 2 songs to showcase their artistry with tunes chosen to commemorate the ideals espoused by Dr. King.

Among the many, many highlights of the night:

•  The Impressions (which featured 2 members who have been in the group for more than 50 years) doing their Civil Rights anthem "Keep on Pushing"
• Naturally 7's stunning take on "What the World Needs Now (Is Love Sweet Love)"
• Ray Chew, the former musical director of the Apollo Theater and current musical director of American Idol, leading the house band through a stirring instrumental of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On."
• Eddie Levert's (former lead singer of the O'Jays) fully funkified, crowd raising double dose of "Give The People What They Want" and "Love Train."
• Patti LaBelle's show-closing, extended, ethereal version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," fortified by 3 changes of shoes and a string of held high notes that no human being should be able to reach.

In a word, the night was wow.

To check a Washington Post slide show of the concert click here.

Traveler's Tip:
If you attend an event at the Walter Washington Convention center be prepared to walk.  The venue is massive.