A concert titled 'Reflections on Peace: From Gandhi to King,' will be organised here to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King's famous civil rights march.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, the US civil rights leader led a March in Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963.
The concert to be held tomorrow is the first in a series of events scheduled to take place here to commemorate the anniversary.
Sri-Lankan and Indian sacred songs, traditional hymns and African-American gospel songs will be the highlight of the concert.
The main event will include a commemorative march and rally along the historic 1963 route and a "Global Freedom Festival" on Saturday August 24. Martin Luther King, III, Congressman John Lewis and Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader would be among key speakers.
Headlining the concert will be internationally-recognised Sri Lankan concert pianist and music director Soundarie David Rodrigo.
Performers include regional artists Kumar Das and Abhik Mukherjee, Cees, Christylez Bacon and Nistha Raj, Indian artists Vidya and Vandana Iyer, the Washington DC-based chorale Nolan Williams and Grammy Award Winner Pastor Donnie McClurkin.
"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 and contributions to the world"
"Reflections on Peace from Gandhi to King honors a significant event and also the District as home to one of the most historic civil rights demonstrations in our nation's history," said Lionell Thomas, Executive Director of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.
"As the 50th anniversary celebrations kick off, the Commission will showcase some of the finest in international and local talent."
Indian Ambassador to the US Nirumpama Rao explained the historical significance of the evening by saying , "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.
