MLK Spiritual Music Celebration

Gigi Van Dyke leads the Serendipity Chorale Jan. 17 at Shir Shalom (Photo above) 

Congregation Shir Shalom’s 17th annual Spiritual Shabbat service honoring the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through music will take place Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m.

Selections will be performed by the Serendipity Chorale, under the direction of Gigi Van Dyke, and KEYS Chorus, under the direction of Rob Silvan.

“The powerful service of friendship and community always includes traditional spirituals with beloved Shabbat music,” says Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray. “We need this more than ever.”

She said it is “an honor” to also have Mark Robinson of the Ridgefield Youth Commission, and creator of the town’s King Day celebration, on hand to lead a special reading derived from Dr. King’s landmark speech, “I Have a Dream,” delivered during the August 1963 March on Washington. “It is an honor to have him participate,” said the Cantor.

The Serendipity Chorale, now in its 44th year, is a diversified group of residents who perform up and down the East Coast in houses of worship, assisted living homes, and schools. Their playlist includes show tunes, standards, folk music, spirituals, and gospel.

KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support) serves inner-city children in Connecticut by giving them access to one-to-one instrument lessons and group instruction.

Congregation Shir Shalom of Westchester and Fairfield Counties, 46 Peaceable Street, Ridgefield, Conn. 06877; (203) 438-6589; [email protected].