My best wishes at the premier tonight!!

Karen

In 2004, Dr. Butts and Wynton collaborated on a production for the opening of Rose Hall. Rev. Butts recited a memorable interpretation of a speech by MLK. It was incredible.

“Let Freedom Swing: A Celebration of Human Rights and Social Justice featured the words of renowned activists set to original commissioned music performed by the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.”

This program is featured on the J@LC Jazzcast: http://jalc.org/jazzcast/program.asp?programNumber=231

“Dr. Butts delivered the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a minister whose bravery, intelligence and unwavering dedication to non-violence pushed our nation to strive for equality, justice and freedom for all Americans. During this delivery, the commissioned musical work of Billy Childs will be featured.”

Biography of Dr. Butts: http://www.abyssinian.org/index.php?l=101

“I am proud to have been asked to participate in this wonderful event,” said Dr. Butts. “Linking the words of the greatest human rights leaders of our time with the compelling presence of jazz music can be a powerful force for educating society. There may be few better ways to raise our nation’s collective conscience about the progress we’ve made and the progress we must make on issues of social justice.”

Abyssinian 200 goes a step further towards this goal.
Congratulations to both Wynton and Dr. Butts for their unstinting dedication and creative focus.

Will be curious to see how this compares to “Premature Autopsies” and “In This House . . .”