MUSIC, JOY, CELEBRATION, INSPIRATIONAL CEREMONY, COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Celebrate MLK Day with Joyful Music in the City of Marina, CA FREE CONCERT

Monday, January 19, 2026 | MLK Jr. Sculpture Garden at Locke-Paddon Park

Prepare to immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable experience as we come together to honor the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. on January 19, 2026, with Monterey County Pops! and the City of Marina. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the MLK Jr. Sculpture Garden at Locke-Paddon Park, this special celebration invites families and visitors alike to unite in a spirit of joy, reflection, and inspiration at this free community concert.

All this takes place at 190 Seaside Circle, Marina, CA 93933, outside the Marina Library. Let us celebrate our community's strength and diversity, fostering inclusivity and engagement for all. Together, we can create a meaningful day filled with uplifting melodies and shared aspirations, as we work towards a brighter future inspired by Dr. King's dream. Mark your calendars and be part of this powerful celebration of unity and the transformative power of music!

The festivities will start at 11:30 a.m. with a welcome and introductions. The Leon Joyce Trio, presented by the Just Jazz Foundation, will be a featured performance, and the Monterey Bay Live Allstars will take the stage, featuring the esteemed vocalist Amber Guzmán, whose presence will undoubtedly elevate the performance.

The Monterey County Pops! Orchestra is excited to present a remarkable concert that highlights the rich contributions of African American composers, performed by our talented 18-piece ensemble. This free live concert, set to commence at 2:15 p.m., promises to be a vibrant celebration filled with the inspiring sounds of jazz, blues, and a delightful array of musical selections.

Get ready to hit all the right notes on our family-friendly day, where fun and harmony

come together for a spectacular celebration! This event is designed for music lovers of

all ages, but remember, under-eighteens will need a supervising adult to ensure a safe

and delightful experience. Arrive early. to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the park

and dive into exciting activities that will have everyone singing with joy! Plus, treat your

taste buds to a delicious meal from Kona Jerry’s Barbecue Catering, because what is a

day of music without some mouthwatering bites?

“The City of Marina proudly initiated this special event two years ago to honor the significance of the holiday and the cherished MLK Jr. Sculpture Garden, which holds immense importance for our local community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Monterey County Pops! Orchestra for their continued partnership and for returning this year to provide another profoundly moving experience for all attendees,” as highlighted by Marina’s Mayor Bruce Delgado. “In light of the limited parking available, we kindly ask that attendees utilize the designated parking areas at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 160 Seaside Court, directly across from the park, or at the Walmart Supercenter, situated at 150 Beach Road. Your cooperation in arriving early will ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved.”

Dr. Carl Christensen, Music Director of Monterey County Pops! warmly expresses “our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support we have received from the City of Marina, and we could not be more excited to return this year! Music has always been a vital

thread in the tapestry of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, and it fills us with joy to gather once again to celebrate his legacy during this special time of year. We invite everyone to join us in this uplifting experience, as we come together as a community to honor his profound impact through the universal language of music. Let us make this a memorable occasion filled with harmony, connection, and the spirit of unity that Dr. King championed!”

In the event of poor weather, the concert performance will be moved indoors to the Rocky Han Community Center at 211 Hillcrest Avenue, Marina, CA. Visit the City of Marina and the Communities for Sustainable Monterey County (Citizens for Sustainable Marina) website at csmc.eco for specific event details or contact Stephen Lee, Event Coordinator, City of Marina, Cell (831-238-1988), email C4SM@csmc.eco.

The upcoming event, proudly co-sponsored by the City of Marina, Monterey County Pops!, Citizens for Sustainable Marina, and the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District presents a wonderful opportunity for our community to unite in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring legacy.

This gathering promises to be a day filled with joy, uplifting music, and inspiration, inviting individuals from all walks of life to come together and honor the values of unity and inclusivity that Dr. King championed. Let us join hands and make some joyful noise, embracing this unique chance to strengthen our community bonds and revel in the cultural enrichment that music brings to our lives. Together, we can create a harmonious celebration that resonates with the spirit of togetherness and hope!

Visit our websites. http://www.cityofmarina.org www.montereycountypops.org