This Thursday, January 14 and Friday, January 15, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation is presenting two Jazz Journey concerts celebrating the civil rights movement and the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Both concerts will take place at Dillard University's Lawless Memorial Chapel. Admission for both events is free, and no advance registration is required.

The Thursday gospel praise and worship concert features the some of the best gospel singers and choirs in the region. These include the Dillard University Choir, the Vision Quest Choir, Bishop Sean Elder and the Mount Herman Baptist Church Choir of Avondale, LA. A program honoring Dr. King begins at 6:30p; the concert starts at 7p.

The Friday jazz concert features singer Mary Stallings, veteran saxophonist Ernie Watts, and a rising young jazz vocalist, Charles Turner. The concert will also include a tribute to the great New Orleans jazz singer Germaine Bazzle, featuring performances by singers Leah Chase and Sharon Martin, along with George French on bass, Clarence Johnson III on saxophone, Larry Sieberth on piano and Shannon Powell on drums. WWOZ will be broadcasting live from the Friday concert for those who are not able to be there in person.

For more information, see here.