Grammy Award-Nominated ‘Sweet Honey In The Rock’ to Headline Montgomery County’s 29th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Celebration and Observance on Monday, Jan. 15

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 12, 2024

Sweet Honey In The Rock, the internationally acclaimed and three-time Grammy Award-nominated performance ensemble rooted in African American history and culture, will perform at Montgomery County’s 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr birthday and celebration at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. The County will commemorate the group’s 50th anniversary with a proclamation. Several members of the group are Montgomery County residents.

There is no charge for the event, but attendees are required to have a ticket. For more information about tickets, visit the Strathmore website or the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights website. The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. Free parking is available in the adjacent parking garage.     

"I have been a fan of the music of Sweet Honey In The Rock for more than 30 years," said County Executive Marc Elrich.  "I am pleased that several members of the group call Montgomery County home.  Sweet Honey In The Rock has touched people in Montgomery County and around the world by telling stories about the Black experience for 50 years with their powerful lyrics and music rooted in African American tradition.  They are a testament to the influence and importance of music."     

“We are extremely honored to celebrate and congratulate ‘Sweet Honey In The Rock’ on the group’s 50th anniversary,” said Montgomery County Director of Human Rights James Stowe. “This ensemble has provided inspiration and healing around the world through its melodious harmonies, spoken word and sign language.”

County Executive Marc Elrich and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Committee will host the event. This year’s theme is “Where Do We Go From Here . . . We Choose,” a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event also will feature presentations by members of the County Council and a number of musical performances.

The event will highlight the many positive attributes of Dr. King and will focus on the choices and actions each person can make for the betterment of our community—even in a time of division and strife. The program will emphasize that many people choose to live in an inclusive and peaceful community where every resident has value.

Other performers include:

• Akhmedova Ballet Academy
• Izis La Enfermera, Latin Salsa
• Ellen Gira, an accomplished cellist and vocalist
• Glorystar Children’s Chorus, Chamber Girls Choir
• Roland Gresham, national recording acoustic guitarist
• Ronnie Diamond Hoard, former lead singer of the Ohio Players
• Student medalists from the Montgomery County Branch NAACP-Academic Cultural Technological-Scientific Olympics Cultural Development Program:    
  • Brainy Akpala, junior at Seneca Valley High School (spoken word)
  • Donovan Holt-Harrington, junior at Seneca Valley High School (instrumentalist clarinet) accompanied by professional pianist Alma Sanford
  • Khadija Ndiaye, senior at Northwood High School (vocalist)
  • Siju Onadipe, senior at Winston Churchill High School (vocalist)

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Release ID: 24-018
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Consumer, Holiday