For the past eight years, SJA has brought back the Martin Luther King Jr. tribute to celebrate the legacy of his influence, the beauty of diversity and the power of energetic soulful music while personal anecdotes and powerful performances from guest singers continue to entertain and electrify the crowds. Chouinard(right) makes it all happen. From selecting the guest lineup to getting them to open up about their childhood upbringing and musical influences to accompanying them and a combo of musicians; for one night the legacies of MLK and Motown braid together for one big night of celebration.

"Lift Every Voice," SJA's 2006 MLK Tribute Concert on Sunday January 15th carried the tradition of excellence with the return of actor singer T. Mychael Rambo, credible and assured as ever in the role of King reciting the immortal "I Have a Dream" speech. The dynamic SJA Choir, under the smooth direction of Anna Vagle, performed "We Shall Overcome" with Young Hands For Christ ASL interpreting along side Rambo for a whopper opening that still feels fresh and heartfelt.

An effervescent and energetic presence, Cynthia Johnson(on the left, pictured with Thomasina Petrus), the high octane belter of Lipps Inc. 1980 monster hit "Funky Town," was the first guest to chat with Chouinard. Cynthia revealed that her strict gospel music upbringing kept her harboring a secret from her mother. She played the saxophone in high school. Back then regarding music choices, Johnson's mother insisted, "you do Church. You don't do anything else." When her mom found out her daughter's yearnings for a jazz music career, she said Cynthia would turn into a junkie if she went into the music business. If you cross over, you sing for the devil. Well, times certainly have changed for the Johnson family. Cynthia first joined Flyte Time as a sax player in the 1970s. Soon Lipps, then Dr. Mambo's Combo followed with much success.

Tonight she crooned a lovely rendition of the Buck Owens penned Ray Charles classic "Cryin' Time" with Chouinard superbly accompanying on piano along with a tight band consisting of Daryl Boudreaux on conga and percussion, Lee Vague on guitar and Dick Hedlund on bass. She gamely worked out the soul tinged funk of the Etta James cover "Something's Got a Hold On Me" with the SJA Choir. Agreeing with Chouinard's assessment of "Funky Town" as "a bit of fluff," after repeated tries to cajole her to sing some verses, Johnson politely declined recalling that time of her life as a miserable experience. However, with the song's enormous exposure, this eclectic singer and musician summarized, "It was a blessing from God, but I hate the song." Johnson proved at ease offering an emotive vocal rendering of the Roberta Flack 1973 hit "Killing Me Softly With His Song."

Thomasina Petrus(right) has been performing her solo performance show "Daughters of Africa," written by Syl Jones, for 14 years now. She grew up in the military life of continual travel down south and abroad. She moved to Minnesota at the age of 12, recalling a very difficult life for her beloved grandmother in Missouri. With great voice she led a joyous a cappela sing along with the audience of her grandmother's favorite song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Petrus fell in love with jazz music after first hearing Etta James' popular tune "At Last." Performing it tonight in an uptempo full bodied jazz style, she charmed the audience who responded with a standing ovation.

Playing Billie Holiday in her "Daughters" production, Petrus has honed an uncanny vocal impersonation of the brilliant legend. She delivered proof of that impression with a gorgeous version of "God Bless the Child," accompanied with the SJA Choir. Rambo returned to belt out a rousing baritone sing along of the gospel standard "Down By the Riverside" finishing a glorious first act of the concert.

After a half hour intermission with wine and cookies and the chatting and meeting of an 800 strong audience, the second act of the evening progressed with the SJA Choir delivering a triumphant performance of their signature hymn "Total Praise" with Young Hands For Christ ASL interpreting. This enchanting young group of kids looked exceptionally stunning in red shirts, black pants and white gloves. Rambo worked well with them for a richly poignant run with "Kumbaya." He followed with a true show stopping performance of "This Joy That I Have" a gospel traditional from the recent "Crowns" production at the Guthrie Theater. Rambo and the SJA Choir showered the audience with an infectiously joyous delivery. Ever playful in body language and spirit, Rambo got everyone up off their feet clapping in sheer exultation. Chouinard extended the exuberance leading the band with steadfast accompaniment.

Changing gears, Rambo offered a riveting rite of passage spoken word performance of poet Robert Blackwolf Jones' "Listen To the Drum" with Petrus sublimely underpinning him by scatting some bluesy vocal riffs. Ruminating about freedom in honoring the true spirit of MLK, Rambo drove home the call to action and empowerment by suggesting active listening and being and claiming one's convictions. With only conga and percussion accompaniment, Boudreaux shined, creating an effectively explosive jungle like sound.

Petrus and the band brought back the sounds of cool cocktail jazz covering Ann Ronell's "Willow Weep For Me" a tune from the Marx Brother's 1949 film Love Happy. Expertly cooing and sliding her phrasing, with a melody similar to "Cry Me a River," Petrus proved a real audible treasure here. A saucy and cheery Johnson returned kicking up some lively steps to the wonderful salsa rhythms of "Dance of David" with memorable lyrics: "When the spirit of the Lord comes upon my heart I will dance like David danced."

Chouinard complimented Johnson after her riveting cover of Ike and Tina's "River Deep, Mountain High" with the SJA Choir. Removing her black jacket to reveal a buff and toned body, Johnson captured Tina's high energy moves and raw sassy belting voice to real perfection. "Those of you who haven't seen Tina Turner, now you can say you have," praised Chouinard. The receptive crowd would agree.

Big finishing encores of "Put a Little Love In Your Heart" and "Let There Be Peace On Earth" from tonight's entire lineup of performers aptly completed a night that calls us to make a difference in our own communities by the examples of our actions. What better way to honor MLK's memory.

Michael Reinbold, a continuing web reporter, freelances as a writer and banquet caterer. A passionate believer in SJA's mission of social justice and collaborative ministry, Michael is an SJA Choir member, mass reader, Team Oz AIDS rider and Grace House volunteer cook. With an extensive background in theater, photography and fundraising, he relishes all aspects of the arts, staying fit and inspiring and working with people.

Ric Rosow has worn many hats at St. Joan of Arc. He is currently chair of the parish Finance Committee. He has also spoken several times at Sunday Mass and was on the Fellowship of Reconciliation trip to the Middle East in 2003. His wife, Vicki Underland-Rosow, is currently a member of the Pastoral Council.