Reconnecter to Honor MLK Through the Buffalodown: Living the Dream

Three-part program to establish a new and unique event series

On the anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in the building where he spoke on “The Future of Integration” just five months prior, Reconnecter presents the Buffalodown: Living the Dream, a concert with connections and conversations to continue his quest for beloved community.

Hosted by Reconnecter founder Seamus Gallivan with a house band including Alex McArthur, Grace Lougen, Vin DeRosa, Harry Graser, Honey Henry and John Bacon along with guests Tyler Westcott and Brandon Williamson, the Buffalodown is part hoedown, part lowdown, an eclectic revue of music and news live from the City of Good Neighbors. The April 4th theme of “Living the Dream” expresses an honoring of Dr. King’s message and an ongoing commitment to make it reality.

Act I of the Buffalodown will be open social time from 5:30-7pm, as attendees will enjoy complimentary food and drinks while being encouraged to connect with an array of local businesses and causes across community tables, as well as an area for youth activities that will be featured later onstage.

Starting at 7pm, Act II will bring a revue anchored by the music of The Reconnecters, with conversations on Buffalo ‘67-68 and The State of the Beloved Community with Dr. Eva Doyle, India Walton, Andrea Ó Súilleabháin and more, along with youth from the audience.

After an intermission, Act III will offer an episode of Gallivanting, a musical road trip guided by Dr. King through Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and beyond featuring excerpts from his speeches interspersed with songs by Alabama Shakes, Allman Brothers Band, Arrested Development, Billie Holiday, Jason Isbell, Nat King Cole, The Staples Singers, U2 and more.

Tickets to the Buffalodown are $25, available at the Kleinhans box office and www.kleinhansbuffalo.org; or through a Reconnecter membership at www.reconnecter.org.