On Monday, Jan. 19, the messages of peace, tolerance, acceptance and understanding were at the forefront of a concert performed by the Cranston Interfaith Chorus and Band.

The Park Theatre was packed with almost 700 people attending the free concert, dubbed “Kol Pacem, Voices of Peace.”

The event served as a musical celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The chorus and band were directed by Joel Gluck, musical director of Shireinu, The Jewish Community Chorus of Rhode Island at Temple Sinai in Cranston, and Bob Nolan, associate minister of music at Woodridge Congregational Church in Cranston.

“In light of recent tensions nationwide, this event has added significance. The words of Dr. King and the dream he had still resonate within every community and every heart. Music transcends religion and politics and comes straight from the heart,” said Warwick resident and Shireinu member TJ Feldman-Halpern.

Gluck and the Rev. Scott Spencer from Woodridge provided welcoming remarks.

Mayor Allan Fung also addressed the crowd.

“Dr. King has such a big impact in my life and the way I view the world. He, his work and his message live on in our hearts and lives today,” the mayor said. “He spoke of the power of education, that it enables you to overcome any barriers. I hope the message of Dr. King will guide us in the years to come.”

The members of the chorus were Marilyn Baker, Alyssa Bergantino, Richard Blackman, Judy Cohen, Alexandra Cowart, Caroline Cowart, Jen Cowart, Debbie Dager, Mariah Chaca, Ed Deluty, Tj Feldman-Halpern, Irene Fordon-Abbott, Gaye Belsky Gluck, Sandra Gertz, Darlene Hoague, Andrea Hutnak, Alyssa DeCienzo, Debbie Katz, Herb Katz, Carol Kimoian, Shirley Kirsh, Courtney Lombardi, Ann Messier, Sandy Nolan, Stefan Parsons, Linda Murray, Carolyn Paulmbo, Todd Schreiber, Ruth Snyder, Catherine Walters, Ellie and Marvin Wasser. The singers came from Woodridge Church, St. David’s on the Hill, Cranston High School West and Shireinui.

The song selection was as varied and diverse as the audience. There were spiritual gospel hymns, traditional Jewish prayers for peace, and songs and performances about unity, brotherhood and understanding.

Featured guests included Terrell Osborne, host of “In the Spirit” on 95.5 WBRU, who performed Eric Clapton’s song “Change the World.” Osborne told the crowd that they need to be the change they want in the world.

“Together, we can make a difference. It all begins with you here tonight. Spread the love,” he said.

Owens introduced a trio of female singers called “Music One,” who performed original songs focused on self worth and confidence.

The keynote speaker was the Rev. Rosalie Norman-McNane, an ordained American Baptist minister who formerly served in Cranston, and is author of “Keep the Fire Alive.”

McNane thanked the crowd for coming out and showing their big heart of compassion. She recalled a story from her youth in Queens, New York.

“I remember daydreaming and walking down the sidewalk and all of a sudden a feeling of danger came over me. I looked over my shoulder and there was a police car with two white policemen in it. I crossed to the other side of the street, and remember thinking that I felt I had no value in their eyes,” she said. “I knew I had value, I knew God loved me, I was worthy.”

McNane told the crowd the story of how King’s name was changed when he was five years old.

“Originally, he was named Michael. Just like his father. When his father took young Michael into a shoe store and the white salesman told them they would be helped in the back of the store, the father took Michael’s hand and led him out of the store,” she said.

After that day, both changed their names to Martin.

In 1961, McNane attended a march in Washington, D.C.

“My father told me to be careful. I had no idea of what to expect,” she said. “We watched on the small TVs people being beaten for wanting the right to vote, to get an education to sit on a bus.”

After that experience, McNane said she will never forget what God wants her, and everyone, to do.

“God wants us to do justice. Be the light, not the darkness. We are moving forward in peace and justice, we are just not there yet,” she said.

From East Providence, a special performance from the Laughlin Family Singers brought the crowd to its feet in exaltation and appreciation.

The Dynamic New Force Stepping Drill Team from Providence, brought high energy and excitement to the room with their over 20 performers, ranging in age from five to 18. They performed three dances and blew away the room with their talent, stamina and uniqueness.

Ed Deluty, a Cranston resident, has been involved with Shereinu for four years singing bass. He offered his perspective on the evening.

“Given what is going on in the world today, I think it is important to show a sense of community. It is a chance for people of different backgrounds and different faiths to come together in song and peace,” he said.

Gluck repeatedly expressed his gratitude to Yusuf Ghandi and the Park Theatre for hosting the concert for free.

“This concert is an important event because it is truly an interfaith experience that honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.,” he said. “In light of the recent events that have taken place throughout the country and world, it is important for everyone to be reminded of Dr. King’s message. The songs in this concert all have a theme of peace. It is my hope that the audience takes our message and goes out and spreads peace throughout the world.”

The audience members were truly impressed with all the performances.

“I cannot get over how professional the show was. I enjoyed listening to the Jewish songs I recognized and hearing some gospel music for the first time. I hope Dr. King’s legacy will live on through wonderful works like this for years to come,” Laura Levinson said.

“I don’t care if you are black, white, purple, orange, Christian or a Jew, we have to learn tolerance and acceptance if we ever are going to have a world where people don’t kill and hate each other. This concert was one way for our community to see each other in new and different lights,” John Catania said.