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Approval of the PR, Marketing and Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee Recommendations on the Proposed Performers and Entertainment for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration , With Any Adjustments.
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Meeting Date: November 18, 2026
Contact Person/Dept: Adam Troy/ACM Economic Development, Vitality and Equity
Phone Number: (310) 253-6011
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [X] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: Yes [] No []
Public Notification: (E-mail) Meetings and Agendas - Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (11/13/2026); (E-mail) Parks, Recreation & Community Service Department Updates (11/13/2026)
Department Approval: Tomás Hererra-Mishler, PRCS Director (11/12/2026)
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee Approve the PR, Marketing and Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee Recommendations on the Proposed Performers and Entertainment for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, With Any Adjustments
BACKGROUND
The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee provides input on the planning and development of the City's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
Entertainment and cultural programming are important components of the celebration, providing opportunities to honor Dr. King's legacy through music, education, reflection, and community engagement.
As planning continues for the 2027 celebration, the Committee has identified several potential entertainment options for consideration.
Advisory Committee Ad Hoc Subcommittees
An “ad hoc” subcommittee serves only a limited or single purpose. It is not perpetual, and it is dissolved when its specific task is completed. An Ad Hoc Subcommittee may be formed or dissolved at any Commission meeting, as long as the discussion has been placed on the agenda in advance. Once an Ad Hoc Subcommittee has been created, updates are typically given by Members. By consensus of the Commission, a separate Agenda Item is sometimes prepared and presented on a specific Ad Hoc Subcommittee’s topic or event.
The role of the PR, Marketing and Entertainment for MLK Jr. and Juneteenth Celebrations Ad Hoc Subcommittees should be determined by the Advisory Committee. As with all committees, the PR, Marketing and Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee must act with the oversight of the City Staff and Officials.
DISCUSSION
The Committee may wish to consider a variety of musical performances and speakers that reflect the significance of Dr. King's legacy and support the overall vision of the celebration.
Potential entertainment and programming options identified during preliminary planning discussions include:
• Five-Piece Musical Jazz Group: With an emphasis on incorporating young musicians into the main celebration.
• Pianist: A solo pianist was suggested to provide musical entertainment during a proposed Friday evening VIP reception and meet-and-greet.
• Choir: Jason Magee was identified as a potential performer bring a choir performance as part of the main celebration program.
• Guest Speaker: A pastor or other community leader was suggested to deliver remarks reflecting on Dr. King's legacy.
Preliminary discussions also included incorporating an educational or historical discussion during the Friday evening reception led by community leaders and stakeholders.
The Committee is encouraged to discuss the proposed entertainment options, identify additional performers or speakers for consideration, and provide directions to staff regarding programming priorities. However, given the rapidly approaching event dates and the limited time available to secure entertainment, staff recommends that the Committee authorize staff to move forward with selecting and securing performers based on availability, cost-effectiveness, scheduling, logistical requirements, and alignment with the celebration’s overall vision and available budget, while taking the Committee’s recommendations into consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Adopted Budget for fiscal year 2026-27 includes funding for Entertainment and Talent needed for the Martin Luther King Jr. 2027 Celebration in Account 10130280.619800(Community Events & Excursions/Other Contractual Services)
ATTACHMENTS
None
MOTIONS
That the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee:
Approve the PR, Marketing and Entertainment Ad Hoc Subcommittee Recommendations on the Proposed Performers and Entertainment for the 2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, With Any Adjustments.
