Hamilton-Gibson Productions is offering a free concert to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 20 at 7 p.m. at the Coolidge Theatre in Wellsboro. Music provided by the Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir and The Brothers (from the summer production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) will be interspersed with readings and audience participation.

The format of the evening is a moderated conversation about belief and values. Area citizens will be reading selected short pieces prompting reflection on MLK's legacy and what we imagine he might be thinking and writing about if alive today. Seating will be in the round with open microphones placed in easily accessible places throughout. Audience members are encouraged to share a personal insight and/or story reflecting MLK's vision.

“This is not about putting people on the spot,” says choral director Thomas Putnam. “This is an opportunity to respond to the music, MLK’s words, or what others say in a way that’s not judgmental or confrontational, so we can share multiple perspectives.”

Karin Knaus of Westfield will moderate the occasions for public comment. Guidelines for speaking include: acknowledge one another as equals; stay curious about each other; slow down so we have time to think and reflect about beliefs that might be different than our own.