Celebrating King’s Work, Vision

The vision, work and birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. will be celebrated over the next week through music and readings at some local churches, synagogues and theaters. Admission to all of the events is free.

* The local gospel group Phocus will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd. Amen Rahh, member of the Board of Trustees at Compton Community College will also speak. Admission is free, but tickets must be claimed at the Performing Arts Center box office. Information: (805) 723-6014.

* Adat Ari El Synagogue will host a concert to honor the civil rights leader, featuring the music of the Greater Community Missionary Baptist Church Youth Chorale of Pacoima and Nashir of Adat Ari El, two children’s choirs, at 7:30 p.m. Monday at 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood. Information: (818) 766-9426.

* The Palmdale Playhouse will honor King through performances by the Lancer Stompers dance group, music by the All-Star children’s chorus, and essay and multimedia contest awards will be handed out based on the theme “What Price Freedom” at 5 p.m. Monday at 38334 10th St. East, Palmdale. Information: (805) 273-7502.

* The Rev. Andrae Crouch will offer the benediction at the eighth annual Interfaith Valley Celebration Service, featuring readings and reflections by several religious and community leaders at 7 p.m. Monday at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, 15950 Chatsworth Blvd., Granada Hills. Information: (818) 718-6460.

* “Making Our Dreams a Reality” will be the focus of the Santa Clarita Valley Interfaith Council’s third annual celebration observance in honor of King, featuring speaker and Valencia High School teacher Gary Mast at 7 p.m. Monday at the Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, 26640 Bouquet Canyon Road, Saugus. Information: (805) 298-3890.

* A community celebration featuring speaker Joe Hicks, former director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church of Burbank, 700 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank. Information: (818) 845-1537.