Musical tribute includes 2 Olivet staff members

“Stormy Weather” the jazz standard raised up by the late singer and actress Lena Horne was performed with panache by her great niece Kimmie Horne as part of a musical tribute honoring the later Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Olivet College Jan. 21.

The 60 or so audience members were embraced by Horne, who said the audience reminded her of “family.” So much so, that she added the Sly and the Family Stone classic “It’s a Family Affair,” to her seven set line-up, accompanied by the talented Al McKenzie Trio.

Earlier in the concert, 496 West performed, made up of some of the Trio members, as well as other area musicians, including Olivet College’s own Charlie Wilson on guitar. Wilson is an associate professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, as well as academic athletic coordinator here.

Another Olivet College staff member also took the stage that evening – J.L. Speakz, better known as Jason Meadows, associate dean for Student Life.

The almost two-hour event ended with Horne joining the audience for a group photo.

Photo: Singer Kimmie Horne (center) made the crowd feel right at home in their own home at a Jan. 21 concert in Mott Auditorium./Courtesy photo