Bethel Baptist church music minister, University of California San Diego gospel choir director lead opening of 'Bodhi Tree Concerts'

Dale Fleming and Ken Anderson commenced the 2023 season of Bodhi Tree Concerts through “An Evening of Songs that Heal.” (Photo by Austin Neill from Unsplash)

Dale Fleming, a music minister at Bethel Baptist Church, and Ken Anderson, a University of California San Diego gospel choir director, will open the Bodhi Tree Concerts 2023 season through a show titled “An Evening of Songs that Heal" on Sunday, March 19.

Musical Backgrounds

According to the Times of San Diego, Fleming and Anderson are long-time acquaintances who have been part of the performing community in their area for many years. 

They have been singing together for over two decades as members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Choir San Diego. 

In light of recent personal tragedies and the distressing state of affairs both nationally and globally, they sought solace in the music of their youth, their religious beliefs, and popular culture. 

Fleming, who was born and raised in San Diego, has showcased her talents with the San Diego Symphony and Lamb's Players Theater located in Coronado. 

She has also lent her vocals to support prominent artists such as Foreigner and Lyle Lovett. She still actively participates in the music ministry at the Bethel Baptist Church in San Diego.

Meanwhile, Anderson is a multi-talented individual who is involved in various aspects of music such as playing instruments, composing music, arranging songs, and teaching.

For the past 29 years, he has been a choral instructor at elementary schools located in San Diego County. 

He has been directing the Gospel Choir at UCSD for a long time and has been a voluntary director of the MLK Community Choir since 1996. 

He has also showcased his skills as a performer by working with the La Jolla Symphony and San Diego Opera.

An Evening of Songs that Heal

"An Evening of Songs that Heal” is the start of the season of four shows, which will take place in April, May, and September.

It draws from a variety of music genres such as Negro Spiritual, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War era, Broadway, and religious music.

Each show costs $30, and a season subscription is available for $100.

Bodhi Tree Concerts

Bodhi Tree is currently in its 12th season and has a mission of spreading positivity and kindness through music. 

They achieve this by employing local artists to encourage community involvement, charitable giving, and personal growth. 

Over the years, they have held numerous concerts resulting in donations exceeding $50,000 for more than 40 charitable organizations. 

The profits generated from the Fleming and Anderson concert align with Bodhi Tree's mission and were directed towards the MLK Jr. Community Choir Scholarship Fund.

The upcoming concerts will showcase the works of Brahms and Cole Porter. 

The season will conclude with a chamber opera called "Autumn Valentine" at UCSD Park & Market located in the East Village. 

Additionally, Bodhi Tree Concerts will hold its annual international music festival in the City Heights area, which is free of charge. 

The festival will feature various artists such as Irving Flores Latin Jazz, Opera de Tijuana, and NaruwanTaiko Drumming, among others. 

In addition to the music, attendees can enjoy various activities such as free books, arts and crafts, games, local vendors, food, and art.

The upcoming concerts will have individual beneficiaries. 

The Brahms concert will provide support to the Choral Consortium of San Diego.

On the other hand, the Porter concert, featuring performances by Walter DuMelle, Kim Hendrix-Racine, Katie Polit, and Enrique Toral alongside pianist Benjamin Read, will raise funds for the Therapeutic Horsemanship, San Diego.

 

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