Martin Luther King Day events around Chicago

Celebrate Martin Luther King Day with a national treasure, folk singer Ella Jenkins. Jenkins may have been singing professionally for 55 years, but she's as young-at-heart as ever, with songs that speak to modern youngsters on topics like multiculturalism and the environment. The Chicago native honors Dr. King with a call-and-response style that echoes the civil rights leader's speaking style and a message of acceptance for even the littlest listeners. A dream performance, indeed. $15, $13 members. 11 a.m. Jan. 16. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org.

Attend the free annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration concert featuring 100-plus voices of the Brotherhood Chorale of the Apostolic Church of God, performing traditional and contemporary gospel and jazz arrangements. 5 p.m. Jan. 15. Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500.

Go to the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park to meet the important characters and events surrounding Dr. King's life, beginning with his childhood - expressed through song, poetry, and powerful oration by actor/storyteller Roosevelt Johnson. Learn how Dr. King's ideas were molded into a lifelong commitment to freedom and equality. The program underscores his dedication to knowledge, education and nonviolence as the only effective way to battle social injustice and inequality. Appropriate for all ages. 1:15-3 p.m., Jan. 16. Nineteenth Century Charitable Association,  178 Forest Ave., Oak Park
(708) 386-2729.

Commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through family activities and crafts reflecting his messages of peace and justice. Listen to music that honors King and attend a performance of The MLK Project by the Writers' Theatre. Includes free admission. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 16. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. (312) 642-4600.

Take a journey back in time and learn about freedom through interactive theater and songs during "What Does It Mean, Dr. King?" The program answers the question: What was the Civil Rights Movement and what does it mean for kids today? Free with admission. 11 a.m., 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Jan. 16. Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000.

Do good during the MLK Day of Service. Partner with others by completing fun, meaningful projects in honor of MLK Day. Projects include assembling toiletries for local shelters, making lunches for PADS, writing letters/creating valentines for soldiers and decorating flower pots for the hospital. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 16. Recreation Center of Highland Park, 1207 Park Avenue West, Highland Park. (847) 579-4554.

Hear the story through others. Professional storyteller Linda Gorham tells an interactive story about King, along with some of her favorite folktales and vignettes about historical heroes such as Rosa Parks and Ruby Bridges during "What It Is-Unique Stories Celebrating Dr. King's Legacy." Free. 2-3 p.m. Jan. 16. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102.

Attend the Chicago Sinfonietta's annual tribute to King. Performances are on Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. at Wentz Concert Hall of North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville and 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall of Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. $35-$45 at Wentz Concert Hall; $26-$96 at Symphony Center; $10 students. (312) 236-3681 ext. 2.

Take your kids to the Bronzeville Children's Museum, where kids will see film of Dr. King, make crafts, and sing songs related to the civil rights struggle. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 16. $5 for non-members; free to members. 9301 S. Stony Island Ave., Chicago. (773) 721-9301