Chalice Community Forum will present a theatrical event, "Gerald C. Rivers-- the Voice of Dr. King" live in Newbury Park and online via Zoom on Friday, Jan. 20, at 7 p.m.

Rivers, a classically trained Shakespearean actor, has been presenting the words and works of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for more than 30 years. He has dedicated his life to keeping alive the spirit and inspiration of King through his skillful renditions.

The event will include musical performances by singer-songwriter and guitarist Merlin Snider, who blends American roots music from folk and blues to rock, gospel and jazz. His soulful melodies and thoughtful lyrics reach across borders of heart and mind. Snider will perform both original songs and some of the hymns that inspired Dr. King in his life and work.

Gerald Rivers has committed to memory more than 20 of King's speeches. He is able to combine threads from several of them to flow seamlessly into a theme to inspire his audiences. Pop and soul vocalist Mijan Owens is quoted on Rivers' website as saying about one of the actor's performances, "It was like Dr. King had literally stood up, got out of his grave and was alive and present in you for that time."

Rivers is a versatile actor who has performed at festivals and regional theaters, and for 25 years at Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga, where he is a company member. He has done voiceover for numerous cartoon films, video games and advertising campaigns.

The live performance will be presented at Chalice Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Conejo Valley, 3327 Old Conejo Road in Newbury Park. Masks are strongly recommended. Ticket donations are $20 each, or $10 for students and those 25 years old and under. Tickets to view the event on Zoom are available at $10 by registering at forum.chaliceuu.org. Arrangements can be made with Chalice Community Forum for those unable to donate.

For information, contact Randall Edwards via e-mail at forum@chaliceuu.org or through the church office at (805) 498-9548.