Area events for Martin Luther King Day - it's not too late!

Some information on what is open, what is closed and what might be cool to do/attend on this holiday.

From WKYC:

Monday is the celebration of the 81st birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr...All 28 branches of the Cuyahoga County Library are closed. Most government offices will be closed.

There will be no mail delivery....

By far, the most unique event appears to be about to end but it was a 9 am-12 noon Kosher Gospel occasion at Fairmount Temple:

Joshua Nelson, an African-American Jew raised in an Orthodox household, will bring his unique brand of Hebrew-infused gospel music to our Martin Luther King Day weekend.  Joshua fell in love with gospel music as a child, but didn’t think a little Jewish boy could grow up to be a gospel singer.  His saw the similarities between gospel and Jewish cantorial music that and led to his engaging, high-energy musical style. In addition to concerts across the United States, he has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, performed for President Clinton, and has just returned from a European tour.

More ways to learn more about Joshua Nelson: 
Short article on Joshua Nelson -

Here are some YouTube segments:

 Mi Chamocha @ Hava Nashira

 Hineh Mah Tov

 Adon Olam 

Also close by:

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, 2929 Richmond Road in Beachwood, is offering free admission. There will be special programs where you can celebrate American freedoms with music, stories and special tours honoring those who have overcome prejudice and discrimination.

The Maltz museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the tours are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Cleveland About.com (a great resource with full disclosure: the "guide" is a freelance writing friend of mine, Sandy Mitchell) lists the museums with free admission today.

Cleveland Plus also has a nice page up with ideas like this one at the Botanical Gardens:

Cleveland Botanical Garden
Learn about the plant and crop contributions of African-Americans in agriculture. Children make a "friendship flower" inspired by these achievements. FREE with Garden admission. (Mon., Jan. 18, 1pm - 4pm) www.cbgarden.org.

In the spirit of regionalism, check out The Morning Journal's suggestions.

Cleveland.com (The Plain Dealer) and on CoolCleveland.com I found these two events:

Cleveland Public Library hosts Senator Nina Turner, who will moderate "A Legacy of Leadership." Panelists include Councilman Jeff Johnson, Judge Michael Ryan, Pastor R.A. Vernon, Sonya Pryor-Jones, Thione Naing and other community leaders. Mon 1/18 at 1PM at Martin L. King, Jr. Branch, 1962 Stokes Blvd. CPL.org

Severance opens its doors for a day of no-charge activities and performances on Mon 1/18 in honor of MLK. Hear music by Cle Orchestra Youth Orchestra and Chorus, Cle Metro Schools' All-City Choir and Drumline and Opera Per Tutti. Plus, post your hopes and dreams on the "I Have a Dream Wall," hear Hornapalooza and line dance in the Grand Foyer. 12-5:15PM @ Severance Hall. Schedule at http://ClevelandOrchestra.com.

FYI, Pepper Pike City Hall is open.