Entertainers performing at Selma’s 50th anniversary in Alabama

Editor

10 years ago

Entertainers will hold a commemorative concert on the same Edmund Pettus Bridge where Congressman John Lewis, front right, was beaten to within an inch of his life 50 years ago on what became known as “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Ala.

Entertainers will hold a commemorative concert on the same bridge where Congressman John Lewis, front right, was beaten to within an inch of his life on what is now known as "Bloody Sunday." — Entertainers will hold a commemorative concert on the same Edmund Pettus Bridge where Congressman John Lewis, front right, was beaten to within an inch of his life 50 years ago on what became known as “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Ala.

Selma 50 organizers have confirmed celebrities including R. Kelly, T.I and a long list of others will be in Dallas County for commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March. It was believed the two would perform Saturday night following President Barack Obama’s speech.
Other entertainers include rapper T.I., Young Breezy, We Are Toonz, Bigg Robb, The Impressions and Toia Jones of NBC’s “The Voice” will be on-hand, organizers say.
The location for this Saturday event is yet to be determined. Tickets are on sale for $12 and $20 and can be purchased at www.Selma50.com.
On Sunday BET will hold another concert. That event will feature the likes of Aloe Blacc, Angie Stone, Arrested Development, Bebe Winans, Bell Biv DeVoe, Blind Boys of Alabama, D-Nice, DeWayne Woods, Donnie McClurkin, Doug E. Fresh, Eddie Levert, Eric Benet, Estelle, Flavor Flav, India.Aire, Keith Sweat, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin, MC Lyte, Rick Ross, Tank, Tamar Braxton, Tramaine Hawkins, Tyrese, Vanilla Ice, Virtue and more. Appearances by Harry Belafonte and Peter Yarrow (two original marchers), Bill Bellamy, Bill Withers, Cicely Tyson, Gary Owen, John Salley, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Tom Joyner and more.
The one name that has drawn scrutiny is the booking of Vanilla Ice, the one-hit wonder and hip hop outcast, as one of the entertainers to perform on the famous Edmund Pettus Bridge during the 50th anniversary of “Bloody Sunday.”
The BET event will be live streamed on BET.com and CentricTV.com and will take place at the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
The BET concert will air on Sunday, March 15 with historical footage, interviews and photographs and will be hosted by AJ Calloway.
At least three U.S. Presidents including Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will attend the weekend commemoration along with dozens of U.S. senators and representatives and other dignitaries on Saturday. The actual march over the bridge will take place on Sunday.