David Jonathan & The Inner City Bedlam to perform at Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center's anniversary celebration gala

The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center will celebrate its fifth anniversary by hosting a five-year anniversary celebration gala from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, May 6, and offering free admission to the Heritage Center on May 5-7.

A press release noted, “The gala will host electrifying performances by David Jonathan & The Inner City Bedlam, Dj Toeb of Daredevil Records, and poet Lena Recollet.”

David Jonathan & The Inner City Bedlam will be returning for their second 2023 performance at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. The band will perform songs off its recently released album, “400.” Themes from the album reflect upon the 400th anniversary of the transatlantic slave trade, and pay tribute to a diverse array of music styles from Black and brown communities.

Cocktail hour will feature a performance by Dj Toeb of the new listening lounge, Daredevil Records, bringing a twist of sounds to kick off the celebration at the gala. Artworks by local artists Tyshaun Tyson, Princessa Williams, Nate Reilly and the late, prolific Niagara Falls artist Polly King, will be available for by silent auction during the cocktail hour. Guests can view and purchase works.

Opening the program portion of the evening will feature a poetry performance by Lena Recollet, an Anishinaabe woman from Wikwemikong and the owner of Assiginack Consulting, which was inspired by the legacy of her ancestor who was a War Chief. Hors d'oeuvres and dinner will be curated by Simply Soul, a Black-owned soul food restaurant located in Niagara Falls.