Drummer Paul Ciszek. Photo – Adela Crandell Durkee/for Chronicle Media

March 8, at 3:30 p.m. marks the 13^th annual Music4Martin event at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock. Although no longer directly linked to Black History Month or Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, artistic producer, Ken West believes that King’s message is universal and need not be tied to a date or a month.

Music4Martin celebrates the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with spoken word, song and dance, all performed by a multi-age troupe of community members. Attendees support the efforts of local talents, and remind everyone of Dr. King’s relevance today.

West, whose background is in art education, believes the generation gap is a myth. At the same time, he acknowledges that the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum because of lunch-counter sit-ins by young people. He explains, “When young people got involved, especially college aged, and kids started getting carted away to jail and knocked down by fire hoses, the media could not ignore the movement.” West enjoys working with youth. “They just have an energy and a can-do attitude. They’re willing to try anything.”

West and his two sons began the annual event in 2002. “It was really a rag-tag event,” explains West, “with mainly family of the performers attending. He approached Grace Lutheran with talking points in hand. He felt Grace Lutheran had the best venue, with a great sound system. The son of a lawyer and an admirer of eloquent speech, West is known for preparing his requests with logic and justification. He barely began his argument when the pastor said “Fine, you can do it.”

Each year the performance blends different aspects of performance art. The 2015 Music4Martin blends dance, song, instrumental, and spoken word of two-dozen performers, from three generations. Each performance emphasizes an aspect of Kings mission and vision.

The performance is free of charge. However, each year West passes the collection plate for a community cause. This year the proceeds go to Woodstock’s S.P.I.R.T. Center, on Davis Street. S.P.I.R.T. Center is a men’s transitional home for recovering drug addicts. The center needs a direct access door to the lower level to meet county code. West hopes to collect enough money to cover the door and installation.

West owns and operates Material Things Artisan Market in Woodstock. His Market features a variety of creative works and provides artisans a creative outlet and an economic opportunity. He encourages artists of all ages and continues to be involved in youth oriented programs in the community throughout the year. His advice to young artists is “You’ve got to stick with it.” It’s a career that requires patience and time to build your name. “And you must make a decision. Do you want to make one-of-a-kind expensive things or what more people like and want?” He adds, “There’s nothing wrong with keeping art a hobby.”