A free Peace Concert was held in Bakersfield at the Center for Spiritual Living located at 222 Eureka St. Their goal was to have “an evening of celebration, music and words of legendary peacemakers in honor of the Season of Nonviolence.” The period from Jan. 30 to April 4 is known as the Season for Nonviolence. It was established by Arun Gandhi, who is Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, to celebrate the philosophies and lives of Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

During the concert, famous words and quotes were spoken to honor some of these leaders. “Violence cannot get you peace, only peace can get you peace” and “Forgiveness is the virtue of the brave, only evil can come out evil” were just a few Gandhi quotes mentioned. One of the performers was a band called Tigercide made up of Adrianna Magana and Brendan Russel. Magana also happens to work at the Center for Spiritual Living.

Camilla Chavez, who is the niece of Cesar Chavez, also spoke about her uncle’s impact and how he promoted nonviolence. “Si, se puede” or “Yes, we can” is the famous quote said by Chavez and was reiterated by his niece during her speech. Bakersfield College music professor Mary Bella was in attendance to play the piano during some performances. Portia Choi, a student at BC, was one of the main contributors in the making of this event.

Choi mentioned that it first came about two years ago, and that this was the second one they ever had. “Next year we will have another concert during the season of non-violence,” she said. She said they didn’t hold a concert last year, but “with Dolores Huerta Foundation coming in, it just gave us a lot of energy and more meaning.

It was so gratifying to see people come in and enjoy themselves,” Choi said. The Peace Concert was sponsored by the Center for Spiritual Living, Halo Healing, Bakersfield interfaith Group and Dolores Huerta Foundation. Choi said that 117 people ended up attending and that it was a successful event.