Blind from birth, Ken sees and hears with heart and mind, custom designing every musical moment of his performance.

When Ken Medema learned about Macon’s five “Shalom Zones,” he felt compelled to perform in honor of them. A blind pianist and vocalist who performs around the world, he is also a spokesperson for the Shalom initiatives. For nearly 40 years, he has used the arts of music and storytelling to inspire people. He has an eclectic style that blends pop, R&B, gospel, classical and jazz with improvisation.

“Shalom Zones” are a product of a grassroots, faith-inspired, community development network called “Communities of Shalom.” The zones are focal points for communities to work together with representatives of all faith traditions and organizations to create economically and ecologically sustainable communities.

Through a partnership between Mercer University’s Townsend School of Music and the office of Macon’s mayor, Robert Reichert, Ken Medema will perform a free concert as a “Day of Shalom Celebration” on Tuesday, August 21 at 7 p.m. inside Newton Chapel at Mercer University.

“It is my pleasure to help celebrate the exciting partnerships that Shalom has created in this city full of hope and promise,” said Medema.

Townsend School of Music: 1400 Coleman Ave., Macon; 478-301-5751; www.mercer.edu/music