Calendar of Events
Our Authors Study Club, Inc.
January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
Our Authors Study Club, Inc
Opening Ceremony with Our Authors Study Club, Inc.
The public is invited to join Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa and Our Authors Study Club, Inc. to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of African Americans in our community.
WHEN: January 25, 11:30 a.m.
SITE: Los Angeles City Hall South Lawn,
200 North Spring Street
COST: Free
SPONSOR: City of Los Angeles Office of Mayor Villaraigosa and Our Authors Study Club, Inc., Northrop Grumman Foundation, Union Bank of California Foundation, Xerox Corporation, Nestle USA, Anheuser Busch Inc., and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
INFO: 323-758-4358, www.oasci.org
Black History Tour of Los Angeles
The tour follows the progress of the African American community in Los Angeles. It includes Sugar Hill, The Island, Central Avenue, Leimert Park, and other locations throughout the City.
WHEN: February 2, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SITE: Consolidated Realty Board of Los Angeles, 3725 Don Felipe Dr., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: City of Los Angeles City Council Offices, Our Authors Study Club, Inc., Inc., Northrop Grumman Foundation, Union Bank of California Foundation, Nestle USA, Anheuser Busch Inc., Consolidated Realty Board of Southern California, Xerox Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
INFO: 323-758-4358, www.oasci.org
Dr. Carter G. Woodson Scholarship and Awards Luncheon
Scholarships will be awarded to students attending college and outstanding Living Legends in the fields of banking, community activism, the corporate world, education, media, medicine, politics, and sports will receive recognition for their contributions.
WHEN: February 9, 11:00 a.m.
SITE: Marina Marriott Hotel,
4100 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey
COST: Call for information
SPONSOR: Our Authors Study Club, Inc., Northrop Grumman Foundation, Union Bank of California Foundation, Xerox Corporation, Nestle USA, Anheuser Busch Inc., and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
INFO: 310-854-6967, www.oasci.org
55th Annual Black History Month Oratorical Contest
The oratorical contest will showcase students in grades 10 through 12 from high schools throughout Los Angeles County. These students will compete for scholarship money by reciting their own speeches based on the 2008 theme, “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism.”
WHEN: February 23, 1:00 pm
SITE: Galilee Baptist Church, 3225 W. 48th Street, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Our Authors Study Club, Inc., Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. – Sigma Sigma Chapter, Northrop Grumman Foundation, Union Bank of California Foundation, Nestle USA, Anheuser Busch Inc., Xerox Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
INFO: 323-758-4358, www.oasci.org
Our Authors Study Club, Inc.
Celebrates Founders Day This event will celebrate the legacy of our founder, Vassie D. Wright, and recognize those founding members who organized Our Authors Study Club, Inc. in 1945.
WHEN: To Be Announced
SITE: TBA
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Our Authors Study Club, Inc., Northrop Grumman Foundation, Union Bank of California Foundation, Nestle USA, Anheuser Busch Inc., Xerox Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company
INFO: 323-758-4358, www.oasci.org
African American Journey West: Permanent Collection
The California African American Museum is forging a new trail documenting the African American contribution to the settlement of the West. This pioneering effort chronicles the African American journey from the west coast of Africa to the west coast of America. It examines artifacts from West Africa that demonstrate the art, history, and culture of the regions, African Americans’ Southern legacy, the Great Migration West, and provides insights into the unique art and cultural contributions that African Americans made in opening the Western frontier.
WHEN: Continuous through the year, Tuesdays through Saturdays
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Africa & African Diaspora
This permanent exhibition is one of the largest and finest in the United States and one of the top twenty African collections worldwide. The collection offers a superb representation of the arts of many African nations, including objects from Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), Kenya, Zambia, and South Africa. The Yoruba collection alone is one of the three finest in the world. It contains a spectacular array of beaded objects, including a majestic throne, elaborate chiefly gowns, and sophisticated divination regalia.
WHEN: Continuous through the year, Wednesdays through Sundays,
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., Thursdays 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Inscribing Meaning: Writing and Graphic Systems in African Art
Inscribing Meaning brings together outstanding works of art from a range of periods, regions, genres, and peoples in order to consider the interplay between African art and the communi-cative power of graphic systems, language, and the written word. Explore the multiple messages and aesthetic intent of more than one hundred exceptional artworks—including ancient Egyptian funerary arts; masks, sculpture, textiles, and adornment from across the continent; illuminated liturgical texts; and the work of contemporary artists Rachid Koraïchi, Ghada Amer, Berni Searle, Ike Ude, Victor Ekpuk, Sue Williamson, Kim Berman, Yinka Shonibare, Wosene Kosrof, and many others.
WHEN: Through February 17, Wednesdays through Sundays,
12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., Thursdays 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
January
Armand Sears, Jr., Black Bird, Acrylic on wood, 10A Women’s Journey: The Life and Work of Artis Lane
This first retrospective of Artis Lane is an exploration of the painter/sculptor’s work spanning more than 60 years. Her creative vision is captured in drawings and sculptures, ranging from studio nudes, to traditional portraits, to more abstract creations. The exhibition includes self-portraits, as well as representations of family and friends, and busts and paintings of historical figures. Painted portraits include world-renowned figures, such as Oprah Winfrey, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Aretha Franklin, and others whose public image is captured so personally. The exhibition also includes works representing Lane’s current metaphysical, sculptural pieces, reflecting her continuing evolution as a woman and an artist.
WHEN: Through March 2, Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
The Color Purple
Oprah Winfrey presents The Color Purple, a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for eleven Tony Awards, the play is a landmark theatrical event, a celebration of love and a Broadway phenomenon.
WHEN: Through March 9, Check website for times
SITE: Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
COST: $24 - $150
SPONSOR: Center Theatre Group
INFO: 213-982-7231, www.CenterTheatreGroup.org
Visual Griots of Mali
Forty-nine black-and-white photographs taken by young people in Mali capture their lives on
film while evoking the honor they feel for the traditions of their villages. The Malian sixth graders’ photographs are the result of the Academy for Educational Development’s Visual Griots project, a series of interactive workshops in Mali led by U.S. and Malian photographers that empower and engage youth in a powerful process of self-exploration and expression through the lens of a camera.
WHEN: Through March 11, Wednesdays through Sundays 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., Thursdays 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Colors to Life Beautiful
This art exhibition, inspired by Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, features the nations most acclaimed and renowned African American artists in a visual collaboration documenting an era filled with unforgettable moments that shaped the lives of Black Americans. The exhibition runs simultaneously with the play The Color Purple at the Ahmanson Theatre.
WHEN: Through March 15, Wednesdays through Fridays 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., also before and after The Color Purple showings and by appointment
SITE: 626 Art Gallery, 626A S. Spring St., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Charles Bibbs & 626 Art Gallery at Studio B
INFO: 213-614-8872, www.626ArtGallery.com
Mummies: Death and the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt... Treasures from the British Museum
This exhibition has drawn upon this world-famous collection of mummies and funerary objects to present the largest collection of mummies and coffins to ever leave the British Museum. The Egyptian mummies and coffins in this exhibition are of the highest quality and have not been exhibited for many years. Among the peoples of the ancient world, the Egyptians occupy a unique position with their approach to death and the possibility of resurrection. The show features 140 objects, including 14 mummies and/or coffins, illustrates the fascinating story of how Egyptians prepared and sent the dead into the afterlife.
WHEN: Through March 30, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SITE: Bowers Museum, 18th St. & Main, Santa Ana
COST: Adults $17 Weekdays, $19 Weekends; Seniors and Students $12 Weekdays,
$14 Weekends, Free children under 6
SPONSOR: Bowers Museum
INFO: 714-480-1522, www.bowers.org
Tropics: A Contemporary View of Brazil, Cuba, and Haiti
This exhibition presents a group of artists from Caribbean and Latin American countries which share a history of slave-trading from Africa and European colonial masters with the purpose of jumpstarting a conversation on the relevance of the Caribbean—not as a vacation destination—but as fertile ground and overlooked hub for important contemporary art. Haiti is synonymous with poverty; Cuba with Fidel Castro, and Brazil with carnaval and Samba-dancing. But there’s more. These countries in addition to sharing African-based and Catholic influenced religions—Voodoo, Santeria and Condomble—are also repositories of rich, cultural resources in the realm of art.
WHEN: Through April 20, Thursdays through Sundays, 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m.
SITE: Barnsdall Park, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
INFO: 323-644-6269, www.culturela.org
Fowler in Focus: The Art of Women’s Masquerades in Sierra Leone
For many generations, the women’s Sande association of the Mende peoples of Sierra Leone prepared young women for adulthood, marriage, motherhood, and leadership roles in society. Masquerade performances featuring carved wooden masks, music, dance, and theater signaled the ongoing stages of initiation to the community and celebrated the achievements of the initiates. This exhibition features twenty-eight beautiful and highly symbolic masks dating from the 19th-early 20th century, as well as several examples of grotesque masks for beloved “clowns” that serve as comic counterparts during Sande initiations.
WHEN: Through April 27, Wednesdays through Sundays 12:00 noon – 5:00 p.m., Thursdays 12:00 noon – 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Bones and Blues
Bones and Blues is a monthly concert series featuring live blues and jazz music, domino tournaments, and a hearty barbecue dinner.
WHEN: January 25, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: The Center, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles
COST: $15 presale, $25 at the door
SPONSOR: Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC)
INFO: 323-563-5639, www.wlcac.org
Teacher Workshop - ARTalk: Celebrate Water
K-12 educators are invited to participate in a series of Saturday workshops, each focusing on a different mermaid-inspired theme with activities connected to art and environmental science. Offered in conjunction with the upcoming exhibition Mami Wata: Arts for Water Spirits in Africa and its Diasporas, this professional development course will feature lectures by curators and scholars, music and dance demonstrations, art-making experiences,
and water site visits hosted by the partner organization Heal the Bay.
WHEN: January 26, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: $15
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Campbell Brothers
The Campbell Brothers present Sacred Steel, an African American gospel music with electric steel guitar and vocal. This tradition is just now emerging from the House of God Keith Dominion Church, where for over sixty years it has been an integral part of worship and a vital, if little known, American tradition.
WHEN: January 26, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium,
332 S. Michigan Ave., Pasadena
COST: $15, $20, $25
SPONSOR: Caltech Public Events
INFO: 626-395-4652,
www.events.caltech.edu
Benches, Sketches of the 1930s
This two-one act play includes the stories of the first saluted African American opera singer, Marian Anderson, and the first African American Oscar winner, Hattie McDaniel.
WHEN: January 26 through February 23, Saturdays 6:00 p.m., Sundays 3:00 p.m.
SITE: Playhouse Theatre Players, 600 Moulton Ave., Los Angeles
COST: $25
SPONSOR: Playhouse Theatre Players
INFO: 323-227-5410,
www.kslplayhousetheatre.com
Howard Marshall, Jr.: Paper & Prescience
In honor of Black History Month, the Junior Arts Center Gallery celebrates the art of Howard Marshall, Jr. with an exhibition of works on paper and books created and found.
WHEN: January 26 through March 3, Gallery Opening January 26, 4:00 p.m.
SITE: Junior Arts Center Gallery, Barnsdall Art Park, 4814 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
COST: Free
SPONSOR: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs & Junior Arts Center Gallery
INFO: 323-644-6275,
www.juniorartscenter.org
February
Tribute to Dexter Gordon by the Phil Ranelin Jazz Ensemble
In honor of African American History Month the Phil Ranelin Jazz Ensemble will perform in tribute to Los Angeles native son Dexter Gordon.
WHEN: February 1, 7:30 p.m.
SITE: Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill,
6122 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
COST: Call for cost
SPONSOR: Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill
INFO: 323-466-9917, www.ranelin.com
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
One of the greatest ensembles in jazz makes a welcome return to Walt Disney Concert Hall with trumpeter/leader Wynton Marsalis. Expect foot-stomping rhythms, Ellington-inspired arrangements, and stellar improvisations.
WHEN: February 1, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: Walt Disney Concert Hall,
111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles COST: $95 - $35
SPONSOR: Los Angeles Philharmonic
INFO: 213-972-8000, www.musiccenter.org
African American Art Festival
Celebrate African American Heritage month with Capoeira, hip hop dancers, live music, spoken word, visual art, and jewelry. The event also features food vendors, crafts, and more!
WHEN: February 2, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SITE: Star Eco Station, 10101 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City
COST: Art exhibit and performances are free
SPONSOR: Star Eco Station
INFO: 310-842-8060, www.ecostation.org
African Americans, Naturally - The Dogon-Sirius Mystery
Make a decorative mobile based on the star Sirius. For reservations call 213-744-2024.
WHEN: February 2, 12:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Curatorial Walk Through
Curator Cesareo Moreno and Dr. Christopher Jimenez y West, CAAM Curator of History, will guide you through The African Presence in Mexico: From Yanga to the Present.
WHEN: February 2, 1:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Queen Mary Brazilian Carnaval 2008
This Brazilian Mardi Gras celebration showcases bands directly from Rio de Janeiro and Bahia, featuring stunning samba dancers, costume contests, booths, food, and a large dance floor.
WHEN: February 2, 8:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
SITE: Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
COST: $65, $45, $35
SPONSOR: Brazilian Nites Productions
INFO: 818-566-1111, www.braziliannites.com
100 Years of Service: The Alpha Kappa Alpha Story
In 1908, Ethel Hedgeman had the vision to establish the first sorority for black college women. She and 15 other women worked hard to become an approved organized group at Howard University. The sorority was founded with the belief that sisterhood and service go hand in hand. Over the past 100 years, Alpha Kappa Alpha has used the power of that concept to transform actions into a proud history of supporting academic achievement, combating disease, broadening career opportunities, and fighting for human rights in local communities and around the world.
WHEN: February 2 through March 15, Opening exhibit 3:00 p.m., Gallery hours Mondays
through Sundays 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: William Grant Still Arts Center, 2520 S. West View St., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs & William Grant Still Arts Center
INFO: 323-847-1540
City of Los Angeles Opening Worship Service for African American Heritage Month
This is the third consecutive year that Brookins Community A.M.E. Church has hosted the City of Los Angeles Opening Worship Service for African American Heritage Month. The Mayor attends as well as local and state elected officials such as Congressman Maxine Waters, Councilmembers Jan Perry, Herb Wesson, as well as Judge Terry Hatter, Chief Bill Bratton, Attalah Shabazz (Malcolm X's daughter), several African American General Managers, and other civic and neighborhood leaders.
WHEN: February 3, 9:30 a.m.
SITE: Brookins Community A.M.E. Church, 4831 S. Gramercy Pl., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: City of Los Angeles & Brookins Community A.M.E. Church
INFO: 213-296-5610
Target Sunday at CAAM "Black History Month Kick-off Celebration"
This program will explore African American history as it brings together actors and performers to present spoken words of love and poetry, and encourage guests to participate in poetry writing. The program also includes children workshops and a food and craft marketplace.
WHEN: February 3, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum & Target
INFO: 213-744-2132, www.caamuseum.org
Fowler OutSpoken Panel: The Word in L.A.
Inscribing Meaning co-curator and contemporary art historian Elizabeth Harney of the University of Toronto leads this dialogue with local artists Robbie Conal, Alexandra Grant, and Lezley Saar about the intersection of image, text, and language in their works. The visual/verbal connection will be explored in relation to the underlying themes addressed in Inscribing Meaning: Writing and Graphic Systems in African Art.
WHEN: February 3, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Explore the Art of the Harlem Renaissance
This event is a children's craft program about the Harlem Renaissance art movement. Kids can learn and create their own inspired work of art.
WHEN: February 5, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
SITE: Hyde Park Miriam Matthews Library, 2205 W. Florence Ave., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Hyde Park-Miriam Matthews Library
INFO: 323-750-7241, www.lapl.org
Living Legends Award Ceremony
As part of the African American History Month, the California State Assemblymember Mike David, 48th Assembly District, will be honoring Grammy award winner Kenny "BabyFace" Edmonds for his contributions to the African American community.
WHEN: February 7, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Pan African Film & Arts Festival
America's largest black film festival showcasing over 150 new films from Africa, the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, South America, and Canada. This event also features 100 black fine artists and craftspeople from the world over, poetry, fashion shows, free forums, and panels. This year the festival will honor distinguished singer and actress, the Rev. Dr. Della Reese with the PAFF Lifetime Achievement Award.
WHEN: February 7 through 18, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 midnight
SITE: AMC Magic Johnson Theaters at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, 3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Varies by event
SPONSOR: Pan African Film & Arts Festival, The City of Los Angeles
INFO: 323-295-1706, www.PAFF.org
Southern California Edison 6th Annual Connecting the Evolution of Electricity to Black History
To celebrate the achievements of African Americans, Edison International pays special tribute to the inventors who have had a lasting impact on science and technology. The event will be host at the Customer Technology Application Center (CTAC) to educate participants on latest energy efficiency technologies to save energy, money, and protect the environment.
WHEN: February 8, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
SITE: 6090 N. Irwindale Ave., Irwindale
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Southern California Edison
INFO: 626-812-7537, www.sce.com
2nd Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival & Sunday Solos
The Towne Street Theatre will present 10 Ten-minute plays by writers from Los Angeles and around the country. All the plays have social commentary running through them, making them part of Black History Month. On three Sundays, solo performances by selected artists will be presented.
WHEN: February 8 - 10, 15 - 17, 19, March 1, 2, Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 p.m., Sundays 3:00 p.m.
SITE: Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: $20
SPONSOR: Towne Street Theatre
INFO: 213-624-4796, www.townestreet.org
World City: Junebug and Carolina Chocolate Drops
Celebrating its fifth season, World City is the Music Center's highly acclaimed free performance series reflecting the rich array of cultures making up the Los Angeles community. In addition to performances, free arts workshops for children are offered in the adjacent Blue Ribbon Garden. Honoring Black History Month, World City presents acclaimed theatre artist and storyteller John O'Neal together with the Carolina Chocolate Drops in their Music Center premieres.
WHEN: February 9, 11:00 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
SITE: W. M. Keck Foundation Children's Amphitheatre, Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Downtown Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Music Center of Los Angeles County
INFO: 213-972-4396, www.musiccenter.org/education
African Americans, Naturally - African American Yards
Create a decorative pinwheel to place among the flowers in your yard. For reservations call 213-744-2024.
WHEN: February 9, 12:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Hugh Masekela's Chissa All-Stars
Long before the term "world music" was coined, South African born trumpeter and flugelhornist Hugh Masekela was ingeniously fusing his own vibrant post-bop style with R&B, pop and African rhythms ranging from the traditional township jazz and Mbaquanga of Soweto, to classic Afropop and the urban Kwaito music of modern Johannesburg. Masekela has recorded with a broad spectrum of artists from Fela Kuti and Harry Belafonte to Herb Alpert and The Byrds. Joined by a roster of world-class musicians including South African classical-Afropop diva Sibongile Khumalo, young kwaito singer Corlea, and afro-jazz performer Khaya Mahlangu, this global music legend makes his fiery Royce Hall debut in an uplifting concert showcasing South Africa's rich cultural, political, and musical journey.
WHEN: February 9, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA, Royce Hall, West Los Angeles
COST: $48, $36, $26, $15 UCLA students
SPONSOR: UCLA Live
INFO: 310-825-2101, www.uclalive.org
Reflecting on a Life in Art
As part of the exhibition A Women's Journey: The Life and Work of Artis Lane, California African American Museum's Executive Director Charmaine Jefferson dialogues with the respected and renowned Artis Lane.
WHEN: February 10, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
An Afternoon of Art with Synthia Saint James
This event includes a meet and greet with Synthia Saint James, live entertainment, food, art sale, and a Black History presentation. Saint James is an international award-winning artist and designer of the first U.S. Postal Stamp for the Kwanzaa holiday. Saint James, a native of Los Angeles, has written or illustrated children's books, poetry, and prose books. Portion of the proceeds will benefit the African American Firefighter Museum.
WHEN: February 10, 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
SITE: African American Firefighter Museum, 1401 Central Ave., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: The Stentorians, Water and Power African American Association, and the Black Probation Officers Association
INFO: 213-744-1730, www.aaffmuseum.org
Visual Griots of Mali - African Children Tell Their Stories with Cameras
As part of the Fowler Outspoken Lecture series, Shawn Davis of the Academy for Educational Development (AED) unveils the story behind the photographs featured in Visual Griots of Mali and the impact of the project on the related Malian communities.
WHEN: February 10, 2:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Griots in the Gallery: Michael McCarty
Join griot Michael D. McCarty to hear tales of Ananse the Spider, the well-known trickster character from West Africa. This is the second program in the Fowler's winter storytelling series offered in conjunction with the exhibition Visual Griots of Mali.
WHEN: February 10, 2:30 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Marcus Miller's African Drum Circle
In the spirit of Art Blakey, Marcus is pursuing the link between traditional African drumming and drums of the west. His goal is to spread the infectious and intoxicating rhythm of the drum and to enlighten and awaken the drummer in each of us.
WHEN: February 11, 4:00 p.m.
SITE: Benjamin Franklin Branch Library, 2200 E. First St., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Benjamin Franklin Branch Library
INFO: 323-263-6901, www.lapl.org
GRIOT Workshop Black History Month Celebration
This storytelling workshop features stories of Black History and culture presented by Barbara Clark, Yvette Brandy, Shafeeq Ellaraino, Michael D. McCarty, and more.
WHEN: February 12, 7:00 p.m.
SITE: Kaos Network, 3335 43rd Pl., Los Angeles
COST: $10
SPONSOR: The Griot Workshop
INFO: 310-677-8099
African Marketplace and Fashion Show
The African Marketplace and Fashion Show features a wide range of vendors offering items such as clothing, food, designer jewelry, body oils, and framed paintings. A fashion show featuring a variety of African fashions will be held on February 14 at 12:00 noon.
WHEN: February 13 & 14, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
SITE: Bowron Fletcher Square (Triforium), Temple between Main and Los Angeles Streets.
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Los Angeles Association of Black Personnel
INFO: 213-928-9153, www.laabp.com
Fowler Out Loud: Will Magid and Friends
The Will Magid group performs a mixture of West African music electronica and jazz with Brain Hogan on drums/gyil and Chris Bastain on bass and guitar.
WHEN: February 14, 6:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
African Americans, Naturally - Mae's Endeavor
Launch your imagination and fly away in a space shuttle of your making. For reservations call 213-744-2024.
WHEN: February 16, 12:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Documentary Film Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hear the immortal words "I Have a dream" in a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life.
WHEN: February 16, 2:00 p.m.
SITE: Echo Park Branch Library, 1410 W. Temple St., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Echo Park Branch Library
INFO: 213-250-7808, www.lapl.org
Sierra Leone's Refugee All Starts
Celebrating the resiliency of the human spirit in the shadow of loss and madness, the acclaimed 2005 documentary Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars tells the triumphant story of six musicians. They escaped the horrific violence of Sierra Leone's civil war, landed in a West African refugee camp and found solace and inspiration through music, forming a band that would go on to travel the world. Following the screening of the film, the group will perform their soul lifting, infectious and danceable fusion of traditional West African music, roots reggae, and rhythmic traditional folk music that decries the insanity of war and calls out for social justice.
WHEN: February 16, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA, Royce Hall, West Los Angeles
COST: $36, $28, $22, $15 UCLA students
SPONSOR: UCLA Live
INFO: 310-825-2101, www.uclalive.org
Quilt Exhibit - In Celebration of Our Heritage
This is an exhibit of quilts from Holman congregation members as well as local quilting organizations. The show also includes books and other mediums highlight the tradition of quilt making in the heritage of African Americans
WHEN: February 17, 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
SITE: Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Call for cost
SPONSOR: Holman Choir at Holman United Methodist Church
INFO: 323-731-7285, www.holmanumc.com
Gourd Creations
Join local artist Fernando Vargas and custom design a gourd to suit your taste. This workshop is for ages 5 to adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For reservations call 213-744-2024.
WHEN: February 17, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
African American Historical Perspectives
This annual Black History Month program looks at a local legend, featuring the music of Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner, Nina Simone, and The Clovers. This year marks the 28th year as the longest running locally produced African American program in Los Angeles television history.
WHEN: February 18, 11:00 a.m.
SITE: KSCI Channel 18 (TV Transmission)
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Anheuser Busch Inc. & Budweiser
INFO: 818-894-8880
Fowler Outspoken Lecture: The Mask Stripped Bare by its Curators, The Art/Artifact Duality and Mende Masks in the Twenty-First Century Museum
Focusing on recent museum representations of Mende Sande masks, noted scholar Ruth B. Phillips addresses the ethical and representational challenges that are pushing twenty-first century museums to move beyond the traditional dualism toward the recognition of the hybrids and interconnections that have always linked Africa and the West.
WHEN: February 19, 6:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Tell Me A Story
This storytelling concert is a showcase of live stories developed by participants of a storytelling workshop conducted by professional storyteller Barbara H. Clark.
WHEN: February 20, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SITE: Vineyard Senior Citizen Center, 2942 Vineyard Ave., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Vineyard Senior Center & City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
INFO: 323-292-2666
3rd Annual Trailblazers Reception
This is recognition and awards reception honoring City employees who have made a significant impact on the lives of African Americans and minority workers.
WHEN: February 21, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
SITE: Tom Bradley Tower, City Hall, 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Los Angeles Association of Black Personnel, Oscar Joel Bryant Association & Los Angeles City Stentorians
INFO: 213-978-9153
African American Heritage Celebration
This afternoon celebration includes poetry, storytelling, live gospel, jazz, and blues. African artifacts for sale such as kente cloth, mud cloth, soapstone, handmade masks, and tribal earrings add an authentic flavor to the event. Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: February 22, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SITE: Angelus Plaza, 255 S. Hill St., Downtown Los Angeles
(4th floor Auditorium)
COST: Free. Donations accepted
SPONSOR: Angelus Plaza
INFO: 213-623-4352 ext. 327
5th Annual Negro Spiritual Institute
The fifth annual Negro Spiritual Institute highlights the historical importance of the Negro Spiritual as one of two distinct contributions made by African Americans to the musical fabric of America and the world and its significance to today's artistic and religious experience.
WHEN: February 22 & 23, Call for times
SITE: Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: To Be Announced
SPONSOR: Holman Choir at Holman United Methodist Church
INFO: 323-731-7285, www.holmanumc.com
48th Annual Hillcrest Festival of Fine Arts
Celebrating 48 years as a community service event showcasing the arts. Enjoy artist demonstrations, exhibits, children's art workshops, an arts and crafts boutique, entertainment, and food. View and shop for ceramics, sculpture, oil and watercolor paintings, jewelry, handmade clothing, mixed media, blown glass, carved wood, pottery, photography, and weaving. Featured artist Adrian van Suchtelen, watercolorist and printmaker.
WHEN: February 22 through 24, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: 2000 West Rd., La Habra Heights
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Hillcrest Congregational Church
INFO: 562-947-3755, www.hillcrest-church.org
Black History Month Prayer Breakfast
The prayer breakfast honors community leaders and church members who have contributed to the progress of African Americans in Los Angeles and/or Brookins church. Sportcaster Jim Hill is among this year's honorees.
WHEN: February 23, 8:30 a.m.
SITE: Olympic Collection, 11301 Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: $40
SPONSOR: Brookins Community A.M.E. Church
INFO: 323-296-5610
William Attaway, Feel the Fire, Acrylic on wood, 60” x 60”, 2005
African American Living Legends
Since 1980, the County of Los Angeles Public Library has honored African American leaders and role models during an annual program. Past honorees have included Coretta Scott King, Eubie Blake, James Baldwin, Herbie Hancock, and many other luminaries. WHEN: February 23, 11:00 a.m.
SITE: AC Bilbrew Library, 150 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: County of Los Angeles Public
Library & Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke, 2nd District
INFO: 310-538-3350
African Americans, Naturally - Air Waves (TV)
Design a 21st century TV. For reservations call 213-744-2024.
WHEN: February 23, 12:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
CeCe Antoinette's AWE Series - Who Am I?
Follow the amazing stories of African and African American women who have changed the world.
WHEN: February 23, 2:00 p.m.
SITE: Los Angeles Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Los Angeles Public Library Children's Literature Department - Central Library
INFO: 213-228-7250, www.lapl.org
Black Women in Military History
This program emphasizes the collection of women in military history and includes an exhibition of books on black military women, uniforms, an entertainment program, and light refreshments. Take an opportunity to meet women veterans of War World II, Korea, Viet Nam, and the Gulf wars.
WHEN: February 23, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
SITE: Jackie Robinson American Legion, 3828 W. Slauson Ave., Los Angeles
COST: Donations Accepted
SPONSOR: National Association of Black Military Women, SW Region
INFO: 323-752-62252, www.nabmw.com
A Black Heritage Celebration
Choirs, soloists, dancers, ands speakers will trace the history of African American Spiritual and Gospel music from its African roots through modern day. The concert will focus on the influence of the church and contributions of individual artists. WHEN: February 23, 7:00 p.m. SITE: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W. 6th St., San Pedro COST: $10 - $15 SPONSOR: L & P Record Production, Inc. INFO: 562-428-0009
Biro by Ntare Mwine
Actor and playwright Ntare Mwine marks the opening night of the Make Art/Stop AIDS exhibition with a reading of selected scenes from his acclaimed one-man play Biro. Based on a true story, the work follows the life of a Ugandan man who was born during the reign of Idi Amin, and who ends up in the U.S., determined to survive despite being homeless, alone, and HIV positive.
WHEN: February 23, 7:30 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Morris Day & The Time
"What time is it?" was the question all '80s Funk and R&B fans knew the answer to! Featured in the popular film and soundtrack Purple Rain, Morris Day & The Time created a dance sensation with The Bird and Jungle Love. The group followed up with riveting jams such as 777-9311, Gigolos Get Lonely Too, and Wild and Loose. WHEN: February 23, 8:00 p.m. SITE: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr., Cerritos COST: Call for prices SPONSOR: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts INFO: 562-916-8501, 1-800-300-4345, www.cerritoscenter.com
6th Annual African Heritage Festival
Join the Aquarium of the Pacific as it hosts its 6th annual African Heritage Festival, celebrating the richness and diversity of African and African American cultures. The weekend will feature live entertainment, including interactive drum circles, West African dance, live jazz, storytelling, ethnic food, arts and crafts, and more.
WHEN: February 23 & 24, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach
COST: Free with Aquarium Admission. Admission Cost: $20.95 Adults, $17.95 Seniors, $11.95 Children (3 -11), Free children under 3 and Aquarium members
SPONSOR: Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
INFO: 562-591-3100, www.aquariumofpacific.org
Black History Month Celebration
Journey into the heart of Africa at the L.A. Zoo. A new weekend-long celebration for the entire family will feature the traditions, culture, people, and music of Africa. The L.A. Zoo will participate in this citywide celebration of African American Heritage Month with featured children's crafts, festive foods, exciting entertainment, and much more. Animals from Africa will be featured during zoo keeper talks and self-guided tours.
WHEN: February 23 & 24, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles
COST: Free with paid admission, $10 Adults, $5 Children (2-12)
SPONSOR: Los Angeles Zoo
INFO: 323-644-4200, www.lazoo.org
Black History Month Marketplace
This marketplace features artists and vendors from the church and community displaying arts and crafts items that represent the African American lifestyle and image.
WHEN: February 23 & 24, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Holman Choir at Holman United Methodist Church
INFO: 323-731-7285, www.holmanumc.com
49th Annual Concert of Negro Spirituals
The Holman Choir presents its annual Concert of Negro Spirituals, a tradition that has been presented by Holman United Methodist Church to keep alive the legacy of the Negro Spiritual, a music handed down to us by our ancestors.
WHEN: February 23 & 24, 3:00 p.m.
SITE: Holman United Methodist Church, 3320 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: $17.50 - $50
SPONSOR: Holman Choir at Holman United Methodist Church
INFO: 323-731-7285, www.holmanumc.com
Make Art/Stop AIDS
Make Art/Stop AIDS is an international traveling exhibition debuting at the Fowler that explores how artists around the world are responding to HIV/AIDS and how their work raises awareness, inspires activism, and can ultimately help end global AIDS. Featuring examples primarily from the U.S., South Africa, India, and Brazil-four disparate nations whose distinct experiences with and responses to the epidemic make insightful studies -Make Art/Stop AIDS presents approximately sixty works including contemporary paintings and sculptures, photographs, performance videos, posters, animated shorts, digital media, installations, and more to record the history of the epidemic, to appreciate its enormity, and to share information and ideas about future interventions.
WHEN: February 23 through June 15, Opening night 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m., Thursdays 12:00 noon - 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Flesh & Blood
Enjoy this hip-hop dance-theater piece about teenagers in Los Angeles - and around the world - and how they are affected by HIV/AIDS. This play was created by Kevin Kane and his energetic cast of twelve.
WHEN: February 24, 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, Glorya Kaufman Hall Room 200, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: $6
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Scrapping Good Times
As part of the California African American Museum exhibition, A Woman's Journey: The Life and Work of Artis Lane, this workshop invites you to create and decorate a scrapbook to hold the warm memories of your life. Ages 8 and up.
WHEN: February 24, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Black History Celebration 2008
This is the eleventh annual black history event celebrating multi-cultural business exchange. The program includes musical entertainment, a vendor walkway, celebrity appearances, and award presentations to African American leaders in business, entertainment, and corporate involvement.
WHEN: February 29, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
SITE: Torrance Marriott, 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance
COST: $50
SPONSOR: Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce & Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce
INFO: 310-540-5888, www.torrancechamber.com
Bones and Blues
Bones and Blues is a monthly concert series featuring live blues and jazz music, domino tournaments, and a hearty barbecue dinner.
WHEN: February 29, 8:00 p.m. SITE: The Center, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles COST: $15 presale, $25 at the door SPONSOR: Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) INFO: 323-563-5639, www.wlcac.org
March
2nd Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival & Sunday Solos
The Towne Street Theatre will present 10 Ten-minute plays by writers from Los Angeles and around the country. All the plays have social commentary running through them, making them part of Black History Month. On three Sundays, solo performances by selected artists will be presented.
WHEN: March 1 & 2, Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 p.m., Sundays 3:00 p.m.
SITE: Stella Adler Theatre, 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: $20
SPONSOR: Towne Street Theatre
INFO: 213-624-4796, www.townestreet.org
Salute to African American Aviators
This exhibit is a tribute to African American aviators featuring a collage of Tuskegee airmen of the Los Angeles Chapter
WHEN: March 1 through 15, Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
SITE: Flight Path Museum, 6661 W. Imperial Hwy, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: Flight Path Learning Center of Southern California
INFO: 310-215-5291, www.flightpath.us
Mighty Clouds of Joy
After 45 years, 35 albums, three Grammy Awards, and a trophy- case full of almost every award imaginable, the Mighty Clouds of Joy is a Gospel national treasure. The group has performed everywhere from church houses to the White House, and performed with everyone from the Rolling Stones to Paul Simon. Experience the glory of the Mighty Clouds of Joy and fill your heart with spirit, songs, and soul.
WHEN: March 2, 3:00 p.m.
SITE: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr., Cerritos
COST: Call for prices
SPONSOR: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
INFO: 562-916-8501, 1-800-300-4345, www.cerritoscenter.com
Kara Walker: My Complement, My Enemy, My Oppressor, My Love
This is the first comprehensive presentation of this remarkable African American artist's career. Kara Walker has risen to international prominence for visually stunning works that challenge conventional narratives of American history and the antebellum South. With biting humor, the artist comments on race, slavery and liberation, sexual attraction and exploitation, discrimination, and modernity. The Hammer is the only West Coast venue for the show, which originated at the Walker Art Center and has traveled to the Musée d'Art moderne de la Ville de Paris and the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.
WHEN: March 2 through June 8, Tues., Wed. & Fri. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thurs. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: $5 Adults, $3 Seniors, Museum free for members, UCLA students, and visitors 17 and under. Free Thursdays
SPONSOR: Hammer Museum
INFO: 310-443-7000, www.hammer.ucla.edu
No Child
Acclaimed actress and teaching artist Nilaja Sun fearlessly explores the New York City public school system as she transforms with rapid-fire precision into the teachers, students, parents, administrators, janitors, and security guards who inhabit our schools and shape the future of America.
WHEN: March 6 through April 13, Check website for times
SITE: Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd., Culver City
COST: $12 - $40
SPONSOR: Center Theatre Group
INFO: 213-982-7231, www.CenterTheatreGroup.org
Conversations with the Artists
This is a conversation with guest curator Carine Fabius and a selected group of artists from the exhibition Tropic: A Contemporary View of Brazil, Cuba, and Haiti.
WHEN: March 8, 2:00 p.m.
SITE: Barnsdall Park, Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs & Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery
INFO: 323-644-6269, www.culturela.org
An Evening with the Ramsey Lewis Trio
Since first captivating fans in 1956 with his debut album, Ramsey Lewis and the Gentlemen of Swing, he has earned three Grammy Awards and seven Gold records with chart-topping hits, including The In Crowd, Hang on Sloopy, and Wade in the Water. An evening with the Ramsey Lewis Trio is a captivating experience full of great music.
WHEN: March 8, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Dr., Cerritos
COST: Call for prices
SPONSOR: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
INFO: 562-916-8501, 1-800-300-4345, www.cerritoscenter.com
The Ambivalence of Race in Mexican Casta Painting
Charlene Villasenor Black, assistant professor, UCLA Department of Art History, leads a stimulating discussion of Casta paintings reflecting The African Presence in Mexico.
WHEN: March 9, 1:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Griots in the Gallery: Puppetry Against AIDS
The last installment of the Sunday storytelling series, this touching puppet performance addresses the discrimination faced by people who are affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. Developed especially with elementary school audiences in mind, this program offers honest, accurate information that is age-appropriate. Presented in conjunction with both Visual Griots of Mali and Make Art/Stop AIDS exhibitions.
WHEN: March 9, 2:30 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Griots in the Gallery: Michael McCarty
Join griot Michael D. McCarty to hear tales of Ananse the Spider, the well-known trickster character from West Africa. This is the final program in the Fowler's winter storytelling series offered in conjunction with the exhibition Visual Griots of Mali.
WHEN: March 9, 7:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA Fowler Museum, W. Sunset Blvd. and Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: UCLA Fowler Museum
INFO: 310-825-4361, www.fowler.ucla.edu
Angélique Kidjo
The electrifying Benin-born, Brooklyn-based vocalist Angélique Kidjo is the most popular female African artist to emerge since her idol Miriam Makeba. Hailed by The New York Times for her "growls and swoops that link African tradition to American soul music," Kidjo cross pollinationates the drum-based grooves of her native West Africa with Euro-pop, R&B, electronica, and Latin and Caribbean music to create a potent Afro-funk fusion.
WHEN: March 12 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA, Royce Hall, West Los Angeles
COST: $46, $34, $22, $15 UCLA students
SPONSOR: UCLA Live
INFO: 310-825-2101, www.uclalive.org
Discover Your Roots - VI Conference
The LDS Church, the California African American Genealogical Society, and the African American Heritage Association of Long Beach are partnering this month to help Los Angeles families find their roots. Thanks to the exhaustive genealogical records of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints, African American families can locate lost family members, learn to search online, and find library records of their ancestors.
WHEN: March 15, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
SITE: 1209 S. Manhattan Place, Los Angeles
COST: Pre-registration $20, At the Door $30
SPONSOR: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints, the California African American Genealogical Society, and the African American Historical Society of Long Beach
INFO: 1-800-533-2444, www.discoveryourroots.org
Perú Negro
Already legends in their native Peru for more than 35 years, this vibrant song and dance ensemble achieved international fame after they were featured on David Byrne's Luaka Bop compilation Afro-Peruvian classics: The Soul of Black Peru. Defining the infectious grooves, melodic guitar and passionate singing of Afro-Peruvian music, the group is credited with reviving Peru's traditional music and igniting the Afro-Peruvian dance craze, and regularly performs to sold-out crowds in concert halls from New York to Los Angeles.
WHEN: March 15, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: UCLA, Royce Hall, West Los Angeles
COST: $48, $36, $24, $17 UCLA students
SPONSOR: UCLA Live
INFO: 310-825-2101, www.uclalive.org
Forgotten Legacy: The Afro Mexican Story on Film
Join the California African American Museum for the screening of La Raíz Olvidada/The Forgotten Root and La Tercera Raíz/The Third Root. Alva Moore Stevenson from the UCLA Center for Oral History Research will introduce the films and will lead a discussion after the screening.
WHEN: March 16, 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Cross-Cultural Partnerships
Several artists included in the "Common Ground" section of African Presence in Mexico discuss the challenges and rewards of multicultural collaborations. Artists and the public at large are encouraged to participate.
WHEN: March 22, 1:00 p.m.
SITE: California African American Museum, 600 State Dr., Exposition Park, Los Angeles
COST: Free
SPONSOR: California African American Museum
INFO: 213-744-7432, www.caamuseum.org
Bones and Blues
Bones and Blues is a monthly concert series featuring live blues and jazz music, domino tournaments, and a hearty barbecue dinner.
WHEN: March 28, 8:00 p.m.
SITE: The Center, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles
COST: $15 presale, $25 at the door
SPONSOR: Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC)
INFO: 323-563-5639, www.wlcac.org
Black Writers on Tour
This event includes writing contests, seminars, and workshops that will give exposure to African American authors and writers, increase their book sales, and develop aspiring new writers and authors.
WHEN: April 26, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
SITE: LAX Crown Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles
COST: Check website for cost
SPONSOR: Black Writers on Tour
INFO: 323-750-3592, www.blackwritersontour.com