For Immediate Release: January 17, 2008

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(Oakland, CA)—In celebration of Black History Month, the Oakland Public Library is hosting a variety of fun, kid-friendly cultural events in February. Free programs featuring Samba Samba, Yolanda Rhodes, Mary J. Kelly, and Berkeley Rep Target® Story Builders are sure to captivate children while imparting a growing appreciation for African American music, dance, and folklore.

James Henry, a percussionist and energetic educator, presents Samba Samba Interactive Music Education. The versatile and charismatic Mr. Henry, a master of over 100 percussion instruments, fuses African, jazz, and other world music styles in his original compositions and arrangements of traditional folk songs. He has shared the stage with Herbie Hancock, the San Francisco Symphony, and members of the Grateful Dead. In his fun workshops, children of all ages (and their parents!) can learn to play a variety of percussion instruments. Four Samba Samba events are scheduled:

·        Friday, February 1, 3:30 pm, Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch, 6833 International Blvd., (510) 615-5728

·        Thursday, February 7, 1 pm, Brookfield Branch, 9255 Edes Ave., (510) 615-5725

·        Thursday, February 21, 1 pm, Lakeview Branch, 550 El Embarcadero, (510) 238-7344

·        Friday, February 29, 10:30 am, Temescal Branch, 5205 Telegraph Ave., (510) 597-5049

Stories of the African American Diaspora are told by master storyteller Mary J. Kelly. Ms. Kelly is a performance artist with a rich and varied repertoire of stories. She also serves as Education Director of the Young Audiences of Northern California, which co-sponsors her two library performances.

·        Tuesday, February 5, 10 am, Elmhurst Branch, 1427 88^th Ave., (510) 615-5727

·        Wednesday, February 6, 10:30 am, Eastmont Branch, Eastmont Town Center, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Suite 211, (510) 615-5726

Yolanda Rhodes has established herself as one of the Bay Area’s premier storytellers. Her dynamic delivery enhances a culturally rich collection of stories, and frequently incorporates song, miming, and evocative movement. She’ll make four appearances throughout the month:

·        Monday, February 4, 3:30 pm, Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Blvd., (510) 482-7810

·        Tuesday, February 5, 10:30 am, Main Library-Children’s Room, 125 14^th St., (510) 238-3615

·        Thursday, February 21, 10:30 am, Piedmont Ave. Branch, 160 41^st St., (510) 597-5011

·        Thursday, February 21, 1 pm, West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St., (510) 238-7352

The Berkeley Rep Target® Story Builders Workshops get children involved in the process of dramatizing traditional African American folk stories. Berkeley Rep, one of the USA’s top professional resident theater companies, won a Tony Award in 1997 for best Outstanding Regional Theater. It will offer drama workshops as part of OLAS - Oakland Libraries After School, a new afternoon program that provides free school help and fun for students in grades K-6.  In one-hour plays, children will get in character and bring to life such classic tales as “Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock,” “John Henry,” and “Thunder Rose.” Advance registration is required by calling the host libraries. Four workshops are scheduled:

·        “Anansi” – Wednesday, February 13, 3 pm, Eastmont Branch, Eastmont Town Center, 7200 Bancroft Ave., Suite 211, (510) 615-5726

·        “Anansi” – Thursday, February 14, 3 pm, Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Ave., (510) 597-5023

·        “John Henry” – Wednesday, February 20, 3 pm, César E. Chávez Branch, 3301 East 12^th St., Suite 271, (510) 535-5620

·        “Anansi” – Wednesday, February 27, 3 pm, Main Library-Children’s Room, 125 14^th St., (510) 238-3615 

For more information, please contact your neighborhoodOakland library, or see the Oakland Public Library’s Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to library events. To request sign interpretation or other accommodation, please call one of the numbers listed above or (510) 834-7446 (TTY) at least five working days prior to the event. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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