6 p.m. Friday, African American Museum in Philadelphia, 701 Arch St., 215-574-0380, www.aampmuseum.org.
ach year, the spotlight shines on African American childrens authors and illustrators at the annual African American Childrens Book Fair in Philadelphia. Founded by literary publicist and advocate Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati, it is known as one of the oldest and largest single-day events for childrens books in the country. Thousands of parents, children, teachers, librarians, and literature fans will gather to hear panelists and to participate in promotional giveaways and games, or to simply spend a comfortable afternoon perusing books.
1 p.m. Saturday, Community College of Philadelphia, 1700 Spring Garden St., 215-878-2665, theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org.
The Kimmel Center
Two talented dance troupes known for their celebration of traditional African American dance will take center stage in February. The events start this weekend when the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater fills the Merriam Theater for a show of African-inspired modern dance. Just a few days later, on Wednesday, PHILADANCO will present Mix, Jazz, and Dance, a free event intended for school groups.
Alvin Ailey, 8 p.m. Friday and 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. $26-$130, 215-893-1999.
PHILADANCO, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 S. Broad St. Free. 215-670-2300, kimmelcenter.org.
Hip-Hop Jazz Musicology
Trace the history of African American music from its beginnings to what you hear on the radio. Musician Ali Richardson leads the way through this teen-geared event.
3:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Riletta L. Cream Ferry Avenue Branch, 852 Ferry Ave.
Camden. 856-342-9789, www.camdencountylibrary.org.
African Dance Workshop
Sponsored by North Fifth Street Revitalization Project, this free dance class and interactive and educational session will instruct attendees in how to find their groove.
6:30 p.m. Feb. 15, Greater Olney Library, 5501 N. Fifth St., 215-685-2846.
African Roots and the Blues
The Annenberg Center for the Arts at the University of Pennsylvania will continue its African Roots, American Voices series all month long. I Go on Singing: Paul Robesons Life in Song features the titular athlete, singer, actor, and civil rights champion in a multimedia performance Feb. 18. Led by baritone Anthony Brown, a pianist and a narrator, I Go on Singing celebrates Robeson with archival video and musical selections ranging from Broadway to spirituals, including favorites such as Wade in the Water and Ol Man River. Former New Orleans street performer Corey Harris will take the stage Feb. 26 for an evening of music and conversation.
