Celebrating the richness and diversity of African and African-American cultures, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s seventh annual African Heritage Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, February 21-22 from 9am until 5pm.
The festival will feature ethnic food, arts and crafts, local artists, and live entertainment. An array of local talent, including African-American storytellers, dance troupes, musicians, and artisans will be among the participants. Musician and spoken word artist Asha’s Baba will engage guests with his stories of folklore. Following the ancient West African oral tradition known as Jaliyaa, Baba captivates audiences with his soothing voice and uplifting tales for the whole family. His performances on the Kora offer a rare opportunity to hear this classical African harp.
In addition to Asha’s Baba, the festival will feature many other performers, including West African drum and dance by Dembrebrah and Dinke Ani Dimousou, interactive drum circles for people of all ages by Ambiance Music Experience, the soothing sounds live jazz with Bill Madison/Music in the Moment, and local African-American artists and cultural demonstrators, including Forgotten Images— A Celebration of African and African-American History, Welcome 2 Africa, Pdanee Designs, and artist Michael Seale, Jr. The George Washington Carver Museum of California will present a special exhibition only at the Aquarium of the Pacific in celebration of Black History Month.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way. Admission to the event is free to Aquarium members and included with general admission for the public. Admission: $23.95 adult (12+), $20.95 senior (62+), and $11.95 child (3-11) For more information, call (562) 590-3100 or visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.
