Festivals, musical performances and more to mark Black History Month

The Las Vegas Library, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North, plans to kick off celebrations with What’s All That Jazz About? at 5 p.m. Wednesday , which includes a lecture and a live performance from saxophonist Shenole Latimer. The same presentation is slated for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Spring Valley Library, 4280 S. Jones Blvd.

Janni Jeppe, performing arts coordinator at the West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd., said one of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District’s most anticipated events is "Shotgun," a play directed by Anthony Smith that takes place shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005.

" ‘Shotgun’ is poignant and shows how (people) come to terms with what’s going on in a community," Jeppe said. "It shows the class system and the underlying premise, which is how we view ourselves and how we view others."

The play, which is produced by Broadway in the Hood, A Source of Joy Theatricals Inc. and Torrey A. Russell, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday at the West Las Vegas Library. Jeppe said those interested in the arts can see diverse performers from Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theater scheduled for 7 p.m. Feb. 10 and 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre.

In addition to other library district events, the Large Vision Business Network Mixer plans to host a Black History Month Expo Feb. 7 at the Suncoast, 9090 Alta Drive.

The expo is set to feature a chef’s corner, raffle drawings, book signings and more than 50 exhibitors from local organizations and restaurants. Paula Jackson, organizer of the expo, said the event is meant in part to raise funds for KCEP Power 88.1-FM .

"This is a really exciting time because it’s our fifth Black History Month Expo," Jackson said. "We’re honoring the station because of their 40 years of business in Las Vegas, with Craig Knight (general manager of KCEP) as the guest speaker."

Admission to the event is $10 per person and free for children 12 or younger. Jackson hopes the event will not only bring funds for KCEP but also establish connections with people and businesses i n the community.

"The expo is about bringing unity to our city and giving an opportunity for businesses to network," Jackson said. "We’re hoping people will come out and have a big party for Clark County."

The Jester Hairston Singers are set to perform African-American music and dance of the 1850s through the 1940s at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Zion Methodist Church, 2108 Revere St., North Las Vegas. The all-ages show is free. Call 229-4800.

KCEP is slated to be part of another Black History Month event as host to Gospel Fest in Henderson alongside the city’s parks and recreation and cultural arts and tourism departments Feb. 24 and 25 at the Black Mountain Recreation Center, 599 Greenway Road. The festival is set to feature performances of the Broadway musical "Hiram & Nettie," gospel music and various vendors. The event is free, but tickets will be distributed.

Although most Black History Month events are for people of all ages, some are geared toward youths. The library district’s African American Youth Leadership Conference is one such event and is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at the West Las Vegas Library. The library is also slated to host the West Prep Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Competition and Festival beginning at 5 p.m. Feb. 22 in the West Las Vegas Library Theatre.

Jeppe said these programs, along with others sponsored by the library district, will showcase the importance of black history in the community.

"All of the programs seek to be an open book," Jeppe said. "These programs look at contributions made from blacks throughout history, and we want to share our place in history."

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.