-Black History Month Celebration-

Celebrate Black History Month at the California Academy of Sciences and experience African American cultural traditions and history. All programs are free for Academy members. For the most up-to-date program schedule, check www.calacademy.org.

Chinyakare Ensamble
Chinyakare means tradition and the beauty, ingenuity, powerful music and dance of Zimbabwe. These are songs remembered but fast disappearing. Clap your hands and join in as they celebrate the Shona tradition, an important part of their daily lives. Wednesday February 5, 1 p.m.

Animal Tales from the African Diaspora
Poet and storyteller Tureeda Mikell brings us a selection of traditional stories from both African and African American tradition. Saturday February 8, 1 p.m.

West African Folk Music
Accompanying himself on the acoustic guitar and the talking drum, Soji Odukogbe presents a program of traditional music from West Africa. Well-known in the Bay Area African music scene; Soji also performs with The West African Highlife Band, The Nigerian Brothers, and Kotoja. Saturday February 15, 1 p.m.

The American Tradition of Ragtime
Ragtime is arguably the first truly American form of music, predating jazz. This presentation will include discussion of important ragtime composers, the emerging music business, and the world of vaudeville and commercial entertainment. Saturday March 1, 1 p.m.

The celebration continues with Mujjee: Come Together
As a child in Uganda, Daniel Ssuuna learned the important lessons in life through the songs, dance, proverbs and stories of his grandparents and elders. Using traditional instruments and movements, he shares this rich heritage. Sunday March 16, 1 p.m.

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