February is Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month at Vancity Theatre

The National Congress of Black Women, the City of Vancouver and the Vancity Theatre present The Godmother of Rock & Roll: Sister Rosetta Tharpe Thursday, February 9, 2012 Doors at 6:30pm; show at 7:00pm BUY TICKETS Directed by Mick Csaky UK, 2011 60min During the 40s, 50s and 60s Sister Rosetta Tharpe played a highly significant role in the creation of rock & roll, inspiring musicians like Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, Little Richard and Chuck Berry. Her fans include Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan and Robert Plant to name a few. She may not be a household name, but this flamboyant African-American gospel singing superstar, with her spectacular virtuosity on the newly electrified guitar, was one of the most influential popular musicians of the 20th century. This exciting evening will include live music from Vancouver blues and gospel guitarist Chelsea D.E. Johnson. Sponsored by

The City of Vancouver and the Vancity Theatre present Skins and Steel Thursday February 23, 2012 Doors at 6:30pm; show at 7:00pm Directed by Vanessa Richards Canada, 2011, 75 minutes Skins & Steel celebrates the early pioneers of Caribbean drumming and dance in mid-20th century Vancouver. These artists from Hogan's Alley and Trinidad and Tobago helped usher in the calypso explosion that marked the beginnings of a new era in recognition for the arts and culture of the African Diaspora in B.C. The event features the Trinidadian folkloric music of the groundbreaking Afro Caribs along with singer/dancer Thelma Gibson from the legendary Gibson family of Hogan's Alley. Kendrick Headley, a steel pan virtuoso, considered one of the finest soloists and big band arrangers for the unique instrument will accompany the others. Their live performances are interwoven between archival footage featuring the artists from the vaults of CBC. The footage from Bamboula – A Day In The West Indies and They Shall Be One, gives a glimpse of multi-culturalism and attitudes towards "mixed race" children in 1950's and 60's Vancouver. This show's creative director, Vanessa Richards hopes that attendees will leave Skins & Steel with a new appreciation for Caribbean culture in Vancouver—its presence, nuances, and roots. "Anticipate drums, song, archival film and something inter-generational, unexpected and beautiful," said Richards. Sponsored by

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