Big Read Schedule of Events

NOTE: Check back often for additional information and events that may be added at a later date

January 15    
Big Read Kick Off
Bakersfield Museum of Art
5:30-7 p.m.
Open to the public, all age groups, free admission
Information: Contact David Gordon 323-7219
Join the Bakersfield Museum of Art to launch a month-long celebration of literacy centered around Zora Neal Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God." All are welcome to join as local officials, educators and community leaders celebrate a community-wide reading of this wonderful novel.

SPECIAL GUEST: Dr. Fitzalbert Marius, a former tailor, artist, and poet from Harlem was a member of the first heart surgery team in Fresno, California who is still presently assisting in heart surgery and is a current educator. He will speak  about his childhood experiences growing up during the Harlem Renaissance. Don't miss this extraordinary tale. Music and refreshments. Big Read material plus copies of the book will be available.

January 22    
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" movie screening
Beale Memorial Library, 7 p.m.
Open to the public, all age groups, free admission
Information: Beale Information Desk 868-0745
Watch the film adaptation of Zora Neal Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God." Following the screening there will be a discussion of the film, moderated by Hal Freedmon from the Spotlight Theatre.

January 24
Harlem Nights   
Bakersfield Museum of Art, 7-10 p.m.
$45.00 per person
Come and Experience...Harlem Renaissance: Legacy and Beyond... showcasing African-American art of the 1920s and 1930s. Enjoy an entertaining evening of food, live music, vignettes, poetry, tap dancing, drawings...and more!
No Host Bar available, 1920s, 1930s Attire Optional
For tickets and information contact:
The Links, Incorporated, Kathy Bell, 589-6628
JDRF, Allison Perkins Thomas, 636-1305
New Spirit Women's Group,  Geri Spencer, 323-9397
More information here on "Harlem nights"

January 30    
CSUB Black History Month Kick-Off,
Bakersfield Museum of Art, 7-9:30 p.m.
Open to the public, all ages, free admission
Information: Keith Powell 654-3216
Join California State University, Bakersfield officials as they kick-off Black History Month at the Bakersfield Museum of Art. Tour the Harlem Renaissance Exhibit, listen to music and readings of Zora Neal Hurston;s "Their Eyes Were Watching God." There will be refreshments and Big Read information available.

January 31
"What's the Hurry Brer Fox?"
Beale Memorial Library, 2-4 p.m.
Open to the public, all ages, free admission
Information: Beale Information Desk 868-0745
Enjoy family storytime featuring folktales, songs, chants and crafts in the African-American tradition.

February 5
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" Discussion of Character
Russo's Books, 9000 Ming Ave- The Marketplace
7 p.m.
Open to the public,  free admission
Information: 665-4686
Kern Educator Carlene Stotler will lead a riveting discussion centered around the concept of  "character" and how it is revealed and used in the book.

February 7    
Kern County Student Art Show with Harlem Renaissance
Essay and Art Contest    (More at "Student Art Contest")
Bakersfield Museum of Art 2-4 p.m.
Open to the public, all ages, free admission
In celebration of the Harlem Renaissance, there will be a display of art work done by high school art students. The winner of the Harlem Renaissance Essay Contest will share their winning prose at 1:30 p.m. All galleries will be open and refreshments will be served.
 
February 7    
Harlem and Beyond: Celebrating Five Decades of
Black Gospel Music
Mt Zion Baptist Church, 825 Californian Ave.  6-9 p.m.
Open to the public, all ages, free admission
Information: Brenda L. Scobey 868-0745
Enjoy a historic musical concert highlighting five decades of popular Gospel music from the 1920s through the 1960s. The concert will feature a host of choirs, quartets, soloists and gospel historians from churches throughout the Bakersfield.

February 9
"Their Eyes Were Watching God" Book Discussion
with Kern High School District Teachers
Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 4001 California Avenue
2:00 p.m.
With Shelly Fair, John Rose and Darlene Stotler
for more information, call: 661.631.0991

February 9
Dramatic Reading of "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Barnes & Noble
6 p.m.
Actors from The Empty Space Theatre do a dramatic reading
 
February 10
Dena Reynolds sings the songs of the Harlem Renaissance
Adobe Krow Archives, 430 18th St.
9:30 a.m.
Open to the public, all ages, free admission
Singer/songwriter Dena Reynolds will jerform songs from the Harlem Renaissance era. Come and enjoy the sultry blues, jazz and gospel sounds of this popular entertainer as she sings songs made popular by Billie HOliday, Lena Horn, Nanacy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan. Reynolds will repeat this performance February 12. (see below)

February 10    
Harlem Renaissance Jazz Tribute by Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra
Nile Theatre, 1721 19th Street, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Open to the public, all ages, free admission
Information: Steve Eisen 444-0853
The Bakersfield Jazz Orchestra will perform a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance featuring music from jazz great such as Duke Ellington. Following the concert the orchestra will continue to jam for those who just can't get enough jazz!

February 11
"Their Eyes Were Watching God"Bakersfield College Library Panel Discussion
Bakersfield College Library, 7 -8:30 p.m.
Open to the public, over 18 only, Free Admission
Information: Anna Agenjo 395-4463
Panel members from the BC faulty will discuss the novel and the legacy of Hurston's work as a writer and folklorist, as well as the Harlem Renaissance and the historical and social milieu of "Their Eyes Were Watching God."

February 12    
Tea Cake Soiree
The Adobe Krow Archives, 430 18th Street, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Open to the public, all ages, free admission
Information: Dee Slade 323 9442
The Adobe Krow Archives is kicking off its season with a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance. The Archives will serve tasty Tea Cakes, in honor of one of the characters from "Their Eyes Were Watching God."

And, singer/songwriter Dena Reynolds will join in the celebration performing songs from the Harlem Renaissance era. Come and enjoy the sultry blues, jazz and gospel sounds of this popular entertainer as she sings songs made popular by Billie HOliday, Lena Horn, Nanacy Wilson, Ella Fitzgerald, and Sarah Vaughan.

Watch the Museum website for additional information and added events for The Big Read: www.bmoa.org

Big Read sponsors: