As the celebration of Black History Month continues through February, the University of Pennsylvania is opening its museum doors to the public with the 14th annual Celebration of African Cultures on Feb. 15.
Penn kicks off the festivities with a drumming exhibition and workshop hosted by the Kulu Mele African American Dance Ensemble, a group known for creating unique rhythms that combine West African tradition and African American sounds.
Throughout the day, visitors will have the chance to experience everything, from African art and storytelling to music and dance.
In addition, museum-goers will be given the opportunity to step out of the role of viewer and become active participants in the day’s celebratory activities.
Workshops ranging from the aforementioned drum instruction to a West African dance workshop will be presented throughout the day.
In their Penn debut, local phenomenon Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble will offer dance and drum performances, masquerades and acrobatic displays.
Guests will want to keep a sharp look out for Pasha, the stilt-walker from the ensemble, whose identity remains a mystery.
Celebration of African Cultures, Saturday, Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., $5 for adults, $2.50 for students and senior citizens, free for Museum members, children under 6 and PENNcard holders, University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia, 215.898.4000, www.museum.upenn.edu.
Alix Gerz can be reached at agerz@temple.edu.
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