Los Angeles – South Bay

The California African American Museum (CAAM) will celebrate National Children’s Book Week with the literacy event Heads are Turning, Children are Learning on Saturday, May 18, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event co-hosts include actor Thomas Hobson of The Fresh Beat Band; actress Niketa Calame of The Lion King (animation); and actor Donis Leonard, Jr. from Showtime’s House of Lies.

During the literary event, renowned children’s author and illustrator Kadir Nelson will be on hand and several noted celebrities will read from his books. Participating celebrities who will read to children on the main stage in CAAM’s Courtyard include actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who will read from Nelson’s book “Nelson Mandela” and actress Deidrie Henry, who will read from Nelson’s book about Michael Jordan “Salt in His Shoes.” In addition, actress and choreographer Debbie Allen will read from her book “Dancing in the Wings.”

Many local authors will also read from their books including Bunny Hull, Quentin Holmes, Cassadra Black, A.K. Usafi, Lesley A. Anderson and Calida Garcia Rawles. Local authors will read in the CAAM galleries. Other activities include live performances, art workshops and face painting. Also there will be book, poster and art-kit giveaways. In addition, Eso Won Books, an independent Black-owned bookstore, will be on site selling the books included in the program. Guests can purchase a special gift for their friends and family. Adults have not been left out in this day of literacy, as the Los Angeles Public Library will host a table providing public library information and adult literacy.

Adults and children of all ages are encouraged to join CAAM in this special day of literacy. CAAM’s events, programs and exhibitions are free for the public to attend. CAAM is located at 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Mondays. Parking is $10 in the lot adjacent to CAAM at 39th and Figueroa Streets. For more information about CAAM and its exhibitions, programs and events, please visit: http://www.caamuseum.org

ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans. Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, CAAM is a state supported institution and a partner with the 501(c)(3) non- profit organization Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. In addition to its permanent collection of over 3,000 objects of art, artifacts and historical documents, CAAM also houses a research library containing more than 20,000 volumes, employs and trains high school students through its Young Docents program, and hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions on a regular basis. The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions throughout California and the nation.

Sesame Street Live “Can’t Stop Singing” is a larger-than-life, musical touring stage production featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie…and more.  Each performance is 90 minutes of singing, dancing and audience participation, including a 15-minute intermission.  The perfect length for very young children!

When Elmo gets his furry fingers on Abby Cadabby’s magic wand, there’s something in the air – and Sesame Street becomes a nonstop, all-singing, all-dancing musical montage! Grover and Baby Bear sing their highs and lows, Cookie Monster sings fast and slow, Bert and Ernie converse in song and Murray makes mouth music for all to sing along! Learn why it feels good to sing a song, but why it feels good to stop, too! What will Elmo learn about the power of musical magic? Join the conga line of fun to find out!

 New Play Zone Experience       

Come and play BEFORE the show! Play Zone at Sesame Street Live is a fun way for children to experience their favorite street! Sing and dance with Sesame Street friends, sit in Big Bird’s nest, twirl in Zoe’s dance studio, sit on the steps of 123 Sesame Street, and much more. You won’t want to miss a single picture-perfect moment! Hosted by Murray, Play Zone opens one hour before the show – best of all, Play Zone is FREE with your Sesame Street Live ticket!

Performance Schedules

Thousand Oaks Performance Schedule

Friday, May 24          10:30 am & 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 25     10:30 am, 2:00 pm & 5:30 pm

Sunday, May 26        1:00 pm & 4:30 pm

 

Los Angeles Performance Schedule

Friday, May 31          10:30 am & 7:00 pm

Saturday, June 1      10:30 am, 2:00 pm & 5:30 pm

Sunday, June 2         1:00 pm & 4:30 pm

 

Long Beach Performance Schedule

Friday, June 7                        10:30 am & 7:00 pm

Saturday, June 8      10:30 am, 2:00 pm, & 5:30 pm

Sunday, June 9         1:00 pm & 4:30 pm

 

$3 OFF EACH TICKET for WHAT’S UP FOR KID’S – WESTSIDE subscribers!

Use the passcode ERNIE at Ticketmaster.com to receive the special offer.
(Offer excludes Gold Circle & Sunny Seats. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Cannot be combined with any other offer.)”

We are also giving away  4 tickets to 1 lucky family. Will it be you? Just subscribe to the What’s up for Kid’s Westside newsletter and you will automatically be entered.

The  winner will be selected and contacted by May 20th! Goodluck and see you on Sesame Street!

 

 

Spring is here. The weather is warmer. Swim lessons have begun. If your child is starting kindergarten in the fall, questions about readiness for “real school” may be on your mind. Parents often ask me, “Will my child be ready? After all, kindergarten has become the new First Grade.”

In interviewing a number of elementary school principals and directors of private school admissions, the consensus is that a confident start is important for a smooth transition and to foster a love of learning. Research shows that children succeed in kindergarten when they display the following: