Concerts, book talks planned for Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and the Atlantic City Free Public Library will celebrate with special programs for adults and children.
The library will hold its Black History Month Concert Series on each Saturday throughout the month. The programs begin at 1 p.m. All shows are free.
• Angela Burton & Passion on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. — Angela Burton & Passion will focus on the music and career of Burton’s godfather, legendary jazz drummer Chris Columbo. Burton (pictured to the right) has performed more than 30 overseas tours, and she sang regularly as an opening act at Atlantic City’s famed Club Harlem.
• Screening of “A Great Day in Harlem” followed by Martin Payne & Friends on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m. — The Atlantic City Free Public Library’s Film Society will show “A Great Day in Harlem.” The 1994 documentary, which runs one hour, features interviews with legendary African-American jazz musicians. The film is also open to both Film Society members and non-members. After the documentary, Martin Payne & Friends will perform the music of Cannonball Adderley, Art Blakey, Count Basie and more.
• Norman Taylor on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m. — Norman Taylor is a singer/songwriter from the Philadelphia area who will perform acoustic blues. His musical style is based in the country blues of people such as Robert Johnson and Skip James, and contemporary acoustic blues men such as Keb Mo, Eric Bibb and Guy Davis.
• Eddie Morgan & REK’D 4 JAZZ on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. — Eddie Morgan & REK’D 4 JAZZ play a mix of funky R&B, jazz and standards. They’ll highlight jazz trumpet greats such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie and Freddie Hubbard.
• Tony Day and the Across the Globe Music Group on Saturday, Feb. 29, at 1 p.m. — Tony Day is a local favorite whose talents range from studio musician and band leader to composer and teacher. Day, who will play smooth jazz, has performed on drums and percussion with many jazz recording artists and for headliner acts in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

The library has scheduled a teen book talk for Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. The teens (ages 13-18) will discuss New York Times bestseller “On the Come Up” by Angie Thomas.
There will be a book talk for children (ages 8-12) on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 4 p.m. The group will discuss “When the Beat was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop” by Laban Carrick Hill.
Registration is required for these book talks. Those who sign up will receive a copy of the book, while supplies last. Visit the Main Library Youth Services Department or call (609) 345-2269, ext. 3050, to register.