FEBRUARY THROUGHOUT MUSIC CITY Nashville's calendar in February is filled with events celebrating Black History Month. From art exhibits and film screenings to musical performances and lecture series, Music City is honoring the contributions of African Americans to our society. Great Deals for Long Weekends. Plan a Getaway Night and See the Sights. See some of these great events during the month of February: Ongoing The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community. This exhibit gives voice to the Hermitage Slave Community by combining images of the slaves weathered and worn hands and faces with personal information about them. These stories and images reflect the struggle and contributions of individuals and families who supported the Hermitage plantation and the Jackson family. Through December 31 Cheekwood Botancial Garden & Museum of Art William Edmonson: The Hand and the Spirit. Hailed as one of the most outstanding self-taught carvers of the 20th century, William Edmonson paved the way for many African American artists. January 11-May 11 Frist Center for the Visual Arts The Legacy of Aaron Douglas. This exhibition celebrates the influence of Aaron Douglas on the art of Nashville and the nation, as seen in works by present and former faculty members of the Fisk University Art Department. January 18-April 13 Frist Center for the Visual Arts Aaron Douglas: African American Modernist. The exhibit presents the first nationally touring retrospective of the work of Aaron Douglas, the foremost visual artist of the Harlem Renaissance. January 25-March 14 Aaron Douglas Gallery Aaron Douglas at Fisk. Rarely seen works from the University's permanent colleciton and materials drawn from Douglas's archives at the University's John Hope & Aurelia Franklin Library will be featured, highlighting this American master's Fisk years and pioneering African-American artists associated with him. February 1-29 Nashville Public Library The Nashville Public Library has filled their calendars with events celebrating Black History Month. From storytimes and films, to puppet shows and lectures, the Library has something for everyone. Visit http://www.library.nashville.org/ for more information on events at all the branches. February 1-29 Belle Meade Plantation Too Black Too Fast. This breathtaking exhibit explores the role of African Americans in the creation and success of the Thoroughbred horse breeding and racing industries. February 2, 7:30pm Scarritt-Bennett Center Incognito: A Solo Performance featuring Michael S. Fosberg. Through investigation and a quirk of fate, Michael Fosberg discovers that his father is black…a fact that was somehow lost as he was raised by his mother and adopted father and also hidden since he didn’t "look black.” This dramatic performance, based on the true events challenges the audience to examine their own preconceptions of how we each define race, and gives us a better understanding of the importance of embracing and celebrating all of who we are. February 4, 7pm Schermerhorn Symphony Center Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Introduced to the world by Paul Simon on his megahit album, Graceland, twelve-time Grammy-nominated Ladysmith Black Mambazo has brought joy and harmony to audiences for decades, proudly representing the traditional culture of their native South Africa. February 7, 6:30pm Frist Center for the Visual Arts Aaron Douglas and the Fisk Murals Restoration: A Masterpiece Revealed. Join Dr. Amy Kirschke, Associate Professor of Art History at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, for a detailed look at the Aaron Douglas Murals at Fisk University and their recent restoration. February 9 Carl Van Vechten Gallery Special Tour: Aaron Douglas Murals at Fisk University. In conjunction with the Aaron Douglas exhibition, join Victor D. Simmons, curator of the Fisk University Gallery, for a tour of the restored 1930 Aaron Douglas murals at Fisk University. Participants will meet at the Carl Van Vechten Gallery at 1000 Seventeenth Avenue North for the tour. Registration is required. Call 615-744-3247 to reserve space. February 12-26 Nashville Children's Theatre The Most Valuable Player. This inspirational story of Jackie Robinson's struggles while breaking the color barrier within Major League Baseball reaches beyond the stadiums he played. Through a series of moving flashbacks and multimedia enhancements, this internationally acclaimed drama celebrates an extraordinary man who proved to America that heroes - real heroes - come in all colors. February 15, 7pm Scarritt-Bennett Center Through It All - The Story of Brigette Kitenge: Survivor of Rwandan Genocide. This account inspires audiences as she tells of the many personal adversities that she has overcome, and despite her tragedies, remains focused on helping other women rebuild their lives. February 16, 2pm Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art William Edmonson: Spirit in Stone. Dr. Bobby Lovett, Ph.D. scholar and professor at Tennessee State University, describes how the William Edmonson's faith, community, and culture influenced his works. February 23, 7-9pm Hartman Park Community Center Black History Month Blues and Jazz Benefit Concert. A night of entertainment with DeFord Bailey Jr., Billy Cox, James Nixon, Jimy Otey, John Greene, Larry Bullion, the Elizabeth Swinging Seniors and the Looby Senior High Steppers. All proceeds benefit 2nd Chances. Call Robert Grant at 615-484-1500 for tickets. February 26, 7-9pm Poag Auditorium at Tennessee State University Distinguished Lecture Series Presentations - 1001 Black Invention. The 2008 African American Guide of Nashville is here! Call 800-657-6910 to order yours today. Check out the Music City events calendar for more things happening in February. Book a Room. Book a Vacation Package.