African-American History Month

In honor of African-American History Month this February, the American Embassy in Tallinn is sponsoring two concerts by internationally known jazz vocalist Ericka Ovette.

Ms. Ovette's style is reminiscent of the "Great Ladies of Jazz of the 20th century," and two of her many influences include the music of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Ms. Ovette has performed in ensembles in Africa, India, and Latin America as well as the United States.

She will be accompanied by guitarist Paul Pieper, who is featured on Ovette's album "Some Enchanted Evening." While their music pays tribute to enduring jazz standards, the duo is known for their surprising arrangements of pop and R&B classics.

Ovette and Pieper will perform in Tallinn on Sunday, February 1 at 5 pm in Cafe Amigo, and on Monday, February 2 at 7 pm in Pärnu Modern Art Museum in the framework of Jazzkaar's spring concert season.

African-American History Month is celebrated every February to honor the centuries of contributions to American life made by African-Americans, who make up 12% of the population of the United States.

The celebration traces its roots to 1926, when African-American historian Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson suggested that a week in February be named to honor African-Americans' achievements.

The second week in February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of two Americans whose work greatly influenced the lives of African Americans, namely President Abraham Lincoln and African-American abolitionist and editor Frederick Douglass.

In 1976, as part of the United States' bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month, and is now officially known as African-American History Month.

More info on the topic is available at

http://www.erickaovette.com/
http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/blackhis/
http://www.asalh.org/
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bhm1.html
http://www.tntech.edu/history/bhmonth.html