Throughout February, in celebration of Black History Month, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum and River Bookshop are proud to present a dynamic lineup of events highlighting Black History, literature, art, and music. The list of events can be found further down.
AUTHOR EVENT & BOOK SIGNING: Craig Shreve, The African Samurai
Join us for a captivating discussion featuring acclaimed author Craig Shreve and moderator Cindy Lemieux as they explore Shreve’s novel The African Samurai. This FREE event takes place on Saturday, February 8th at 1PM in the historic Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church, located on the grounds of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum (277 King Street, Amherstburg).
The Forest King's Daughter LAUNCH PARTY!
River Bookshop is hosting a Local Author Launch Party on the official release day, Tuesday, February 11th! Doors open at 6:30PM. We are so excited to be launching Elly Blake's new book The Forest King's Daughter. Elly is the New York Times bestselling author of the Frostblood Saga, which is also available in store. She is also a local author, from the Harrow area, and we love celebrating local talent! Plus, Elly will have limited edition pins, bookmarks, and illustrations for customers who buy the book at the launch party. While supplies last!
Did you know that River Bookshop is PET FRIENDLY?
This Sunday we have some special FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS joining Dr Beth Cozens when she returns as our Story Time Guest Reader. Come join us on February 9th at 11AM to share a few DOG themed stories from the River Bookshop shelves. See you soon!
Need a night out on the town?
Try dinner and music this Friday at the Hole in the Wall. Book a table for Friday, February 8th, at 7PM and enjoy drinks, dinner, and live music. Local musical artist Ian Smith will be performing a variety of jazz, blues, and soft pop material.
To reserve a table, Click Here. The Hole in the Wall is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, from 5PM till late, and offering customers a full food and beverage menu.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
LOCAL EXHIBIT: From Feb. 1 - Mar. 2, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum is hosting The Artists of Colour’s, Exhibit: “The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion.” The Never-Ending Quest for Inclusion is the second portion of The Artists of Colour’s Journeys Project created by and featuring works of The Artists of Colour. This special presentation is a fine arts–based project displaying a combination of paintings, images, artifacts, and history information panels. QR codes on each information panel create a seamless way to engage further and increase the learning experience.
Plus, you can attend the opening reception on Feb. 8 from 2:30-5:30PM.
AUTHOR EVENT: As mentioned above, author Craig Shreve will be at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum on Feb. 8 at 1PM! Set in late 16th-century Africa, India, Portugal, and Japan, The African Samurai a powerful historical novel based on the true story of Yasuke, Japan’s first foreign-born samurai and the only samurai of African descent. It's a fascinating story and we can't wait to hear more.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: SAVE THE DATE
CONCERT: Feb. 14 at 7PM, at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra celebrates Black composers, performing Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Four Novelettes. He was a British composer of mixed-race heritage, a descendant of an African-American soldier. A late 19th Century Romantic powerhouse, Coleridge-Taylor wrote in the style of Dvorák. Adolphus Hailstork’s work, Sonata da Chiesa (Church Sonata), represents his African, Native-American, and European roots. Tickets are available by clicking here.
STORY TIME: Feb. 16 at 2PM, River Bookshop hosts the Amherstburg Freedom Museum as a special guest for a bonus afternoon Story Time. You don't want to miss it! They'll be sharing local stories and black history for our littlest readers.
Last weekend we celebrated our FIRST BOOKSHOP BIRTHDAY PARTY. We are now officially the place where birthday dreams come true. Happy Birthday, Safira! Thanks for sharing your special day with us.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team