LOS ANGELES (June 18, 2012) The California African American Museum (CAAM) and Target Stores presents the Target and CAAM July 4^th CAAM Celebration! – A Special Evening Program!, where Target Sundays at CAAM meets Independence Day Wednesday. The program will be from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., and co-hosted by comedian D’Lai and actor Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter.   CAAM encourages the community to bring the entire family to the largest fireworks extravaganza in Los Angeles to celebrate America’s 236^th birthday.  CAAM will reserve a spot on their lawn for event goers to watch the fireworks show. 

Co-host D’Lai is a world-renowned comedian who competed on season three of Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes?”  Ryan Cross, a gifted musician who specializes on acoustic bass, can be found playing with top Jazz musicians at venues such as the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, will be the Music Director for the evening program and will also perform.  Ryan is inviting special friends to join him including singer songwriter Judith Hill.  Spoken word talent, Patrick Bucknor will also perform.

CAAM’s galleries will open for the holiday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Starting at noon, local artist and educator, Teresa Toliver, will conduct an art workshop and Ryman Arts will also be leading a drawing class. Vendors such as Kettle Corn and Stuff will be on site all day, as well as others selling BBQ, desserts, the latest local fashion designs and much more.  For more information, log on to www.caamuseum.org or call (213) 744-7432 to RSVP.  Parking is $10 in the lot adjacent to CAAM.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS IN THE CAAM GALLERIES:

“Visual Rhythms” through July 1, 2012

“Promises of Freedom: Selections from the Arthur Primas Collection” through September 2, 2012

“The Legacy of the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company:  More Than a Business” through March 3, 2013

“Shared Thread/CAAM’s Courtyard” June 28, 2012 through December 30, 2012

“Lois Mailou Jones – A Life in Vibrant Color” July 12, 2012 through September 16, 2012

 “Gallery of Discovery” (multi-use education exploration space) ongoing

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, CAAM hosts in-house curated exhibitions and traveling exhibitions throughout the year.  CAAM also provides a diverse number of programs during the year including “Conversations at CAAM” and “Films at CAAM.”.  The museum also tours CAAM exhibitions through California and the nation.

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