The Fayette County Public Library and the Friends of the Fayette County Public Library invite the public to attend the 12th Annual Blended Heritage Celebration, a free evening of performing arts at the Fayette County Public Library on Friday, February 26 at 6:30 p.m. As always, a very special evening of music, poetry, dance, and food is planned. The Blended Heritage Celebration is open to all, free of charge.

Featuring the theme “Soul Stir Fry,” the 2010 Blended Heritage Celebration dishes up a smorgasbord of local talent. Returning favorites include: poet and novelist Collin Kelley, reciting his theme poem, custom-written for the occasion; novelist Ferrol Sams, reading a humorous anecdote from his book in progress; and the Griffin Shape Note Singers, whose sonorous voices ring from the rafters. Storyteller Ernestine Brown provides a glimpse of poetic history. Among the musical guests for the evening are: vocal soloists Jennifer Perry and Penny Smith; blues duo The Pork Brothers; spoon-playing virtuoso Wayne “Rhythm Chef” Jones; and Eugenia Liu, playing the guzheng, a Chinese string instrument. John Jaramillo demonstrates traditional Aztec dancing, and the Fayette County High School Majestic Tigers step team showcases their award-winning routine.

Sound engineering for the show is provided this year by Tom Hardy, owner of Hardy’s Audio & Electronics in Williamson. Complimentary refreshments will be served after the performance, catered by A Touch of New Orleans Catering Service.

Presented annually since 1999, the Blended Heritage Celebration at the Fayette County Public Library has become a February tradition in Fayette County. Don’t miss this opportunity to get together with your neighbors, and rejoice in the spice, spark, and sizzle of all our cultural flavors.

The Fayette County Public Library is located behind the Fayette County administrative complex in downtown Fayetteville, at the southwest corner of Highways #85 and #54. For additional information, please contact the library at 770-461-8841.