Literary Giant

Tulisoma, brothers and sisters. In Swahili, that means "we read." In South Dallas, that means a weekend of entertainment, politics, poetry slams and celebrity elbow-rubbing at the 6th Annual Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair & Arts Festival. Guest author readings cover topics on politics, children's fiction, literacy, romance, teen dating, violence, family spiritual healing, book illustrating and black heritage. Saxophonist David Carr Jr. and violist Richmond Punch spin a little mood music and a black Shakespearean troupe presents a taste of the Bard's immortal works. (I gotta say though, if he were here, I think the Bard would be sitting in on the youth poetry slam contest hosted by Dallas' No. 1 spoken word artist Mike Guinn—Will loved sampling contemporary issues in small bites and twists of phrase.) Events happen at different venues, from the African-American Museum to Emerald City Grill, South Dallas Cafe and St. Martin's Place, so plan your Saturday early so you don't miss your favorite events. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday (some "special events" begin as early as 8 a.m.), with a special gospel luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, at Fair Park, 3536 Grand Ave. Events are free to the public, except a couple of limited-seating $10 sessions. Call 214-670-7809 or visit tulisoma.com for schedule details.
Sat., Aug. 30, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., Aug. 31, 2008