BOOKS

• Oakland resident Jacqueline E. Luckett’s novel “Searching for Tina Turner,” was published Jan. 27. The novel is about a woman named Lena Spencer who appears to have it all: a rich husband, two children and a life of luxury. Despite her blessings, Spencer is unhappy.

To transform her life, she draws strength from Tina Turner’s life story. The hardcover book is $24.99 and available from Grand Central Publishing. Information: www. hatchettebookgroup.com, www. jacquelineluckett.com.

• Sapphire Webb’s new book — “Oh, That You Would Bless Me, Indeed: But…Who the Heck Are You?” — came out in early January via Kimble Publishing Group. Through the book, Webb aims to remove “the blinders from the eyes of Christians,” a press statement says, and shine the light of truth on the popular biblical story featuring the prayer of Jabez. Webb will discuss aspects of her book and answer questions at her book-signing party on Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1440 E. Imperial Ave., El Segundo. Hors d’oeuvres and cake will be served to attendees. Cost is $20. Information: (818) 489-0633, www. sapphirewebb.com.

MUSIC

• On the heels of his last album “Prayer for My Ancestors,” jazz saxophonist Azar Lawrence is scheduled to release his new CD, “Mystic Journey,” in February on Furthermore Recordings. On the recording, Lawrence was joined by Eddie Henderson, Gerald Hayes, Benito Gonzalez, Essiet Okon Essiet and the drummer Rashied Ali. Lawrence’s music has reached people throughout the country and world. To kick off the release of “Mystic Journey,” Lawrence is going on tour with a stop in San Pedro in March. The Azar Lawrence Quartet, featuring Gonzalez, will perform March 6, 8 and 10 p.m., at Alvas Showroom, 417 W. Eighth St., San Pedro. Suggested donation is $20. Information: (310) 519-1314, www.alvasshowroom.com. More information on Lawrence: www. azarlawrence.com.

FILM

• The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), America’s largest black film and arts festival, has announced actress CCH Pounder as its 2010 celebrity host. Taking place Feb. 10 through 17 in Los Angeles at the Culver Plaza Theatres, PAFF will present and showcase a broad spectrum of black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes of Africans and African Americans. In addition to the film festival, PAFF will present its art show Feb. 12 to 15 at the Westfield Culver Plaza, 6000 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, featuring more than 100 fine artists and craftspeople from around the world showcasing black fine art, sculpture, photography, handmade crafts, home furnishings, designer jewelry, designer fashions and accessories. Culver Plaza Theatres is at 9919 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Information: (310) 337-4737, www.paff.org.