Just up the road from the Taste of Buffalo, Lafayette Square and Washington Street will be buzzing this weekend with live performances, great food, and none other than James Earl Jones. What more could you ask for? Well, the immortal voice of Darth Vader will answer that question as Jones helps to promote literacy, reading and Buffalo’s history at the annual Buffalo Book Fair. The celebration kicks off Friday (July 6) evening at 6:30 with Books, Blues and Barbecue at the Central Library, featuring a full menu, cash bar, and local blues band Sonny Mayo and the Delta Drivers. The following day, Jones will open the event with a 10am inspirational address detailing his personal struggle to overcome a childhood speech defect, a victory that enabled him to later become the voice of Star Wars’ famous villain, The Lion King’s Mufasa and the Verizon spokesperson, along with winning Emmies, Golden Globes and countless other acting kudos. Dancers from the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts will perform, and a full day of celebrating Buffalo’s cultural and literary heritage will follow. Though the outdoor festivities are free and open to the public, for information on special event ticket prices visit wwww.buffalobookfair.com or contact the Book Fair Committee at 881-6066. So take a breather between cannolis and pierogis and come by to support this community initiative and get a deliciously entertaning taste of the region’s rich literary and artistic history.

Saturday, July 7 from 11am-7pm. Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square (858-8900).