EVERETT — Founded in December 1994, the Washington, D.C.-based company, Step Afrika, is critically-acclaimed for its efforts to promote an understanding of and appreciation for stepping and the dance tradition’s use as an educational tool for young people worldwide.

The ensemble will perform at the Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave. in Everett 7 p.m. April 19 and admission is free to all, thanks to Everett Community College’s 2008 Artist and Lecture Series.

Step Afrika is the first professional dance group in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping.

The final performance of the EvCC Artist and Lecture Series will feature Portland Taiko starting at 6 p.m. May 15 at the Everett Civic Auditorium, 2415 Colby Ave. The group is an award-winning Asian American drumming ensemble, and the only professional taiko company in the Pacific Northwest.

All performances in the 2008 Artist and Lecture Series are free and open to the public. The series is presented by Everett Community College’s Student Activities Office. For information call 425-388-9561.