In The Event That

You Love Vampires and Sunlight

by Christina Shaffer

The Twelve Tribes Compound Summit | Fri., Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m. and 10 p.m.-mid.; Sat., Feb. 14, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; Doubletree Hotel, 237 S. Broad St., neterutour.com

L.A. Banks thinks vampire literature like Twilight and True Blood could be a bit more realistic. Sure, her 12 books on vampires feature the beasts sucking blood, growing fangs and living at night, but they also incorporate actual events like Hurricane Katrina and the California wildfires.

Following the life of Damali Richard, an African-American vampire huntress, Banks uses daily affairs to explore themes of civil rights, Christianity and feminism. The latter is most evident in her main character, a powerful, sharp heroine who has no qualms about taking on drug lords or a council of vampires. Banks, a West Philadelphia native, hopes her novels about Richard will empower women and further literacy — two goals she's also taking on this weekend at the Twelve Tribes Compound Summit.

Kicking off Friday with a wine tasting and pajama party, the summit also features a performance by gothic hip-hop group 7th Layer, a discussion about the impact of vampire literature on society, and a bus tour of local landmarks highlighted in the novels. (Like a true Philadelphian, Banks thinks her hometown is interesting enough to set a whole series in.) Too much vampire power and not enough girl power for you? Proceeds are benefitting the Philadelphia School for Girls, Ms. Richard.