Poets, young punks, photographers, painters, politicos, guitars, B-boys, Django Reinhardt, and a new art gallery make up the September 5 First Fridays event in Bixby Knolls. Mike the Poet also returns this month to make a guest appearance on the Gabelich Trolley, reciting his beat poetry for guests riding up and down Atlantic Avenue. Guests can pick up the trolley at designated stops at the participating venues.
Here’s a peek of what to see and hear at First Fridays on September 5. To get the detailed venue listings and artist profiles, visit www.firstfridayslongbeach.com.
Long Beach Arts, 4332 Atlantic Avenue, invites the public to the grand opening of its new location in Bixby Knolls. LBA recently relocated from downtown and plans to partner with the community and showcase new exhibits every First Friday of the month. The inaugural exhibit is “Works on Paper,” which includes 39 pieces of art. Enjoy refreshments and live music from Hot Club De Bop.
FreeSpirit Yoga, 3910 Atlantic Ave, will feature two artists: Lynne Scholnick with her series of paintings on wood, and Barry Rothstein with his three-dimensional photography in a relatively new format called a “photographic phantogram.” Phantograms are the pop-ups of photography.
Nino’s Italian Restaurant, 3853 Atlantic Ave, continuing the spirit of its 50th anniversary, will be offering an eclectic mix of art and music. Artwork includes “Fifth Flyers: A History of Long Beach Punk Flyers” by Paul Shara, new works by Tom Vadakan and Michelle Vavonese, live music from Fifth Story Tenants, The Bolides and mysterious Jam cover band Not From The Jam. A DJ will be on hand to drop additional beats on everyone. Music starts at 8 p.m.
Gallery THOR at THOR Antiques, 4122 Atlantic Avenue, will be featuring art by two local artists; paintings by Mike Rivero and sculptures by Susan Erikson Hawkins, as well as art by other well known and listed artists. Wine, light appetizers, and homemade desserts will also be served.
Jammin’ Music, 3972 Atlantic Ave., will be presenting their latest Beginning Rock Band graduates, Punx Hour. Punx Hour is an all-girl group between the ages of 10 and 14 on guitar, bass, drums, violin and saxophone who will entertain with a short but entertaining set. The Jammin’ Music Players will round out the evening, inviting all audience members to participate on hand drums in a communal music making experience.
Hensle Acupuncture, 3821 Atlantic Avenue, Suite F, will feature the photography of Russell Latimer. Live entertainment will be provided by Jonah Smith and visitors can partake of some appetizers and refreshments.
Historical Society of Long Beach, 4260 Atlantic Avenue, will be open from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. showcasing its latest exhibit entitled “Suburban Architecture of Roberts, Jones, Power, Lockett, & Poper.” The exhibit is arranged in sections, focusing on the architects, the Elizabethan Studio in which some of the architects worked, the houses of worship they designed, and a digital slide show celebrating other work in the city compiled by the AIA Long Beach / South Bay Chapter, Long Beach Design Forum and Studio One Eleven. The work of these architects can be found throughout the city. Using photos, plans, and narrative the exhibit illustrates how the city grew and the impact of these architects on the city’s commercial and residential spaces.
Rickter Associates, 3920 Atlantic Avenue, will feature the artwork of Edward Scott Rickter and his wife, Carmen Rickter. Edward has a keen eye for photography and has created a collection of photography experiences from his global travels over the past 35 years. Carmen, will be displaying her portrait art. Primarily self-taught, she has applied her talent and education towards “renaissance quality” portraiture.
It’s A Grind, 4245 Atlantic Avenue, will feature live music from Chris “Hound Dog” Stevens, playing real American music (folk and Americana) from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
L’ Exotique Appeal, 3846 Atlantic Avenue, will showcase a hands-on demo of new cosmetics and facial art tips from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as wine, appetizers and a five-percent discount in the entire store.
Events start around 6 p.m. Venues can be found on Atlantic Avenue between Bixby Road and San Antonio Drive.
