The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association (BKBIA) will be opening its doors as the latest venue of the monthly community event First Fridays, which takes place Feb. 1 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The BKBIA will also be featuring the photography of Matt Reid Cohn, a Long Beach native whose photography skills developed with his 30 year music career. His work has been published in the Washington Post and various Route 66 travel journals.
Not only will the new participant be featuring art, but the association will also have music by “eclectic” DJ Neon Hunter, whose music is described as “chill” and “off-beat.”
Among the other local businesses joining the BIA are First Fridays veterans Four Olives Café, Nino’s Italian Restaurant, Chroma Glass and FreeSpirit Yoga.
Four Olives, located at 4276 Atlantic Avenue, is exhibiting the works of Michael E. Gordon, a self-taught photographer who devotes his photographic energy to his native State of California and to the places and objects found within. Live music for the event will be provided from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. by The Scarlett and Dr. Bob Finney Jazz Combo.
Nino’s Italian Restaurant will also have live music for their diners as it continues their year-long 50th anniversary celebration. Local performing group the Blue Steel Band will be entertaining guests with their mix of rock classics, pop hits and dance numbers. Nino’s opens at 4 p.m. for dinner and is located at 3853 Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls.
Chroma Glass Designs at 4242 Atlantic and FreeSpirit Yoga at 3910 Atlantic Avenue will both be featuring the works of multiple artists at their establishments. From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Chroma Glass will host an art reception for painter Carol Hendriks and mixed-media artist Dawn Morishige. Both artists use their mediums to reach out to others in their own unique way. FreeSpirit Yoga will feature artist Chelsea De Vere and painter Joe Tapper, who both connect emotionally and spiritually through their work.
Other Atlantic Avenue businesses extending their hours to participate in the event include the Richard Goad Theatre, Scrapbooking Sisters, Jammin’ Music, Thor Antiques, Shore Books and Tuttle Cameras. The BKBIA office is located at 4313 Atlantic Avenue.
For more information about First Fridays, visit www.firstfridayslongbeach.com.
