First Fridays is back to give Bixby Knolls its monthly dose of art and entertainment. The April 4 event grows each month with numerous participants staying open along Atlantic Avenue.
Four Olives Café, located at 4276 Atlantic Avenue, will exhibit the work of Aden Laer, who has traveled worldwide studying photography and then following his passion for painting.” The artist will be available to talk about his work from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live music will be provided by The Scarlett and Dr. Bob Finney Jazz Combo.
Nino’s Italian Ristorante, located at 3853 Atlantic Avenue, opens early for happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The banquet room will feature an artist reception from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for photographer Bill Wilson and painter Maria Cruz. Later in the evening, the stage will showcase jazz vocalist Denise Anya from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association on 4313 Atlantic Avenue will feature the photography of Donna Santisi, an internationally published photographer who has been exploring the photographic side of the rock music scene since the early 1970s. DJ Neon Hunter will also be back with his eclectic mix of beats and soundscapes to entertain guests.
FreeSpirit Yoga, located at 3910 Atlantic Avenue, will feature artists Joanie Merriman and Johanna Tramazzo.
Hobby shop Mod-L-Mania on 3908 Atlantic Avenue will continue its “Best Jazz Records of All Time Series,” featuring Miles Davis’ Birth of the Cool, and John Coltrane’s Blue Train. Guests will enjoy refreshments as well as album liner notes while listening to the CDs.
The Historical Society of Long Beach, located at 4260 Atlantic Avenue, will be open until 9 p.m. to showcase the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition “The Way We Worked.”
The Richard Goad Theatre, located at 4250 Atlantic Avenue and home of the Long Beach Shakespeare Company, is announcing a new show of great original poster art from the world-famous Polish School of Posters.
It’s A Grind at 4245 Atlantic Avenue, will have live music from Lars and Friends from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. A frequent customer of the Bixby Knolls coffeehouse, Lars plays acoustic contemporary music.
THOR Antiques, located at 4122 Atlantic Avenue, will feature art, light appetizers and wine.
The Mirage Café, located at 539 Bixby Road, will host its weekly open mic night. Poets and musicians are welcome to participate.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. in venues along Atlantic Avenue between Bixby Road and San Antonio Drive. For information, visit www.firstfridayslongbeach.com.
