First Fridays returns on August 1 after a July 4 hiatus. This month attendees can move around Atlantic Avenue in style and comfort thanks to Councilwoman Rae Gabelich, who has booked the trolley car from George’s Greek Deli from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
As Bixby Knolls has quietly become Little Italy, with local Italian fare at Nino’s Italian Restaurant, La Vineria Italiana, Il Poggio, Trattoria Limone, and Café Bixby & Pizzeria.
Here’s a peek of what will be seen and heard at First Fridays, August 1. To get the detailed venue listings and artist profiles, visit www.firstfridayslongbeach.com.
• The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association will be showcasing the photos from the Summer Shutters Photo Contest at 4334 Atlantic (just north of Burlinghall). Enjoy refreshments and live music from Windy Ridge Bluegrass Band while viewing the photos.
• FreeSpirit Yoga, 3910 Atlantic Ave, will feature the work of local artists Susan Erikson Hawkins and the Clausen Family.
• Nino’s Italian Restaurant, 3853 Atlantic Ave, continuing the spirit of its 50th anniversary, will present the work of Douglas Ludwig. Additionally, the inaugural meeting of the Long Beach Press Club will be held at Nino’s from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Journalists who either work or live in the Long Beach area will gather to socialize and discuss issues important to their profession.
• Thor Antiques, 4122 Atlantic, will feature a new art exhibit and refreshments.
• Jammin’ Music, 3972 Atlantic Ave. Come out and experience the joy of communal music making. Jammin’ Music will provide hand drums and a variety of percussion instruments for audience members to keep the beat while the Jammin’ Music Players provides the melodies!
• Rickter Associates, 3920 Atlantic Avenue, will feature the artwork of Edward Scott Rickter and his wife, Carmen Rickter.
• Hensle Acupuncture, 3821 Atlantic Avenue, Suite F, will feature the art of Carlos Ramsey.
• It’s A Grind, 4245 Atlantic Ave, will feature live music from Babylon Blues, playing delta blues from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Events start around 6 p.m. Venues can be found on Atlantic Avenue between Bixby Road and San Antonio Drive.
