We all know that actions speak louder than words, so this week is all about sipping and swishing and signing and taking the perfect photo in the enormously oversized Christmas ornament, because, you know, happy.
Also, a programming note, regarding item No. 2—Belmont Shore Christmas Parade—we’ll be there, and by there we mean, all up in it, in the parade, because, you know, important.
Come out and say hi or whatever it is people say who are awed in the presence of Parade Folk.
1. LONG BEACH SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’S ASL LITERATURE SLAM (Friday)
Every first Friday, this happy few at LB Shakespeare puts on an evening showcasing the beauty of poetry and literature as interpreted through American Sign Language. The public is not only welcome to attend the free event and witness this very unique, beautiful form of expression but eligible to get on stage and share their stories, poems, humor or reminiscences about that time in college they did that thing, that changed the thing, that changed everything. But, for that, you’ll need to email LBSCat: [email protected].
You should do it. We love that story about that thing! (Steve Lowery)
Another great thing: The event takes place from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Helen Borgers Theatre, which just so happens to be in Bixby Knolls, which will just so happen to be putting on its very fun First Fridays event before, during and after this event, so, you can just drop on by and drop on in.
Giving us a moment’s pause: We’re good.
The Helen Borgers Theatre is located at 4250 Atlantic Ave.
2. BELMONT SHORE CHRISTMAS PARADE (Saturday)
The theme of the 37th Annual Belmont Shore Christmas Parade is “Your Holidays Start on 2nd” and it figures to be rife with what’s made the previous 36 so much fun: kids spilling into the street, parents attempting to corral said kids, cheers, waves, high-fives, holiday lights, snow-like confetti spewed into the “cold” night air, high school bands putting on their best show, the drum corps rallying the crowd, teenagers crowding the no longer-Jack in the Box parking lot. It just doesn’t get much better, or traditional, than this.
Not to mention, Beverly O’Neill, Long Beach’s only three-term citywide elected mayor, will serve as Grand Marshal, while parade floats will be judged on spectator appeal, execution of theme and originality of design. (Asia Morris)
Another great thing:
More than 200 humans and their corgis are expected to march in the parade, the sixth time SoCal Corgi Nation has brought its army of low-riding fuzzy buddies to waddle, walk and, hopefully, not sploot—it’s not what you think, Google it—up and down Second Street. Dressed to the nines in their most festive holiday apparel, expect corgi pawticipants in Santa hats, tacky Christmas sweaters, riding in decked out Corgwagons, complete with lights, garlands, tinsel… you get it.
Giving us a moment’s paws: Pet puns.
Giving us a moment’s pause: As we mentioned, this event will be lousy with Long Beach Post personnel. The entire staff will actually be in the parade, though we’re not sure if we’ll be riding, marching, strolling or doing that 2nd Street thing where you just keep moving without making eye contact with anyone. Also, our own Tim Grobaty will, once again, be providing live commentary about the parade to the assembled. Some of Tim’s gems from parades past: “Hey, look at that!” and “Well, will you look at that!” as well as “Why aren’t my work colleagues making eye contact with me?”
The parade begins on Livingston Drive and runs along Second Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Belmont Shore side streets will be closed at 3 p.m. while Second Street will be closed to traffic at 4:30 p.m. Livingston from Termino Avenue to Second Street will be closed off at 2 p.m. For more info, visit the event page here.
3. THE ART OF PAIRING (Sunday)
What exactly is the best glass of wine to sip while perusing a gallery? Sommeliers Scott Fisher of L ‘Opera and Chad Alger of the Riboli Family of San Antonio Winery and one other mystery sommelier aim to enlighten you and your taste buds at this unique tasting. A selection of works by oil painter Danielle Eubank, accented with glass sculptures by Joe Cariati, will be paired with red and white wine from last year’s American Winery of the Year award winner, San Antonio Winery. The wine has been selected by the sommeliers to complement each distinct art piece based on their colors, tone and overall impression. Sniff, sip and swish as you gaze upon the art. After, you, the rest of the crowd and guest judges Cameron Sabrosos of Utopia and Ryan Hughes of 4th Horseman decide which libation complemented your experience the best. (Cheantay Jensen)
Another great thing: Light appetizers will be provided by Restauration and music by Rob Covacevich, member of the Seafunk Brass Band, the Moonjellies and a founding member of Delta Nove.
Giving us a moment’s pause: Featured artist Danielle Eubank’s vibrant collection, “One Artist Five Oceans” is a culmination of 20 years spent sailing across all five of our oceans, painting her observations and experiences in order to raise awareness about the state of the oceans and climate change. If that’s not for a labor of love, we’re not sure what is.
The Art of Pairing is Sunday, Dec. 8 at C Gallery Fine Art; 441 E. Broadway. The event is free and runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
4. THE BEST DANG GINGERBREAD VILLAGE (Saturday-Sunday)
Since 2013, Isaac Salgado has spent more than 300 hours each year constructing a massive gingerbread village to install in a Downtown business during the holidays. This year’s design started later than anticipated, said Isaac’s wife, Mariela Salgado, but they, and a group of volunteers, family and friends managed to complete the towering sugar, flour, hard candy and chocolate structures in time to impress passersby as well as Long Beach Coffee & Tea customers.
Three individual wooden frames, built by fellow Willmore City Heritage Association (WCHA) board member Hulean Tyler, support the 350-pound, 15-foot long gingerbread city; Isaac’s largest display yet since he started building the villages six years ago. Each structure—there are 37 gingerbread homes and buildings, some including images of military branches, a nod to Long Beach Coffee & Tea co-owner and retired Marine Tom West, takes anywhere from five to eight hours to complete. (AM)
Another great thing: The village not only serves to impress viewers but seeks to support a small business during the holidays by increasing foot traffic. Last year, Romeo Chocolates hosted the towering sugar structure.
It also aims to promote WCHA’s annual Winter in Willmore event on Dec. 14. There’s more info on that in “The 7” holiday edition below.
Giving us a moment’s pause: “While it may smell delicious… we don’t recommend you taking a bite,” said Mariela.
Learn more about the making of the gingerbread village here. It’s on view Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Long Beach Coffee & Tea; 480 Pine Ave. For more viewing dates, click here.
5. TERRACE THEATER HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAY (Monday-Sunday)
In preparation for the 5th annual Christmas Tree Lighting, the plaza in front of the Performing Arts Center has been decorated with a twinkling holiday lights display. Giant glowing bows and reindeer, massive twinkling ornaments you can walk through, or take photos inside, along with a smattering of luminous Christmas trees floating on the massive water feature leading up to the theater.
Oh, and there’s a 50-foot Christmas tree. Hard to miss. If you’re still looking for the perfect location to snap that perfect holiday photo, this is kind of the perfect place. (CJ)
Another great thing: Decorations will be up all month.
Giving us a moment’s pause: Ideally, you’ll want to aim to take your photos just before dusk, about 4:30-ish. This lighting is far more pleasant for photos, with the sky a striking shade of dark blue and just enough light to keep the image of yourself crisp without washing out the glow of the lights. Even more ideal, though, is to bring a small standing light to illuminate the foreground. If you don’t have one, well, you actually do: it’s the flashlight on your phone.
The Performing Arts Center is located at 300 E Ocean Blvd.
6. UPTOWN VILLAGE MARKET (Friday-Saturday)
Depending on your family, originality can go a long way when it comes to gift giving. If that’s the case for you, this two-day festival is a must-go, with all things handmade, from clothing and handbags to art, pottery and home goods, sold by artists and creators Friday and Saturday at the EXPO Arts Center. This is the 15th Uptown Village Market, offering not only indoor and outdoor shopping but live music, a game station, craft centers and food trucks. (AM)
Another great thing: Opening night on Friday will be held alongside all the First Fridays festivities up and down Atlantic Avenue, so prepare yourself for crowds, holiday music on every corner, art by local artists at The Allery, cider and hot chocolate and… simulated snow.
Giving us a moment’s pause: Potential hangry-ness. The food truck lineup and “other food booths” have yet to be announced, so maybe bring a snack just in case? Low blood sugar while shopping is… let’s just say, the worst for any relationship. Maybe go to this one alone?
Uptown Village Market is open Friday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at EXPO Arts Center; 4321 Atlantic Ave. For more info, click here.
7. THE PARK THE VAN HOLIDAY SOIREE (Saturday)
Nope, that’s not a misprint. Since the announced hiatus of the Music Tastes Good Festival early this year, we haven’t heard much from the group that put on the delectable music festival. Until now. Christopher Watson, former creative director of Music Tastes Good and founder of local record label Park the Van has teamed up with the Music Tastes Good team and Fingerprints Music to bring you a free show stacked with a solid lineup of indie artists representing the unique tones of musicians toting the Park the Van record label. One man show, BOYO from Los Angeles, will headline with acts by local garage rock group Dustin Lovelis followed by Nik Freitas (former member of Jenny Lewis’ band), Tino Drima from San Francisco and New Zealand transplant Emily Edrosa.
“Hopefully this is the first in many MTG promoted events throughout Long Beach until the next festival happens, which we hope happens again,” Watson said.
Because a Music Tastes Good event wouldn’t truly be a MTG event without something yummy to eat, parked out front of Alex’s Bar will be the Breakers Roadshow Food Truck slinging American street cuisine specially crafted by Executive Chef David Coleman. (CJ)
Another great thing: All of the artists on the lineup either just released a new album or have one in the works slated for 2020. (Yay, new music.)
Giving us a moment’s pause: Please, let there be a MTG 2020.
Park the Van Holiday Soiree with BOYO, Dustin Lovelis, Nik Freitas, Tino Drima and Emily Edrosa is at Alex’s Bar; 2913 E Anaheim St. The free event runs from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.