This month’s First Fridays celebration in Bixby Knolls will be a raucous event not to be missed. On Friday, February 6 the Mardi Gras-themed art walk will feature the annual crowning of the Mardi Gras king and queen, Councilmember Al Austin and his wife Daysha at Georgie’s Place at 7:00PM.
Face painting, raffles, crafts, music, poetry and a series of special art exhibits, not to mention “First Fridays After Hours,” will have you partying like it’s Fat Tuesday in NOLA.
Following the crowning, to be performed by none other than Shoreline Village’s Mardi Gras King (and Long Beach’s Mayor) Robert Garcia as well as last year’s royal court, Brina and Jahaziel Romero, the First Fridays Krewe will be led by the Dixie Six parade-style up and down Atlantic Blvd. Beads and boas are highly encouraged.
This First Friday’s featured work will include The Expo Arts Center’s exhibition, Black History Month: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, an extensive showcase featuring several special collections celebrating African heritage. The Historical Society of Long Beach will host their new exhibit, Comedy, Drama and the History of the Long Beach Playhouse. Metropolitan Design will host works by Squeeze Art Collective, while Toaster Music will perform at 6:30PM, joined by the Post Mortem Dancers in the North Gallery of Expo. The North Gallery will also feature visual art by Chris Stousland.
As far as the First Friday’s music scene is concerned, this month’s special guests will include The Cover Band, Earth Glow, Esko, Majic Bullet Theory, The Dixie Six and members of the Cambodian Music Festival. Jammin Music will be presenting their monthly showcase around 8:30PM, which will include The Conundrum, a truly one-of-a-kind hand-made musical sculpture sure to confuse, and of course delight, even the least musically-inclined individuals.
The Homeland Cultural Center will feature Dubs One spinning hip-hop and R&B on 3939 Platform #1, TALB will feature music and poetry, while you can browse through some vinyl at the Record Truck. Tap your foot to The Joe Simon Jazz Trio at Wilmore Wine Bar or stop by Hot Club at Georgie’s Place to dance up a storm. Nino’s will host artist Serena Dank and musical guests, Dear Eli.
After the businesses turn off their lights and start to close, the “First Fridays After Hours” will feature the restaurants that stay open into the late hours of the night. If you’re ready to party into the night, stop by Nino’s Italian Restaurant, The Factory, Willmore, Atun and EJ Malloy’s for food, drinks and even more music.
The crowning will take place at Georgie’s Place at 7:00PM, located at 3850 Atlantic Ave. For more information and schedule updates, click on the Facebook event page here.
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