Editor’s Note: As dictated to her dad, Long Beach Post Publisher David Sommers.

Here’s how it started.

Dad came home from the newsroom last week talking about how the editors needed someone to cover the Baby Shark Live! performance at the Terrace Theater this weekend. I was happy to volunteer him as a tribute.

Things got more complicated. You see, it was my birthday weekend. My 6th birthday weekend, actually. That’s right, the Big 0-6.

There were cakes to bake. Many, in fact. You know: nut allergies, gluten, dairy issues. But first, Dad and I needed to hit the town. And we hit it big this weekend.

We visited Justin Rudd’s annual sidewalk chalk art contest. We visited one of Long Beach’s best from the Best of Long Beach. We checked out the amazing fountains in front of our even more amazing convention center (thanks Charlie and Steve!). We had a visit from Christopher T. Magician, and his talented associates: Rubber Chicken and Oreo the Rat.

But most importantly, we took in a show. Listen, I know everyone is fired up that “Hamilton” is returning to the Pantages, but Baby Shark Live! is the hottest ticket in town. The whole Shark family was there, triggering memories of what you only thought was last year’s viral YouTube sensation. No, no… it’s back and you will get bitten by the magic of this musical journey.

If you think you missed your chance to catch the show, no worries. There are plenty of opportunities to sink your teeth into some tickets in another city on the 100-stop tour.

But enough Baby Shark. Here’s more from my big birthday weekend.

Saturday started early. I had to help dad make several cakes for my kindergarten pals, after all: vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free. Two types of frosting. Melissa Evans, the Long Beach Post Managing Editor, may have some mad cake baking skills, but I think I could take her down.
I consider myself to be an accomplished artist. In my youth, the walls around the house were my palette… until some creative differences with the gallery owners. Then I spotted these amazing artists at Justin Rudd’s 16th Annual Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest while I was strolling down 2nd Street Saturday afternoon. Wow!
Kiwi Nail Lounge is the community favorite in the Post’s Best of Long Beach awards, so naturally, I had to stop by and get my nails did for my party. Purple sparkle to match my glasses, of course.
My next stop was the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center to conduct the philharmonic fountains out front.
Can you believe I actually talked my dad into going to Baby Shark Live? No, seriously. It was awesome! And dad said it was awesome a full bar was available during intermission.
I made it! I really do have to hand it to the producers for turning a viral video into a full stage production. I don’t want to give too much away, but that plot! The tension! The music! Pinkfong finally finding his friend! A special shoutout to the jellyfish in the opening number, the bus mechanic and the dancing bananas. Onwards to my party!
Party time! I first met Christopher T. Magician this summer when the great folks at Long Beach Public Library invited him to my local watering hole, the Dana branch library. I knew he needed to headline my party and I reminded mom and dad seven times a day for three months, just to make sure they remembered. He was terrific! Look him up for your next corporate retreat or wedding reception. My friends loved it and, oh, that pesky chicken… well, you’ll have to find out for yourself.