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Now—this weekend—would probably be a good time for all of us to be good to ourselves, not to mention each other.
This weekend, check out some stuff that’s restorative, some that’s recreational, some that’s recitational and some that’s dogs catching Frisbees in their mouths.
Go easy, everyone.
1. LONG BEACH ART WALK “WALK FOR VETS” (Saturday)
The massive community block-style party in East District spans about seven blocks, from Ocean Boulevard to 5th Street, where people can explore the six participating galleries, more than 30 businesses and dozens of popups lining the streets. There’s also a ton of live music and street performances that vary each year.
Taking over the East Village Arts Park will be a concert and a veterans photo exhibition by Rock For Vets, a music group comprised of veterans. The group is organized by The Rock Club Music is the Remedy, a nonprofit music program that aims to heal and enrich the lives of veterans and at-risk youth through music education and instruction. (Cheantay Jensen)
Another great thing: One gallery we recommend checking out is the newest art installation at the Dark Art Emporium. “Mutations: A Grotesque Group Show” features new works from 18 dark, surrealist artists from US and Mexico. We’re banking on there not being any white—or in this case black—space on the walls. Following the opening reception, which runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., there will be an afterparty at horror-themed pizza bar, The 4th Horseman. Perfect.
Giving us a moment’s pause: The LB Art Walk is kind of the perfect place for a date, or at least, you’d think so, given all the couples Asia Morris noticed kissing and hugging on every corner when she covered the event in July.
The Long Beach Art Walk takes over East Village this Saturday, Nov. 9 and runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Since the event spans several blocks, there are a number of places you could start from, including the East Village Arts Park at 150 Elm Ave. For more information and a map you can download, click here.
“Mutations: A Grotesque Group Show” opens at the Dark Art Emporium located at 256 Elm Ave. The exhibit is free and will be available for viewing until December 8. Following the reception will be an after-party at The 4th Horseman; 121 W. 4th St. Must be 21+ to come to the after party. For more information, visit the Dark Art Emporium’s Facebook event.
2. PEACE CORPS STORY SLAM (Saturday)
Everyone loves the Peace Corps. Its mission, its good works, its… um, its… are we really up with what it is they’re doing? C’mon, how much do you actually know about this unique, laudable institution, let alone the experiences of the volunteers who make it so?
At bookstore Page Against the Machine, this Saturday, you can be audience to an introduction and history of the Peace Corps from Natalie Smerkanich, who is an active Peace Corps recruiter in the South Bay/Long Beach region. Hear her retelling of her days in Palau from 2012-2014 as well as stories from other former volunteers of the do-good organization John F. Kennedy signed into existence nearly 60 years ago. (CJ)
Another great thing: There will be snacks! Yay, snacks.
Giving us a moment’s pause: Before you go and look up what Palau is on Google, we got you. It’s this tiny island planted in the middle of the Pacific Ocean that is kind of but also, not kind of, neighbors with the Philippines and Indonesia. Cool fact: Palauan society follows a strict matrilineal system, which means the tracing of kinship (i.e. family lines, inheritance and passing of traditional titles), is through the female line.
Peace Corps Story Slam is Saturday, Nov. 9 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Page Against the Machine, located at 2714 E 4th St. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, check out their Facebook page, here.
3. KONTRAPUNKTUS PRESENTS TELEMANN (Saturday)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxKTfvo6Uew
Normally, any visit by Kontrapunktus, the neo-Baroque orchestra primarily comprised of students from the prestigious Colburn School, would be a welcomed event. But, given the lingering sorrows of the last few weeks, this weekend’s performance at Grace First Presbyterian Church, seems somewhat providential.
Another piece of good news, the concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. is free, though you will need to register to attend. You can do that here.
The group will be playing the music of Georg Phillipp Telemann who, in his day, was every bit as popular and well-thought-of as his good friend, Johann Sebastian Bach. (They were so tight that Bach named Telemann godfather to one of his sons.) Of course, in the years, decades, centuries since, Bach’s reputation has far outstripped his friend in large part because, well, Bach.
Appreciation of Telemann began to increase in the early 20th century and has continued on since. Like Bach, his music, even when not specifically categorized as spiritual, has qualities that tend to speak to one’s soul. And brother, we could use some talking to these days.
Another great thing: Under the direction of esteemed early music harpsichordist, Dr. Ian Pritchard, Kontrapunktus’ performance is part of the “Music at the Point” concert series at the church. Give it up for Grace!
A moment’s pause: Just wondering what that moment was like when Georg was first hanging with Johann and Johann says “Hey, man, whattya think of this?” and plays a little something for Telemann and Telemann is like, “Oh, so that’s how it’s gonna be?”
Grace First Presbyterian Church is located at 3955 N Studebaker Rd. For more information, click here.
4. NAACP’s 40th FOUNDER’S GALA CELEBRATION (Saturday)
As you may have surmised, this is a significant event for a significant organization doing significant work in our city. The gala, held at the Long Beach Hilton, begins at 5:30 p.m. with the President’s reception, hosted by NAACP President Naomi Rainey-Pierson, which includes a silent auction.
The main program and awards begins at 7 p.m., with the recognition of 2019 honorees as well as President’s Award winners.
Another great thing: Tickets for members and seniors are $150 and nonmembers $200, with the money going to a great organization.
Giving us a moment’s pause: We’re good.
The Long Beach Hilton is located at 701 W Ocean Blvd. For more information, click here.
5. CHRIS PERONDI’S STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE (Sunday)
For the last 15 years, this traveling show, performing at Carpenter Performing Arts Center, has put on some of the most captivating stunt dog performances. What qualifies as a “stunt” for a dog? Well, frisbee catching, balancing acts, high-jumping, you know, dog stuff that’s earned them attention from both daytime and late night television like, “Ellen,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Queen Latifah Show” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” The show incorporates two dozen dogs, each showcasing their unique abilities and personalities. (CJ)
Another great thing: All of their stunt dogs are rescue pups—many saved from shelters and pounds across the country—and are trained by positive reinforcement through the use of a clicker, treat and toy motivation. An example that adoption is the way to go, although you don’t need to train your dog to do backflips, unless they want to, then by all means.
Giving us a moment’s pause: So unbelievably cute.
The Chris Perondi Stunt Dog Experience runs Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center located at 6200 E. Atherton St. The Carpenter Center is situated on the CSULB campus, so you’ll have to pay for parking, which is $10 (they recommend exact change if you’re paying with cash). Tickets for the show are $25, can can be purchased here. For more information, visit the Carpenter Center website, here.
6. POLYMER_ GROUP ART SHOW (Saturday)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3x_XUnpFOQ/
Pro skateboarder-turned-entrepreneur Mikey Taylor, his company Commune Capital and Long Beach-based clothing brand Polymer_ are throwing a group art show and fundraiser for Wilson High School’s arts program (Mr. Szeto, are you still there?!) Expect a raffle, refreshments, sounds by vinyl junkie Telegram Sam of The Slop Stomp and works by five artists, including Rose Park local Cody Lusby, whose portraiture was recently released as part of Metro Art’s “More People Than You Know” digital installation series along the refurbished A Line.
Don’t know if it gets much cooler than this: skaters, entrepreneurs, artists, all in one place, supporting youth and creativity and how it’s not just the physical making of the art that matters, but learning to apply a creative mindset to life in general. Entrepreneurship is creative, skating is creative, painting and designing is creative and all the more possible when a public school’s arts program is bolstered with that belief. We know this very well, as one of us here at the Hi-lo is a product of that very art program (cough, Asia).
A bit more on the artists showing on Saturday. Nicole Monk’s minimal lines, shapes and figures remind us a lot of our very own illustrator Jonny Bummers’ work, but perhaps a bit more conceptual, maybe even spiritual. Abstract artist, brand collaborator and children’s book author Steve Fawley’s work is bright and bold. Port City Tattoo artist Daniel Albrigo’s paintings are realistic, with subtle, fine-tuned shading to be appreciated. Ryan Russell Ward’s gorgeous, scribbly flower drawings are a sight to behold, while his more illustrative character work is also worth a gaze. (Asia Morris)
Another great thing: Much of the merchandise for sale will be limited-edition and inspired by Wilson High colors (so we’re assuming there will be a lot of maroon, yellow and khaki), some pieces are even uniform compliant so, if you’re a student, have at it! The art, of course, will also be for sale with a “significant percentage” of sales to be donated to Wilson’s art program.
Giving us a moment’s pause: Did you see the event’s beverage sponsors? Jarritos? Portuguese Bend? Saint Archer Brewing Co.? Gonna be a fun night.
The opening runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Polymer_ headquarters; 1565 Magnolia Ave. For more info, check out the event page here or on Instagram @thepolymer_program.
7. JACKY VINCENT AT TOXIC TOAST THEATRE (Friday)
Whenever Toxic Toast Theatre announces a new show, more often than not, it’s worth checking out. Aside from their remarkably polished all-ages venue (the only consistent one in the city), it’s headlining acts are typically distinguished enough to draw crowds from all over Southern California. In part because the venue needs to sign acts that promise a sizeable draw (they don’t serve alcohol and don’t take merch percentages from the bands), but also because Toxic Toast duo Andy George and Jacob Williamson share an eclectic taste in music they want to share with our greater live-music community.
This Friday, Toast welcomes Jacky Vincent. The English guitar player made his name playing guitar and singing backup vocals in pop-punk metalcore band Falling In Reverse, which he reportedly left in 2015 to focus on other projects. The musician put out a new solo record in August last year. His album, “Life Imitating Art” is a fully instrumental collection of 11 face-melting guitar solos, backed with some catchy electronic melodies.
Supporting Jacky Vincent is A Trigger Within, an electronic metal band fronted by Irish singer and multi-instrumentalist, Jimmy Trigger. Female-fronted symphonic metal band, Levinia will open the show. (CJ)
Another great thing: Adjacent to the venue is the Toxic Toast record store. So while you’re waiting in between sets, you can check out their selection of vinyl and—if she’s there—rub the belly of the shop’s mascot and namesake, sweet labrador, Toast.
Giving us a moment’s pause: You’ll want to bring earplugs to this one. At least for the kiddos, because owner Andy George will make you leave if you don’t. He’s not joking.
Toxic Toast Theatre is located at 755 Pine Ave. Tickets for the event are $12 if you buy online and $15 at the door. Show starts at 7 p.m. For more information check out their Facebook page, here.