Tour Des Artistes began way back when many artists had live/work spaces in what became the East Village Arts District. A handful still remain, but the event has outgrown its modest roots, and expanded into more of a festival, with music, exhibitions, discussions, live art making, and so much more.
Many venues will be playing host to the event, which takes place on Saturday, June 13th from 4 to 10 PM. Blank Blue, Deep Sea Diver, Eugene and the 1914, and Summer Darling will perform on the main stage, while Thinking Aloud, War Tapes, The Commotions, Su Blah Nu, and Parade of Lights will play in the beer garden. There’s also an acoustic lounge at Sipology, featuring performances by Adam Poe, Dave Robison, Alyssandra Nighswonger, Joseph Pausic, and a personal favorite of mine: Mareesa.
The 501 Linden Gallery is hosting works by the elusive and mysterious Skullphone, and Curtis Kulig. The 132 Linden Gallery and the Promenade Phantom Gallery are both hosting group shows.
For those of you fond of swank, there’s the VIP Bus Tour. Tickets include admission to the Museum of Latin American Art, The Long Beach Museum of Art, and snacks along the way.
One of the interesting components in the mix is Artmatters Long Beach, a moderated conversation about the impact of art on society led by Devin O’Neill.
Ground Zero for the event is South of 3rd Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Elm. Most events are free. Co-produced by EPKvision and RU Long Beach, and sponsored in part by the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency and Downtown Long Beach Associates, this should prove to be a well organized and fun event. Catch the bus, ride your bike (There’s a bike valet at the beer garden), or walk if you can. Free parking is available in the lot just North of broadway, just West of Elm.