Karol Forman in rehearsal for "Blues in the Night." opening on the LB Convention Center 10.22.21. Photo by Jackie Rae

This week on The Word on Long Beach with Jackie Rae we explore some arts and food experiences you will want to take advantage of in Long Beach.

1:28 – As we slowly get back to normal, it is time to get out and take advantage of the arts. A musical called “Blues in the Night,” opens this weekend at the Long Beach Convention Center. Karole Forman is not only an award-winning actress who has a role in the play, she is also a Long Beach Resident. We get to know her before the play opens this on Friday, Oct. 22. It runs through November, and you can pick up tickets here.

19:28 – According to a report by the House Committee on Small Business, between February and April of 2020, Black business ownership declined more than 40%, the largest drop across any ethnic group. Terri Henry, the executive director of Long Beach Food and Beverage, is doing what she can to make sure Black-owned restaurants in Long Beach get some much-needed attention. Henry, along with restaurateur Velika Turner, are organizing the inaugural first annual Long Beach Black Restaurant week. That will take place Jan. 23-30, 2022. If you would like to become a sponsor, or have your restaurant featured in Black Restaurant week, you can register here.

Unfortunately for Turner, she will be doing a pop-up during Black Restaurant Week. Her restaurant Derricks on Atlantic was one of the Black-owned businesses that wasn’t able to survive the pandemic. She is currently looking for a new location. If you can assist her in her search, please email her at [email protected].

https://soundcloud.com/thewordlb/music-and-food-are-in-full-swing-in-long-beach/s-nYoYcCLWTIB?si=52ccc2b8c78e4239b43e0af19dcf5712