30/01 February's First Friday

February 1st will be the next First Fridays Long Beach. Events are located on Atlantic Ave. between Bixby Rd. and just north of Burlinghall Drive in Bixby Knolls.



New Venue

Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association 4313 Atlantic Avenue, will be opening its doors as a venue for First Fridays and will feature:

Photography by Matt Reid Cohn

Matt Reid Cohn is a Long Beach native. He studied music at Millikan High School and the University of Southern California before embarking on a music career, which has now spanned 30 years. Matt Reid Cohn developed his photography skills during his travels, with the 1980’s L.A. based rock band "Berlin" and particularly enjoys photographing neon. His work has been published in the Washington Post and various Route 66 travel journals.





DJ Neon Hunter providing music

dj neon hunter

....gets his name from his nocturnal sojourns, seeking the glow of the neon light. He transmutes that vibration into his mixes. DJ Neon Hunter provides an eclectic blend of music and sound.. He's more "chill" than "frenetic," more "off-beat" than "predictable."

And he's never less than "just right." Feel him.







Chroma Glass Designs, 4242 Atlantic Ave. www.chromaglassdesigns.com

Chroma Glass Designs will host an artist reception from 7pm-10pm. Featured artists are painter Carol Hendriks and mixed media artist Dawn Morishige.



Carol Hendriks



I want to create tension through the use of color, composition and image. The act of taking a personal life experience and translating it into a visual expression transforms my perception. My goal as an artist is to reach out and in the act of sharing those perceptions, give birth to a new experience for myself as well as providing an arena for others to do the same.

Dawn Morishige



My work involves layering different materials. I use film, fiber photos, wood, metal, resin, paper, fabric, enamel, dry pigment, and acrylic medium. My pieces are either created in screen form, free hanging panels or layered etched film that create a 3 dimensional sculptural image. My work questions assumptions of imagery and category. My images are influenced by the pictorialists. The single tree, a blurred building, the haunting feeling of the familiar yet unfamiliar. My images are also influenced by the craft of design, particularly Japanese design.

Four Olives Café, 4276 Atlantic Ave. www.fourolivescafe.com



The Four Olives Café is proud to exhibit the works of Michael E. Gordon an award-winning self-taught photographer who devotes nearly all his photographic energy to his native state of California and to the places and objects found within. Michael E. Gordon will be available to meet customers and answer questions about his art between 7pm and 10pm February 1st. Live music for the event will be provided from 7pm to 10pm by The Scarlett and Dr. Bob Finney Jazz Combo.


Nino’s Italian Restaurant, 3853 Atlantic Ave., www.ninoslongbeach.com

February 1st First Fridays and Nino’s 50th Year Long Celebration Continues. Dining 4:00-11:00. Blue Steel Performance 7:00-10:00 Blue Steel is a locally popular upbeat party band who's members are Long Beach professionals including members of the Long Beach Police Department. Blue Steel was formed in January 1999 and they have performed at charitable events, corporate functions, private events and parties. Their widely popular selection of music includes rock classics, dance tunes and pop hits. Blue Steel has provided great music and atmosphere at several hundred successful events! Check our website at www.ninoslongbeach.com or call Nino’s directly at (562) 427-1003. www.bluesteelrocks.com



Freespirit Yoga, 3910 Atlantic Ave., www.freespirityoga.com 7pm-10pm

Joe Tapper



Freespirit Yoga will feature painter Joe Tapper a self-taught artist whose painting process is a slow evolution centered primarily on his emotional interaction with the world.


Chelsea De Vere



Also showing is Chelsea De Vere. and I am infected by art, I see it, express it and live it. I cannot seem to escape it nor do I want to. I am twenty-four years old and a full time student at Long Beach City College where I am a sponge for the arts, and general education. Art to me is prayer and spirituality. It is therapy, meditation and enjoyment as it tortures and gratifies me at the same time.


For complete information check the First Fridays Long Beach website at www.firstfridayslongbeach.com .

22/01 Literary Society in Bixby Knolls

A new Literary Society kicks off with their first meeting on Monday March 10th.

To Read Well is to Master the Ages

First Selection:
Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir
By
DJ Waldie
First Society Meeting:
Monday, March 10, 2008, 7:00pm
Nino’s Italian Restaurant
3853 Atlantic Avenue
Purchase this selection at Shore Books, 4270 Atlantic, (562) 424-5052
Guest Discussion Leader: Will Swaim, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, The District Weekly

The first 35 members to sign up will receive a copy of “Book by Authors,” an
anthology of creative works by local writers and artists. The book was conceived
and designed by Ryan Smolar, Smolarcorp, and partnered with the Long Beach
Public Library Foundation.

For more information call: (562) 595-0081 or email:
info@bixbyknollsinfo.com

16/01 Bixby Knolls Strollers

A new neighborhood walking club has popped in Bixby Knolls. Starting this Saturday, January 19, the club will start and finish at the Starbuck's on the corner of San Antonio and Atlantic. The walk starts at 7:30 am and travel down Atlantic and back. So come on out and get to know your neighborhood and your neighbor a little bit better.

This event will be ongoing and could turn into a runner's club as well. It's sponsored by the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association.