February 3, First Fridays in Bixby Knolls
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! First Fridays on February 3 lets the good times roll and welcomes Long Beach Mardi Gras to Bixby Knolls. Enjoy Dixieland music, food, king cake, mask making, and plenty of beads to keep things festive. You are encouraged to stroll, dance, strut, walk, or skip while you follow Queen Rae and King James around Atlantic Avenue.
Stop into each business to collect the different beads and see all the great things being offered. Other ingredients of the night include: Live art, fabulous music, the reunion of the Knolls Ranger & Bixby Belle, improv comedy, drama & dance, Timstrument, interactive art projects, free books, gift items, antiques, Bixby Dixieland, beads, Big Red Bus, and plenty of the unexpected…all mixed together like gumbo.
Councilmember James Johnson’s “First Books at First Fridays” at the Dana Branch Library features our very own Bixby Belle as the guest reader beginning at 5:30pm.
Stop by Bella Cosa (3803Atlantic) from 6:30pm – 8:00pm to find all the information about First Fridays, maps, business info, and restaurant recommendations.
After the parade, "First Fridays Mardi Gras AFTER HOURS" begins! Nino's Italian Restaurant is hosting the “Long Beach Mardi Gras After Party" featuring New Orleans’ own Gumbo Brothers, Hurricanes, King Cake, dancing, costume contest and more. The Factory and EJ Malloy's also keep the Mardi Gras going late into the night with dinner, drinks, music, and community mingling. Stay out and join the fun! Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!…Let the Good Times Roll!
Dine on Art-Lantic Avenue at one of our tasty restaurants then grab the Big Red Bus that will transport you venue to venue from designated stops at the participating businesses.
VENUES
A Castle of Books
4302 Atlantic Avenue
562-448-2262
check out the vast selection of books and you can also pick out a FREE BOOK!
"We got white books, black books, Spanish books, yellow books, hot books, cold books, romance books, tight books, big books, horror books, fat books, scary books, crime books, kids books, silk books, Naugahyde books, snappin' books, horse books, dog books, mule books, fake books! If we don't have it, you don't want it!”
About U
4342 Atlantic
First Friday in Bixby Knolls at About "U" Boutique
We have great gifts for Valentine’s Day - Silver Jewelry, Murano glass jewelry, Spanish art and lots more!
Print this page and receive $5.00 on purchases over $25.00.
Enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers and live music.
See you all there!!
Aura Thai
4085 Atlantic Avenue #C
562-426-3000
Best new Thai eatery in Bixby Knolls!
Millikan High School Jazz Band
The award winning Music Department at Millikan High School offers one of the most competitive programs in the Long Beach Unified School District. Our ensembles travel to festivals throughout the Southern United States, competing with schools from around the nation. In addition, Millikan offers the complete theatre experience by producing a major musical,each year, which includes drama, dance, vocal music, instrumental music and stage. These productions have included, Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Guys, and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors and Bye Bye Birdie. The Millikan family includes our Orch-a-band parent booster club, Amadeus student music club, and our outstanding faculty, which works together to support and meet the needs of our music students. The Music program at Millikan is designed to help our students grow and mature into well-rounded musicians and individuals.
Averyboo Arts
3908 Atlantic Ave
First Fridays Information Center
Find all the information about First Fridays, maps, business info, and restaurant recommendations.
Bella Cosa Boutique
3803 Atlantic Avenue
562.426.2100
website
The Southern Corner of First Fridays has it all! Check out the local artists and vendors!
DJ Phil – spinning the swingest Mardi Gras tunes this town has ever heard
Bella Pizza LB
(previously Red Brick Pizza)
4085 Atlantic Avenue #B
562-283-0152
BEADS!
Millikan High School Jazz Band
The award winning Music Department at Millikan High School offers one of the most competitive programs in the Long Beach Unified School District. Our ensembles travel to festivals throughout the Southern United States, competing with schools from around the nation. In addition, Millikan offers the complete theatre experience by producing a major musical,each year, which includes drama, dance, vocal music, instrumental music and stage. These productions have included, Hello Dolly, Fiddler on the Roof, The Sound of Music, Guys, and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors and Bye Bye Birdie. The Millikan family includes our Orch-a-band parent booster club, Amadeus student music club, and our outstanding faculty, which works together to support and meet the needs of our music students. The Music program at Millikan is designed to help our students grow and mature into well-rounded musicians and individuals.
Bixby Exchange
4350 Atlantic Ave
BKBIA Office
4313 Atlantic Ave
562-595-0081
website
Majic Bullet Theory
Founded by Trumpeter/Producer Dave Williams in 2002, MajicBulletTheory is a collective of Highly Skilled Jazz/Funk Musicians, specializing in Original Works and Jazz/Pop Standards...A Jazz Sextet/Septet, augumented by Turntabilism, MBT has a unique, memorable, infectious sound that resonates with people from all walks of life.
http://www.facebook.com/mbtjazz
Cafe' Bixby & Pizza
3900 Atlantic Avenue
562-427-2233
Mardi Gras Dinner Special: the tastiest Jumbalaya this side of the Atlantic Ave
The KOMBIs
The Kombis play music from all eras, in all styles, on unique instrumentation. Artists covered include: The Beatles, Coldplay, Haircut 100, The Eagles, James Taylor, Green Day, Led Zeppelin (have you ever heard Kashmir played on mandolin?), The Cure, Fleetwood Mac, Elvis (both of 'em), CCW, Steely Dan and the list goes on.
Steve Desmond has been performing in both original and cover bands for many years. His voice is rich and distinct and his ability to capture the essence of a song is superb. He's been called a human jukebox because of his extensive repertoire of songs. Bobby Bancalari is a classically trained musician who wanted to become a rockstar. So, his influences include Bach, Biber, Emerson Lake & Palmer and Earth, Wind & Fire, to name an eclectic few. Though proficient on many instruments (plays a mean Hammond organ, too), he really shines on the mandolin. Mel Bay named him "one of the best mandolinists in the world" in a 2000 publication.
http://www.myspace.com/thekombis
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
4105 Atlantic Ave
562-492-9020
BEADS!
Stephan Kosal - singer, song writer, guitar, bass, and drum player. He has played solo acoustic shows and different instruments for different bands. He has a coffee shop and jazz club ambience. His music is inspired by the battles of everyday life while being positive in overcoming it.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephen-Kosal/341705122516928
Dana Library Community Room
3680 Atlantic Avenue
562-570-1042
website
Councilmember James Johnson’s “First Books at First Fridays” at the Dana Branch Library begins at 5:30pm.
Special Guest Reader: Bixby Belle
Bring the family for reading fun at First Books at First Fridays, a monthly event held at Dana Branch Library.
Take advantage of the Library’s special late hours for another fun First Books at the Dana Branch Library. Bring the whole family as we promote literacy in the 7th District and the City of Long Beach. Don't forget your library card!
Edward Jones
3916 Atlantic Ave
EJ Malloys
4306 Atlantic Avenue
562-424-5000
website
TED Bluegrass band
BEADS!
Special Mardi Gras Drink: the Hurricane
Elise's Tea Room
3924 Atlantic Avenue
532-424-2134
King Cake, $3 a slice – find the plastic baby and win a prize!
Held2Gether Comedy Improv presents Groundhog or Woodchuck?
It doesn't matter if the groundhog sees his shadow or not... there'll be free, family-friendly improv comedy at Elise's Tea Room for February First Fridays! Sorry, no rodents permitted at this event.
Dining 6:30pm
Show starts at 7:30 pm
http://www.held2gether.com/shows/show2.htm
http://www.facebook.com/events/303393646368962/
Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio
3740 Atlantic Avenue
562-424-2444
website
This is a wonderful time to visit the Everyday Zen Relaxation Studio space and meet our staff. And of course, come try our delicious organic tea. Also, we will be offering FREE chair massages, tarot readings and face mapping!
The Art of Teresa Downer
Teresa was born in 1968 in the sunny San Fernando Valley and has spent her whole life in southern California. As the youngest child born into an artistic family, her desire to create was ignited at a very young age. Although she graduated from California State University Northridge with a degree in apparel design, she always gravitated more towards her illustration and textile design classes. It was here that she also learned manipulation of fabrics which she later transitioned into manipulation of papers which can be seen in her art today. She spent many years working in the fashion design and wholesale industry of clothing and shoes, and that experience has influenced her art as well. With her dimensional collage pieces she is able to get lost for hours manipulating and cutting recycled papers, fabrics, wire, and other found objects and combining those with a mix of acrylic paints to create her images within shadowbox spaces. She loves the uninhibited feeling this type of art gives her as it allows her to work with a variety of materials in unlimited ways.
EXPO Arts Center
4321 Atlantic Avenue
562-595-0081
The EXPO Arts Center is proud to be hosting a solo art exhibit by fine artist and English native Geoffrey Kieran for the month of February 2012. The show, in the main hall of the EXPO Arts Center, will open to the public during the First Friday Art Walk February 3 and will run through February 25, 2012. Geoffrey will be featured in the Artist Reception on February 18, 2012.
Geoffrey Kieran is a mixed medium sculptor/painter who creates artwork mainly out of found objects, most of newer works are part of a series called “Staurolatry” which is defined as the study or worship of the cross or crucifix. Geoffrey’s work is, about weaving textures and objects, (many times crosses) together to create something visceral, it’s about provoking an aesthetic that creates an emotional response, either good or bad and it’s about topics he is passionate about like pollution, subversion and religion. He uses the cross shape not only as a symbol, but literally as well and the use of the cross is not meant to be a positive or negative statement concerning religion, but only to provoke questions about people’s beliefs.
http://picasaweb.google.com/limeygman
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/geoffrey-kieran.html
http://www.artslant.com/global/artists/show/167330-geoffrey-kieran
ART Exchange - watercolor painting with oil pastel resistant with the ability to make a t-shirt from the artwork
Mardi Gras Headquarters
6:30-7:30 gather here to get ready for the parade!
Buy your Beads!
Make your masks!
Listen to the GUMBO BROs' Mardi Gras music
7:30 parade heads out to Atlantic for the strolling Mardi Gras Parade
BEADS!
The Factory
4020 Atlantic Avenue
562-595-4020
BEADS!
FAT TUESDAY COUNTDOWN
Drink Special – Hurricanes
Menu Specials – Chipotle Grilled Fish Tacos, Cajun Paella, Bayou Burger
WATCH THE GAME! LAKERS v. DENVER at 7:30 p.m.
Outside on the Patio Digital Installers will show the GAME PROJECTED on the BUILDING!!!!
www.digitalinstallers.com
First Bank
4040 Atlantic AveYour one stop shop for Mardi Gras preparation! Come make masks, have your face painted and grab a balloon before you march in the Mardi Gras parade.
Mask Making, face painting & balloon artist!
FreeSpirit Yoga
3910 Atlantic Avenue
562-989-9959
Come meet our new owners at our FSY Open House!
Mini Yoga classes will be held at 7pm and 8:45pm.
Join our current students in trying out Yoga for the first time, come back if you haven’t joined us in awhile!
G & G Studios
4122 Atlantic Ave
BEADS!
Look like a real Mardi Gras participant with Beads and your own unique mask! Masks will be available 1 for $3, 2 for $5, or 3 for $7.
Or for $10 have a custom mask painted on by our resident make up artist, Myra Penate.
Trim your bangs to look your best during the Mardi Gras parade for $5
Don't forget about our toy drive! We are now accepting lightly used bicycles and scooters!
Artist: Mary Jane Sesto
Gallery Expo @ Expo
4321 Atlantic Avenue
562-208-4226
Georgie’s Place
3850 Atlantic Avenue
562-426-9115
Music: Hot Club du Bop - music for you to dance the night away to
Giltcomplex Antiques
4270 Atlantic Avenue
562-427-2290
Music & Antiques
Historical Society of Long Beach
4260 Atlantic Avenue
562-424-2220
www.hslb.org
Long Beach Day Nursery Centennial exhibit
The HSLB and the Long Beach Day Nursery present this exhibition of historical photographs, toys, and quilts to tell the story of LBDN. The exhibit honors Executive Director Emeritus Mary B. Soth — with great enthusiasm and tireless dedication, Mary led LBDN from 1979 to 2000.
The exhibit runs through December 2012.
It’s A Grind Coffee House
4245 Atlantic Avenue
562-981-0028
website
LONG BEACH UNPLUGGED
the Duet Featuring:
Alonzo Xzavier & Arlan Boll
No Sequencing,
No Big Amps,
No Lip Sync,
No EFX
Just some troubadour musicians from the LBC area crankin’ out good tunes on acoustic instruments.
Jammin’ Music & Arts
4228 Atlantic Avenue
562-490-0222
BEADS!
Rock School group
The Jammin' Music Rock School is comprised of 5 uber-talented kids between the ages of 12-17 (Miya Parry, lead vocals, Jacob Mandel, guitar, Christian Bourdeau, guitar, Gabriel Bourdeau, bass, and Myles Parry, drums) who will be rocking the house at our January First Fridays! From oldies to classic rock to modern alt rock, these kids can play it all. Come and show your support for these young Long Beach musicians at our January First Fridays!
Jones Gallery
4321 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach Clothing Company
4218 Atlantic Avenue
562-988-5900
website
BEADS!
Long Beach Shakespeare Co.
Richard Goad Theater4250 Atlantic Ave
Melinda McCoy's Flowers
611 E. Carson St.
562-424-0901
website
Classic cars line the front of the store, Beautiful window display for Valentine’s Day, and BEADS!
Sultans Car Club of Long Beach
Starting in 1962 at Jordan High School, the club has been displaying their cars locally. In 1991 the club reactivated and has been going strong ever since, participating in car shows all over Southern California.
Melinda McCoy’s will have over 10 of the Sultans classic cars on display!
http://lbsultans.com/home.html
The Mirage Mediterranean Grill
539 E. Bixby Road
562-424-4774
Let the Good Times Roll
Let's celebrate Mardi Gras Bixby Knolls style with Michelle, Ange and Steve at the Mirage for First Fridays! Be in the parade, get some beads, hear great music and eat wonderful food! (8-10pm)
Come dressed in your best Mardi Gras costume and win prizes!!
Nino’s Italian Restaurant
3853 Atlantic Avenue
562-427-1003
Special: Hurricane, the Mardi Gras cocktail
AFTER HOURS at Ninos ... 10 pm - ?
Featuring Gumbo Bros. – dance to the sounds of Mardi Gras into the wee-hours of the morning
* Mardi Gras Menu
* $5 Hurricanes
* Costume Contest
* King Cake
* Beads! Beads! Beads!!!
Pixie Toys
3930 Atlantic Avenue
562-490-0702
Vangie Ogg Photography website
Reptiles Unlimited
4236 Atlantic Ave
Looking to plan a Reptile Party, stop in to Reptiles Unlimited to begin planning yours!
www.reptilesunlimited.com
Rick Wickeds
4234 Atlantic Ave
BEADS!
Roy Robbins Gifts & Stationery
4244 Atlantic Avenue
562-424-2210
website
DJ Phil - keeping the Mardi Gras ambiance flowing while you shop for Valentine's Gifts
Gary Mraz - Artist
canvas & hardwood acrylics
Salon Medusa
4232 Atlantic Avenue
562-427-7977
website
Viva Carnaval!
Come celebrate Mardi Gras with Salon Medusa from 7-9pm
Enjoy food and drinks! Our stylists will be creating colorful artsy hair, perfect for Mardi Gras parties!
Check out the newly remodeled studio!
Salon 36
4136 Atlantic AveStarbucks
4406 Atlantic Ave
The WORKSHOP
4242 Atlantic AvenueRide your bike to First Fridays and use the bike valet station
Bike LB – free basic bike maintenance 6-9pm
