Eclectic, Funky, Soulful, Experimental, Home-Grown, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Acoustic, Western, Tribal, Electronic, Noise; if any one of those words appeal to you when it comes to music then First Fridays is the place to be this week for sure! Those are all the words that can be and are used to describe anyone of the numerous music acts lined up for this growing, monthly event that transforms the Bixby Knolls section of Atlantic Avenue into "Art-lantic Avenue." [Blame Blair Cohn for that one].

Those of you who have attended First Fridays in the past already know the deal, but for those who haven't, allow me to run it down for you.

First up, you'll be very pleasantly treated to the Funk/Jazz sounds of MajicBulletTheory (MBT), recently featured in this interview. This soulful eight piece group includes Trumpet Player and the Leader Dave Williams and a full range of instruments, including Julio on the congos and DJ S.O.U.L.-O. on the Cutz and Scratches. MBT will fill the streets with three sets of standards and originals against the backdrop of a photo slideshow for black history month just outside of the Expo Building. This, I promise you, will be a true treat. Dave also truly enjoys the ability to play for the little ones too, so bring your kids and remind them that music doesn't ONLY come out of that box in the living room! And, just in case you still don't believe me, you can preview a full sampling of their music here.

After MBT, step inside the Expo building to go on an experimental music journey as URCK Records and The Hop-Frog Kollectiv present: An Evening of Experimental Music, featuring:

Ain Soph Aur (ASA) + David Witham

ASA is a systems based improvisational duo that utilizes acoustic Western and tribal instruments, electric & electronic instruments, and environmental sounds to create evolving musical soundscapes. David Witham is best known as a recording artist on the Cryptogrammophone label, both as a solo artist/composer and as a sideman for Nels Cline, and many others. 

Daylight Bats

Guitarists and sonic adventurers Crispin Brooks and Jeremy Morelock create spacious and immediate performances that feel like musical haiku: Deceivingly simple, yet full of subtle beauty.

Jorge Martin + Liz Gonzalez

Jorge gained attention as one have of the celebrated noise duo, Spastic Colon. More recently, his solo performances and collaborations have revealed a mature and thoughtful sonic sculpture. Liz is a college professor and published author and poet who honors her roots and her gender while transcending both. In this collaboration, her words become the raw building blocks for Jorge's explorations.

Once you walk Art-lantic, supporting local businesses and artists, head down to where it truly gets down! Your very own 562CityLife[After]Party at Nino's Italian Restaurant! Every month we help celebrate the night by closing down the street to the best LB DJ's and musicians and this month will be no different. 

We'll be featuring up and coming DJ Nadir a young and very talented DJ who will be spinning hip hop, dubstep, and more before all hell breaks loss as the jam sessions begins. This month, as in previous months, you'll be treated to the live raw jamming of some outstanding surprise special guests!

BUT WAIT, there's more! Here's the full list of who else will be performing up and down Art-lantic:

• Sander Wolff leading the experimental sound groups
• Erma Varnado from the Mayor’s Office if bringing her R&B/gospel group to sing in front of Salon Medusa
• Majic Bullet Theory at the BKBIA office
• Bixby Dixieland Band
• Sepulveda Jazz Project, playing at Roy Robbins Gifts & Stationery
• Long Beach Blues Messengers, playing at Georgie’s Place
• Omar, piano player at Café Bixby
• Timstrument,  one man band
• DJ Tom playing the best of the 80s outside of Salon 36
• Three Hour Tour, playing at Bella Cosa
• After How, playing at The Factory
• The Kombis, playing at FreeSpirit Yoga
• Hula groups playing at Hawaiian BBQ
• Jazz vocalist & guitar at It’s a Grind

We hope to see you there, but really if you can't come... THAT SUCKS FOR YOU!!!

CHECK THE VIDEO TO SEE WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. Hey, The Man doesn't call me the truth for nothing!