by Editor | Apr 21, 2017 | Abbot Kinney First Fridays, Culver City, Entertainment Santa Monica, Santa Monica Art Openings, Santa Monica Events, Venice Entertainment, Venice Events
The Happenings in Santa Monica:

Photo Courtesy: Art at Tongva
Art at Tongva: The Wonder Room
Art at Tongva Park presents The Wonder Room, with performances by many talented artists including acclaimed L.A. choreographer Sarah Elgart, Arrogant Elbow, Grammy Award-winning vocalist Rosalie Rodriguez and more! Head down to Tongva Park Wednesday, April 5, 7:30pm-9pm.
1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA
More Info Here >

Photo Courtesy: BG Gallery
The Blessing of the Animals
John Kilduff and BG Gallery present “The Blessing Of The Animals” exhibit. John Kilduff invites you and your furry friends to this gallery which will feature his animal paintings. Does it get any better than that? April 8-18, 6:30pm-10:30pm.
2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica, CA
Get Art Exhibit Deets >
Earth Day Show: Live Music
A musical mashup with writers and musicians from Jazz Funk Fest are hitting up UnUrban on Saturday, April 22, 7pm-9pm. Don’t miss it! Free Show!
3301 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica Event Details >
Chill in Venice:
First Fridays on Abbot Kinney
The talk of the month in Venice is First Fridays where all of LA’s tastiest food trucks line up Abbot Kinney Bl! Stay tune next week for the full food truck list and more goodies! And for all you first timers (Welcome!) check out our First Fridays FAQ!
Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA
Get April Venice First Friday Deets >
The G2 Gallery Special Event
Spend an evening with Phase One and Andrei Duman for a hands on experience with the XF 100 MP camera system Saturday, April 22, 6pm-9pm! Get advice from Andrei while he shares his experiences using the camera with you. Refreshments will be served during the event. RSVP at rsvp@theG2gallery.com.
1503 Abbot Kinney Bl, Venice, CA

Photo Courtesy: Pacific Resident Theater
Pacific Resident Theatre – It’s Time
Writer Paul Linke and director Edward Edwards’ project “It’s Time” focuses on a widower and his transformative meeting with his second wife, Christine. Snag yourself a ticket before April 30.
705 1/2 Venice Bl, Venice, CA
Check Out Show Times and Ticket Prices >

Photo Courtesy: Venice Media District
Playa Vista:
Venice Media District: Silicon Beach Film Festival Filmmakers’ Meet & Greet
What better event for networking? Hang out with actors, film makers and social influencers Friday, April 21, 6pm.
Runway Playa Vista, 12751 Millennium Drive, #140, Playa Vista

- Photo Courtesy: Silicon Beach Film Festival
2nd Annual Playa Vista Film Festival
A celebration with filmmakers in the heart of tech and start up. This week-long film festival will be screening films for 12 hrs and will take place at the Howard Hughes Cinemark 18. Have fun and catch a film April 22 – April 28.
Howard Hughes Cinemark 18, 6081 Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA
More Film Festival Info Here >
Party in Culver City:

Photo Courtesy: Pre-Festival VIP Lounge
Pre-Festival VIP Rooftop Lounge
Be ready to take a dip at the coolest rooftop pool party with Platform on Saturday, April 8, 12pm-5pm! Make sure to RSVP and don’t forget to mention that your friends from AKFF Blog sent you!
8850 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA
Vip Party Scoop Here >
by Editor | Dec 28, 2016 | Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Abbot Kinney Food, Abbot Kinney Restaurants, Venice Entertainment, Venice Holiday Events
From Venice to Weho to Noho, Studio City and Costa Mesa, AKFF has you covered for New Year’s Eve Celebrations!
The Lincoln
The Lincoln is easily becoming the must go to venue in Venice, so why miss their New Year’s Eve celebration? Enjoy craft cocktails like The Mid-Autumn at 2:27 in Upstate New York! Plus, what is New Year’s without a champagne toast? The Lincoln will have complimentary champagne to toast to the new exciting year! The AKFF checked out The Lincoln and it was well alive on a week night! Specialty cocktails pack a punch! There will be a line so arrive early. Doors open at 7pm. Check it out and party all night with The Lincoln!
2536 Lincoln Bl, Venice, CA, 90291
The Darkroom
Hand thrown pizza, fried chicken sandwich, the cheesiest mac and cheese, and a delicious fried egg cheeseburger are foods you can look forward to when celebrating New Year’s Eve at The Darkroom! Open from 2pm-2am New Year’s Eve.
7302 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90036

The Powerhouse
Grab a beer or two at Hollywood’s oldest bar to celebrate the New Year. Enjoy the old school Hollywood ambience and champagne toast at midnight! Venue opens at 7pm New Year’s Eve.
1714 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90028
Tiki No
Celebrate the New Year the Hawaiian way! Tiki No’s New Year’s Eve event will supply guest with Hawaiian leis and fun party favors to get their guest into the spirit of welcoming a new year. Champagne toast will hit off at midnight. Doors open 7pm New Year’s Eve!
4657 Lankershim Bl, North Hollywood, CA, 91602
Firefly
Firefly will make you feel right at home with their cozy patio with fireplaces, library lounge and four course meal for $95 for 5:30 seating and $125 for 9pm seating per person. AKFF visited Firefly and recommends it for couples and small groups for NYE. The food is superb, from the seared bluefin tuna appetizer to the delectable steelhead salmon and filet mignon that melts in your mouth! Reservations still available, call 818-762-1833 to reserve a spot.
Check Out NYE Menu Here >
11720 Ventura Bl, Studio City, CA, 91604
Habana
Live music, rum tastings and cigar rolling are all happening before the New Year’s countdown. Guest will also be eating delicious entrees from Chef Miguel Quintero’s special New Year’s Eve menu!
Check Out Menu Here >
2930 Bristol St, Ste A110, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
Mesa
Spend New Year’s Eve at the most stylish event of the night! Mesa will present a theme inspired by Met Gala’s theme of honoring Rei Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons. All night long enjoy craft cocktails and bites from 9- 10:30pm, party favors, a champagne toast and more!
Purchase Tickets Here >
725 Baker St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Photos courtesy of Platform Media Group
by Editor | Jul 8, 2015 | Entertainment Santa Monica, Venice Entertainment, Venice Events, Venice live music
Looking for music in the park, concerts on the pier, or by the beach? AKFF has got you covered. Concerts start this week!
31st Annual Twilight Concerts | Santa Monica Pier
Enjoy live, outdoor, FREE concerts on Thursday nights 7-10PM

English Beat at Santa Monica Pier 2013
© Janet Gervers
August 6: Ben Browning of Cut Copy, DMA’s
August 13: Sister Nancy, Jesse Royal
August 20: Ariel Pink, The Mynabirds
August 27: Jefferson Starship, Purple Mountains Majesties
September 3: Rebirth Brass Band, Miles Mosley and the Westcoast Get Down
September 10: Tune-Yards, Avid Dancer

Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey 2014
© Janet Gervers
Burton Chace Park |
Marina del Rey
Presenting Pop Saturdays and Symphonic Thursdays. FREE shows 7-9PM
July 11: Ruben Studdard, Freddie Jackson, & Jeffrey Osborne
July 16: Danza
July 25: KC & the Sunshine Band
July 30: Vanessa Williams

Venice Beach Music Fest | Venice Beach
Take in the last breath of an endless summer with music and art!
September 12: 11AM-7:30PM
Artists include: Lili Haydn, Greg Douglass Band, MEET ME AT THE PUB, ArtQueen & more!
1 Windward Ave, Venice
Hermosa Summer Concert Series | Hermosa Beach
Meet us at the South Side Hermosa Beach Pier to enjoy
live music and sunset vibes 5-8PM
August 2: The Pine Mountain Logs
August 9: Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
August 16: Young Dubliners
August 23: Pato Banton + guests Big Mountain
Be sure to save these dates and let us know what you think of the concert series you attend! Send us feedback in the comments field below.
by Editor | Nov 19, 2013 | Entertainment Santa Monica, Venice Entertainment, Venice live music, Venice Nightlife
Haps this Week in Venice & Santa Monica! Plus a Special Comedy Event that Gives Back & a Special Discount for TedX for AKFF Blog Readers!
Starting off on Tuesday, 11/19 by rockin’ out with the Gumbo Brothers at The Basement Tavern in Santa Monica and shakin it! It’s a free show and starts at 10pm. 2640 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405
What’s better than laughter? Helping others while you laugh. Buy a ticket to see top comics, Whitney Cummings, Pauly Shore and Marc Maron headline for a good cause on Wednesday, 11/20 at world famous The Comedy Store to benefit Lenny’s House, founded by Kitty Bruce, stands to create a safe place for women to recover from addiction. All proceeds will go toward life saving services. $20 Get Tickets 8433 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood.
Miss Jessica brings it to Danny’s in Venice this Thursday, 11/21 from 8 – 11pm to sexy it up with her vocals and moves at her monthly appearance. Free show! 23 Windward Ave. Venic
Two weeks from this Friday brings a double header of Venice events with 1st Fridays on Abbot Kinney and the Venice Holiday Sign Lighting on December 6. Check back for details coming soon! Heads up – First Fridays Monthly Contest: post your November and December 1st Friday photos on the AKFF Facebook Page for our monthly contest. Venice & Santa Monica Businesses – this is your opportunity for free advertising so amp it up by donating a prize for the contest! Past prizes from Joe’s Restaurant, NextSpace, Celebrity Chef Bryan Au etc.
Email Janet, AKFF Editor and Founder for details on the contest and sponsorship opportunities before the year is over!
Saturday, 11/23 brings 2 events:
Get your funk on at the Jazz/Funk Fest at the Unurban Cafe in Santa Monica that includes Tryg Hanson’s spoken word performance with improv musicians, Black Shoe Polish and special guest musicians and performers at this fabulous free show from 7 – 10pm – this show starts right on time, fyi! Plus, Sun Ra’s 100 years celebration. 3301 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica.
TEDxPCC will be providing a world-class platform for leaders in education, business, entertainment, science, and activism to share their “Ideas Worth Spreading” at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center. A Special 20% Off Discount is offered to fans of Abbot Kinney First Fridays! Use code: AbbotKFF and receive 20% off your general admission ticket!!! Hurry because this Special will only be available until Wednesday, 11/20 Register Now!
Ticket includes: lunch and beverages throughout the day! TEDxPCC has partnered with Causora to thank you for your support with a gift bag! At the event, you will find a $20 Causora thank you gift card. To redeem your gift card credit after TEDxPCC, visit Causora.com/thankyou – enter the gift code, and choose from over 150+ socially conscious merchants to redeem your $20 credit including The Bouqs, Zipcar, Bliss Spa, Novica, Milk & honey and Happy Canyon Vineyards.
It’s All About Venice!
by Editor | Jul 17, 2013 | AKFF Blog, Silicon Beach, Venice Artists, Venice Entertainment, Venice Events, Venice live music, Venice Nightlife
Music, Art, Literature, Silicon Beach and Networking events and more- the AKFF has got you covered for this week!
(Free & in Venice unless otherwise noted.)
July 17 Wed – The Legendary Gerry Fialka’s group, MOM (Meditations on Media,) media discussion from 7-10 p.m. at Beyond Baroque, 681 North Venice Blvd.See more on Gerry Fialka.
July 18 Thurs – Miss Jessica’s new band: SoulSugar & The Funk Collective from 8-11 p.m at Danny’s Venice Beach 23 Windward Ave.
Venice Media District (VMD) “Venice Tech Speaker Series,” at NextSpace @ Amplify 6-9 p.m. Premiere event of this Silicon Beach quarterly series with speaker Chris Raih from Zambizi Agency in Venice. $10 Admission (includes 2 drink tickets and appetizers by Cairo Cowboy Mediterranean Grill)
RSVP by Wednesday, July 17 to katie@hypeworld.com
July 19 Fri – Brett Woods Art Show at Brick House Kitchen, 826 Hampton Dr. from 4-8pm. Check out this talented Venice Artist’s latest works at this longtime Venice fave restaurant.
July 20 Sat – The Lit Show 9th annual celebration of song and literature hosted by the talented Suzy Williams, the Diva Deluxe of Venice with musician Brad Kay and several other musicians to perform songs based on words by Kurt Vonnegut, Edna St. Vincent Millay and other poets/writers at Beyond Baroque from 7:30 – 11pm. 681 North Venice Blvd. $15 Admission.
If you are interested in Blogging for the Abbot Kinney First Fridays Venice Blog, please Email the AKFF Editor, with samples of your writing.
It’s All About Venice!