The creativity is flowing this week, starting with the Jazz Funk Fest on Thursday, featuring the music of Black Shoe Polish with Spoken Word Performer Tryg Hanson, also a writer for Abbot Kinney First Fridays Blog! Black Shoe Polish is a collective of local Venice musicians, harkening back to the days of the Venice West Cafe and the Beat Poet scene with: Gerry Fialka, Paulie Dee, Tad Dery & guests. It’s funky, free and improvisational. Followed by Eric Ahlberg’s Jazz Workshop at 8:30. 7 – 8:30 pm, Talking Stick, 1411 Lincoln Blvd, Venice 90291. Free parking in front and in back.
There’s a much needed Summer Block Party on Friday night, sponsored by Vangard, a new Aussie clothing line, with live music and dj’s with complimentary drinks from Sapporro Beer, Peligroso Tequla and One Coconut water. The event is free with an optional raffle to benefit the Surfrider’s Fondation. 5 – 10pm, 1515 Park Row (alley street near Windward & Pacific) Venice 90291.
Saturday night brings a special event, the Sponto Lives art show, that is a tribute to the legendary “Mayor of Venice,” Mark “Sponto” Kornfeld that gave the art scene a huge boost in Venice from the 80’s at Sponto Gallery on 7 Dudley until his untimely passing a few years ago. There is a group art exhibit including Mark X Farina, Barbara Mastej, Gerry Fialka and others plus live music and poetry. 6- 9 pm, 9 Dudley Ave, Venice 90291.
Sunday is the Santa Monica Summer Soulstice Festival on Main Street! In the past it’s taken place on the real summer solstice a few months earlier, however, we’re glad it’s back! There’s four stages with lotsa bands, mostly covers, plus sidewalk sales, samples and more. Note the sidewalk sale is both Saturday and Sunday, however, the music is where it’s at on Saturday from 1-7pm! The AKFF Blog encourages you to walk, bike, skateboard or bus it to the festival as it’s supa crowded and you know how the beach parking is… Enjoy, we hope 2cu!
