Some people might think the idea of a party in a museum is about as enticing as a senior prom in a funeral parlor. Those people haven’t been to museums in Los Angeles.
In LA — where drinks, imagination and spirits are stirred, but not shaken — it’s no surprise that museums have taken the lead in curating hip and happening live rock, hip hop and jazz concert series that are so cool, they’re the hottest ticket in town.
Imagine art, science, history and more…
…mixing with music, dancing, conversation, adult refreshments and, shall we say, plenty of opportunities for a memorable encounter…
…all coming together in an unforgettable setting?
Yes, you heard right — live bands, DJs, bars and exhibits. We’re talking specifically about the rock concerts that have been going on at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles. Dubbed “NHM First Fridays,” the event combines science with live bands, DJs, three bars and munchies. The night begins with a tour led by one of the museum’s curators, followed by a discussion about a scientific subject on this year’s theme, “Darwin’s Origin of Species: From a Theory of Evolution to a Cultural Revolution.”
It’s maybe a strange combination, but it’s insanely popular. Since its start a few years ago, the event has been selling out, drawing hip 20-somethings who dig the art/music/lounge vibe. Consider it the best of both worlds: a dose of science with an injection of LA nightlife.
To get the party started, Phatal DJ and DJ Kutmah spin in the African Mammal Hall, which is converted into the official First Friday lounge. Headliners take the stage in the North American Mammal Hall, playing to a crowd with wine and beer in hand, dancing among stuffed buffalo, bears and wolves. It’s like Night at the Museum set to music.
The NHM isn’t the only museum in LA that hosts concerts. After all, LA is an “anything you can do I can do better” kind of town. So it makes sense that UCLA’s Hammer Museum would feature its own summer series, “Also I Like to Rock.” Indie 103.1 hand-picks local upcoming bands to perform at the Hammer’s outdoor courtyard. In the past, bands such as Sea Wolf and Tokyo Police Club have played to a packed crowd. 2009 dates haven’t been posted yet, but check their site for updates.
If you’re really looking for something different, head to the Getty Center. Outdoor concert venues in LA aren’t that hard to come by, but the Getty is a tough venue to beat. Beginning in May, “Saturdays Off the 405” (formerly “Fridays Off the 405”) will take over the museum’s courtyard, which boasts incredible nighttime views of the city. Grab a drink at the cash bar and then check out the musical guests, curated by Flavorpill magazine. Past shows have included Monsters are Waiting and DJ Adam 12.
If rock concerts aren’t your thing (for those of us who just thought that rebellious kid was just a nuisance), LACMA offers Friday Night Jazz. The jazz vibes create an atmosphere both laid back and dynamic — two characteristics that define LA. Returning for its 18th season, the series occurs at the Los Angeles Times Central Court at LACMA with this year’s highlights Judy Wexler, Charles Owens Quintet and Sweet Baby J’ai. The free event runs from 6–8 p.m. from April to November.
So you now have a retort for anyone who says that museums are boring. Obviously, they haven’t been to LA, where museums know how to rock.
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LA's Museum Concerts are Off the Wall
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First Fridays at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
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