Venice & Santa Monica Events Mashup!

August 30 - September 1

 

Gumbo Bros Thursday Night at Pier Concert!

It's Thursday already... After a power outtage at our office we're back and bloggin' like mad! See Venice's own Gumbo Brothers at the Santa Monica Pier concert at 7pm sharp tonight! After party at the Basement Tavern in the Victorian Building in Santa Monica. It's New Orleans style funk fest tonight! Wear your beads!

Moving on to Friday, see Gerry Fialka's Subversive Cinema. Gerry brings the best of counter culture a this free screening. Located at 212 Pier Coffeehouse on 212 Pier Ave in Santa Monica, off of Main St. from 7:30- 10pm.

Saturday brings a cool pop art  opening at Beyond Baroque in Venice with L.A. Marler's art that is inspired by the typewriters of yesteryear from 4-6pm.

Skipping over to Monday, yes, it's Labor Day, make sure to head out to Muscle Beach for the Body Building Competition. It's good festive fun with interesting sights to see, regardless of whether or not you're into body building! Starts around noon, usually begins with an Air Force flyover. Who knows you might catch a glimpse of the Stealth!
PS there will also be some Labor Day sales happening on Abbot Kinney, so check that out too while you're at the beach!

While you're in Santa Monica, you can also check out this beautiful Sunset Park home!

Farmhouse Modern meets Santa Monica! Nestled in Sunset Park this 3 Bdrm/2 Bath home has been extensively renovated and is stunning! Enter into an open, bright floor-plan that is spacious and functional. Simple and clean touches throughout, enjoy a spacious living space w/ gorgeous wide plank brushed oak hardwood floors, pristine marble fireplace to enjoy a book by the fire and large sliders that overlooks to your grassy backyard. Classic eat in kitchen with beautiful Carrera marble counters, high-end stainless steel appliances and custom inset cabinets. Good size bedrooms and baths. All new central heat, plumbing, windows and tank less water heater installed. This is the perfect family home in a great neighborhood, walk to Whole Foods or Rose - this is it! 1011 Ozone Ave, Santa Monica, 90405  See the Listing >

Shout out of the Week: Alchemie Spa

There was a fabulous Mix and Mingle event last Thursday that was a dream for the ladies: a choice of free spa treatment: manicure (I went for the turquoise glitter manicure), facials and massages at Alchemie Spa at the Santa Monica end of Main Street, just a hop, skip and a jump from Venice. Besides sushi, pastries and yummy appetizers we enjoyed wine, champagne and sangria at this nice, bright little space with friendly and excellent service. Check it out at 2021 Main Street near Bicknell. Find out about their Friday Happy Hours here.

Living the Sweet Life near Abbot Kinney and the Beach!

Charming Venice Triplex! 3 hip Bungalow style units, two 1BR/1BA units, & back unit is a 2BR/1BA perfect for an owner-occupier. Seconds to Abbot Kinney and the Beach, this is a fabulous opportunity! 3 car garage with 3 additional uncovered spots, beautiful gardens off each unit, nestled in a great neighborhood. Amazing value for a great property! 622 Venezia Ave - Tri-plex - $1,055,000 See Listing >

Quickie Hump Day Events Mashup!

August 22 - 26
Busy as a blogging bee, the events mashup will be in short but stellar form this week! There is the LA Mobile Art Festival (LA-MAF) this week that the AK Blog highly recommends. The show at Santa Monica Studios at Barker Hanger this past weekend was truly inspiring and fun too!There was a cool printer from Lantronix that people could send their pics to and get a print of it, unfortunately it was iphones only, so us Andriod users  were shut out on that :( The rep from  their company said they are working on it- hurry up would ya?!

Wednesday - The Apple Store hosts LA-MAF from 7 - 10 at the 3rd street Promenade with a panel of mobile artists and developers sharing their art and apps.

Thursday -  Summer Popup art reception at Ilan Dei on 1650 Abbot Kinney from 6:30 - 8:30 at this unique outdoor space (formerly Brasa) a project of Edward Cella Art + Architecture. Plus, Gumbo Brothers live music at The Charlston from 10pm -1am, 2460 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 90403.

Friday - More mobile art at this LA- MAF event at CoLoft, from 7 - 10pm  featuring Dan Marcolina on making a mobile masterpiece. Cool! Plus sneak peak at Adobe's PS Touch App - wow! Click Here to RSVP -  Required as space is limited. 920 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica, 90401.

More coming... What events do you want to know about? Got an event to post? Just click the comments link below- thanks!

Shout out of the Week! Sunny Bak Studio from the Venice Art Crawl

Last week marked the second year of the Venice Art Crawl, which takes place every month on the third. Thursday (generally from 6 - 11pm) where local artists  display their works of art in various popup venues near the beach.

Our Shout Out goes to Sunny Bak Studio from the Venice Art Crawl. Sunny is a talented photographer in her own right that supports other artists by opening her studio to them and to us. Featured this month were an eclectic array of artists from Mare Costello's wearable and hangable 3d plastic installation art, Bobbi Bennett photography/digital art (see her photo in our post about Art Crawl here), Marshall Carbee's animatronic dogs with his doodles on them and others.

It was a great opportunity to see local art, meet with the artists and have fun celebrating together!

Monster Mashup Venice Events: Art, Music, Homes plus NEW Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays Shop

August 15 - 19
There's a bunch of exciting things to do and see in Venice this week. From the Venice Art Crawl to living the life in luxury... it's all here!

Silver Surfer by Bobbi Bennett

Venice Art Crawl - Thursday Night
The Art Crawl is a free and fabulous event that is all about LOCAL ARTISTS! Check out cutting edge art in unique and eclectic venues, from studios to homes, restaurants and more. Starts around 6 - 7pm and ends around 10 - 11pm, depending on the venue. Do bring an id with you as venues serving alcohol will card...
The AKFF blog recommends:

Sunny Bak Studio
Art from the best artists from the last two years of shows at Sunny Bak Studio featuring art by Isabel Alford Laro, Sunny Bak, Bill Dambrova, Bobbi Bennett, Marshall Carbee, Lizi Ruch, Sam-E Razar, video by Ave Norton, Music by Hal Tropp Just added, an amazing installation piece by Mare Costello and illustrations from Ian Schmidt will touch all your senses! 6 - 10pm 2214 Pacific Avenue, Venice, CA 90291 entrance on Strongs Drive, see 3 car garage

Luminous at Canal Club

Photographer David Zentz presents his compelling portraits and documentary photography in the back room at the Canal Club for the second anniversary of the Venice Art Crawl! 7 - 10pm  2025 Pacific Ave., Venice, CA 90291

Dogtown Artists United

This event is always interesting... held at Gary's pad; it's small - give this password- DOGTOWN-  to get in size will be limited. Featured artists: Paintings by Dustin Varpness -  Jewelry from Andrea Tan Music: DJ Mate, Loboman Visuals: VJ Theory. 9pm - 12am 1909 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

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Check out this Venice oasis while you're out n' about in the Neighborhood!

Private and stylish duplex on one of the best streets in Venice. Great 2BR/1BA owner unit w/ large, sunny backyard w/ a firepit- perfect for entertaining & relaxing. Currently tenant occupied @$4k/month & can be delivered vacant. Second unit is a 1BR/1BA also tenant occupied @ $2650/month. Both units are complete w/ beautiful hardwood floors, Carrera marble countertops, stainless steel cabinetry, O'Keefe & Merritt vintage stoves, & closets w/ ample storage & built-ins. Bright bathrooms designed w/ beautiful mosaic glass tile work. Private entry ways for each unit, beautifully landscaped & hardscaped, privacy fences, & extra storage sheds. Back garage is currently converted to an un-permitted studio w/ a small private side yard, sliding glass doors, and is tenant occupied @$1500/month but can be delivered vacant/turned back into garage. Each unit is a true private oasis in the Venice Walk Street area- a MUST SEE! 760 Milwood Avenue - Duplex  Get more info >
$1,695,000
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Venice RiZing - Friday Night

Artist Audrey Mcnamara-Garcia is hosting this fee art show and will do live painting at The Talking Stick, a fave cafe that has plenty of great art, live music and coffee. There will be a number artists, collectively known as Mozaic Children. Starting at 7pm
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Check out The Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays Blog Shop!

Yes, it's true, now you can shop at our virtual store for merchandise like tee shirts, teddy bears, iphone covers, messenger bags and other cool gifts for yourself or your friends! See the famous Abbot Kinney street sign with the famous street in the background in this unique digital rendition by Janet Gervers, Chief Blogger for the AKFF blog!

GO Shopping >

Events Mashup Venice & Santa Monica: August 9 - 12

We're getting this a bit later than usual this week... it's Thursday and time to jump start your weekend! For details on venues we've blogged about previously, make sure to see the handy dandy search box in the right column.

Thursday, yes, tonight is the night to walk or bike on over to the Santa Monica Pier for free live music, starting at 7pm and ending around 9:30 or 10, depending on the lineup. It's all good music, so enjoy on the sand or up on the pier- or both!

Friday is also a night for some free live music while shimmying and shakin' to the sounds of Miss Jessica at Danny's in Venice, from 9pm - 1am. It's a free show; keep in mind that happy hour specials on food and drinks end at 7, so you may want to get there early.

Saturday brings us an art opening at The G2 Gallery in Venice where you can commune with nature via the excellent photography that sets the bar for nature photography.

Shout out of the Week

Goes to... Refine Mixers for their fabulous 1st Friday party in Venice - yes, last Friday!

Custom cocktails with Refine Mixers were served to guests at this event on their rooftop bar plus the downstaris of this modern home serving as office complex, just a few blocks off of Abbot Kinney!

Art  was on display from local artists Kelcey Fisher and Louie Ferrigno Jr. (yes, that the son of tv star Lou Ferrigno from the Incredible Hulk!) This party was going off & we enjoyed sampling the mixers.

Catch the Venice Ocean Breeze with this Home on Flower Ave!

This beautiful, open & bright town home is what Venice living is all about.

Gorgeous 3BR/3.5BA home w/ Alfresco dining & a fabulous indoor/outdoor flow is perfect for entertaining or enjoying the Venice ocean breezes. Indoor/outdoor fireplace, large windows throughout & accordion glass doors that saturate with natural light, spacious bedrooms, bathrooms & an elegant & private master suite. This home is ready to go! 646 Flower Avenue #3, Venice $1,195,000  See the Property Listing

Venice Living at its Best - on a Walk Street!

Transcend into this, one of a kind charming California craftsmen located on a sought after Venice walk street. This 2 Bdrm/1 Bath home is completely done & full of character. Enjoy crown moldings throughout, a cozy wood burning fireplace in the living room, an integrated sound system & beautiful hickory hardwood floors throughout. Fabulous kitchen w/ stainless steel appliances including a wine fridge, farm sink & butcher block counters.

New windows & skylights saturate with natural light, a master bdrm completed w/ custom built-ins, a built-out closet & french doors. Detached 2 car garage, updated plumbing & electrical throughout the entire home. Real outdoor living at its finest in your fully landscaped yard w/ outdoor fireplace & BBQ, the perfect space to endlessly entertain. A true sanctuary - this is Venice living at its best!
934 Amoroso Place New Price - $1,145,000 
See it Now >

Abbot Kinney First Friday, August 3, NEW Abbot Kinney Iphone Cover, More Weekend Events

The Abbot Kinney First Friday knows this is what you've all been waiting for - the 1st Fridays scoop! Our picks  are here plus a few other events during this week. Want to see more First Friday events that happen? See the blog's Search Box in the right column. Tell us what you like about Abbot Kinney First Fridays -  click the Comments link at the end of the post :)

HOT EVENT!
Refine Mixers will serve complimentary Refine specialty low-calorie cocktails for guests to enjoy while mingling amongst the artwork of Renowned Artists Louie Ferrigno Jr. and Kelcey Fisher. 
MAKE SURE TO RSVP FOR THE EVENT & say we sent you!
Refine Mixers House 619 San Juan Ave. Venice CA 90291 8 - 10:30 PM  BRING ID
Click to RSVP: jshenitzer@refinemixers.com

Mystic Journey is offering Handwriting Analysis with Michael "Sagemaster" Matoff for $10 beginning at 7pm
Mystic Journey 1319 Abbot Kinney Bl. 7pm - ? $10

MILKMADE + Apolis Venice Marketplace hosts a for a month-long "shop-in-shop" experience with Apoliis, including refreshments and Apolis’ newest collection.
MILKMADE 1413 Abbot Kinney Bl. 7 -10pm

Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays Iphone Cover!
Be the first to sport this exclusive new new Iphone cover featuring the Abbot Kinney First Fridays graphic on it! The Abbot Kinney First Fridays has its own online shop now with cute tee's, tanks from American Apparel, bags, travel mugs, teddy bears and more featuring the graphic displayed on the Iphone here.
See the Abbot Kinney First Fridays Shop Now >

More Events August 2 - 5

Thursday:  Check out the free and fabulous Santa Monica Pier Concerts, starting at 7pm. Gumbo Bros live music at Basement Tavern 2640 Main St. Santa Monica, CA  starting around 10pm. CHIX WITH PIX at Santino's Santa Monica location; live music with chix that will rock the house!  Great empanadas! 3021 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica and Acoustic Showcase at Santino's, Venice location. 1611 Pacific Ave., Venice

Friday: get it movin' and groovin' with Miss Jessica at Danny's in Venice! Free from 9 - 1pm, 23 Windward Ave., Venice

Saturday: Venice Community BBQ!
This fun annual event really brings the community together! The local Fire Station 63 provides the barbecue on the MOAB (Mother of all barbecues!) Everyone else- that means you- brings a side dish or dessert to share (remember it's a big crowd.) Games for the kiddies and adults too plus raffle prizes, live music and appearances by our local politicos. FREE from 12 - 4pm, Oakwood Park 767 California Ave, (a few blocks off of Abbot Kinney Bl.) Venice

Saturday & Sunday:  2012 Moksha Fest, a festival of Yoga, Sacred Music and Health in Santa Monica on August 4-5... yoga classes and workshops, music food and fun! Tickets at various prices. Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica

NEW Blog Feature! Restaurant Review: CasaLinda Mexican Grill on Abbot Kinney Blvd.

Delicious Mexican food that's super affordable - on Abbot Kinney! For real - it's been around for about 2 years now and  CasaLinda Mexican Grill rocks! It's owned by the same owners of  Hal's Bar and Grill, one of my fave places on the boulevard, so you know it's got to be good!

So you're hungry when it's First Friday  and you want something fast but not fast food and a place where you can sit down instead of standing out on the sidewalk? Walk in the door at the corner of Abbot Kinney Bl. and California (at the light), step up to the counter and you'll be greeted by a friendly staff, ready to take your order.

I simply love the Chicken Amarillo Tamales - only $2.50 each - yes, and wrapped in a banana leaf.  A tamale has got to be good on the inside and out and  many places the outside tastes like cardboard - not here. Tender and tasty with good quality chicken on the inside and a nice spicy red sauce. Just add salsa and pickled carrots from the salsa bar and it's a good meal. You may want to add some chips too.

The salad is good for two people to split. My boyfriend and I  did just that - we topped it off with chicken (or get it with shrimp or beef). We both found it very tasty liked the dressing too, although it was skimpy on the avocado.

 A few of my male friends that I brought here loved the burrito with chicken, a meal in itself; they range from $5.75 - 11.25 depending on what you order. Tacos are yummy too! The atmosphere is super casual with two floors  with seating, including a counter area and a few tables outdoor. The Abbot Kinney 1st Fridays blog recommends you check out CasaLinda next time you're out on the famous boulevard!  How was your experience at CasaLinda? Just click on the Comments link below and let us know and we might post it. (Tip- use your Google login; all comments are moderated on this blog.)

CasaLinda Mexican Grill
1357 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Open: Sunday thru Thursday from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM