First Fridays

Once a month, the entire Natural History Museum stays open until 10 pm and features live music, exciting scientific discussion, and behind-the-scenes curatorial tours. Since its inception in 2004, First Fridays has been has been an immersive program designed for audiences of all ages, bringing together a dynamic discussion with scientists on the cutting edge of their fields and musical performances by fresh and innovative artists. In recent years the program has been hailed as Los Angeles’ “Best Intellectual Event in Disguise” (L.A. Downtown News, 2008) and “Best Museum Party Night” (Los Angeles magazine, 2009). First Fridays welcomes its audience back to the Museum they loved as kids, putting a new and exciting spin on an old favorite.

First Fridays 2012: This Time It's Personal

Science is defined as the systematic acquisition of knowledge. That’s the truth, but not the whole truth. Science is less about what we know than it is about how we know what we know. It is less about finding answers than it is asking questions. It is certainly less about the rational, systematic pursuit of knowledge by white-coated, clipboard-carrying nerds than it is passionate people who are fascinated with solving puzzles contained in the world around them. In this way, we are all scientists, asking questions about those things that most fascinate us. Join us at First Fridays in 2012 as we all become scientists for a night — discussing topics that range from bugs to beliefs and from primates to Pluto. 

Tour (5:00 pm, 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm): “Traditions Under the Influence” with KT Hajeian and Chris Coleman

Discussion (6:30 pm): “The Imagination Is Made of Other People” with Jonah Lehrer

Human creativity is profoundly influenced by those around us. But how does this influence happen? Lehrer will explore a few of the more surprising social effects, such as why the most innovative entrepreneurs have the oddest friends, why brainstorming doesn't work (but brutal honesty does) and why some cities produce so many patents per capita than others. (Hint: It's all about the walking speed of pedestrians.)

Peformances by Cut Chemist and Superhumanoids

CUT CHEMIST

Cut Chemist has been recording and performing for over twenty years. He started dj’ing in 1984, at age 11 years old. In 1987 aged 14 Cut started recording with his friends including Chali 2na (Jurassic 5). Cut first became known as a founding member of both the rap group Jurassic 5 and the Grammy award winning Latin funk outfit, Ozomatli. Keeping his involvement with both groups in tandem with one another, Cut has developed a taste for music and rhythms from around the world while keeping his ethic for the hip hop tradition. His mix-tapes and remixes became critically acclaimed. His ‘Chemist’ moniker was fully realized with his instrumental, Lesson 6: The Lecture. A musical journey that challenged hip hop production with music theory ideals. Cut also found time to collaborate with DJ Shadow on what would be one of the worlds most sought after mix cd’s, Brainfreeze, soon to be followed by its sequel, Product Placement.

SUPERHUMANOIDS

Superhumanoids make dreamy pop that shouts summery ‘60s harmonies, garage rock’s raw tonality, slick new-wave electronics, and the adventurous dissonance of ‘90s indie rock. Originally the solo bedroom project of Cameron Parkins, the LA band quickly evolved into a multifaceted quintet featuring Sarah Chernoff (vocals and keys), Max St. John (bass, vocals, and programming) and Evan Weinerman (percussion).

Resident DJ Anthony Valadez featuring Garth Trinidad

KCRW DJs Anthony Valadez joins us in the lounge where you can get your groove on and enjoy the dioramas of the African Mammal Hall.

ANTHONY VALADEZ
Anthony Valadez is a Los Angeles based DJ/Producer and visual artist with residencies at Little Temple, Zanzibar and Federal Bar. His latest musical projects include remixes for David Bowie and Ozomatli. He has released two full length albums on indie label Recordbreakin. He is a resident DJ at Dublab.com and has a regular program on 89.9 FM KCRW and KCRW.com where he mixes future beats, soulful keys, and tomorrow's samples and sounds. (www.anthonyvaladez.com)

GARTH TRINIDAD

LA native Garth Trinidad (www.garthtrinidad.biz) has had a huge influence on modern music through his work in radio, event production, music supervision, and as a voting member of The Recording Academy. As a DJ at KCRW (89FM and KCRW.com), he is known for finessing the airwaves to expose new and progressive international music while paying homage to the classic and his support has bolstered the careers of everyone from MIA and Gnarls Barkley to Janelle Monae and Little Dragon.

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