FIRST FRIDAYS 2024: April

*Please be aware that there will be multiple events happening at Expo Park this evening. Please plan accordingly. First Fridays Parking is only available in the Blue  Structure Parking Lot. The entrance to the Blue Structure is on Figueroa Street at 39th Street. From there, it is just a short walk to NHM. See map below for reference. In the event that the Blue Structure Parking Lot is full, additional overflow parking will be available in the Orange Parking Structure on Bill Robertson Lane, across from the Los Angeles Swimming Stadium. 

April 5  |  The Nature of Gender

Featuring Live Music from Eyedress and Na-Kel Smith, DJ set from mini bear, Discussion with Dr. Ambika Kamath and Dr. Jann Vendetti and hosted by Dr. Yewande Pearse, Sensory Lounge featuring LAVA (Los Angeles Video Artist), Femme House, Albert's Petite Sweets, Herbalaria, and more!

If you are interested in learning more about 2024 First Fridays series, click First Fridays 2024: From Feelings to Pheromones.
 

Our Featured Discussion and Screening! 

Discussion  | Level 2, North American Mammal Hall |  6:30–7:30 pm  

Sex and Gender in Nature:  Breaking down the history, myths, and assumptions of sex, gender, and sexuality in the natural world. What is the diversity of sexual systems in animals? What can we learn about sex and sexuality from other species? What is sexual selection and where did its ideas come from?  How can we study animal sex and sexuality in a way that helps us move out of oppressive ideologies and towards equality and freedom from discrimination for all?
*Seating is limited. Please arrive early.

OUR MODERATOR

Dr. Yewande Pearse is a neuroscientist, public speaker, and science communicator with twenty years of research experience in various facets of Neuroscience at leading institutions such as the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College London and The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA. Driven by a mission to redefine where science storytelling belongs and a belief in the power of science to connect people and communities, Dr. Pearse has collaborated with a diverse array of organizations, including the Sundance Film Festival, Headspace, The Natural History Museum, California Science Center, Female Collective, TEDMED, DEEM Journal, Grow Magazine, Dublab Radio, and NTS Radio.

OUR GUEST

Dr. Ambika Kamath is a writer and scientist. An academic for over a decade, her research on animal behavior is deeply influenced by intersectional feminist perspectives. Her first book, Feminism in the Wild, will be published in Spring 2025. She is a founding member at Liminal, a science communication collective.

Dr. Jann Vendetti is Associate Curator of Malacology (Mollusks) and NHM’s Twila Bratcher Chair in Malacological Research. She is a founding member of the Urban Nature Research Center. She is interested in the natural history, evolution, systematics, and conservation of marine and terrestrial snails­­­­— an extremely diverse group of organisms.
 

Second Nature (2024)  | Level 2, North American Mammal Hall  |  7:45–8:45 pm  

First Fridays is proud to show the Los Angeles Premier of filmmaker Drew Denny's latest film, Second Nature (2024).  Did you know clownfish change sex, penguins parent in same-sex pairs, and bonobos, our closest relatives, are matriarchal? Debunking myths that females are "inferior" and being queer is "unnatural," Dr Joan Roughgarden and brave scientists from around the world teach you everything you didn’t learn in high school biology.  Filmmaker will be on hand to introduce the film!  

We aim to make NHM an exciting, educational, and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have any questions about your visit and the accessibility services we offer, contact our Call Center at 213.763.3466 or email info@nhm.org

Images from past First Fridays:

Live Music and DJ Set In the Nature Gardens Stage! 

Eyedress | Nature Gardens | 9 pm

Born in Manila and now residing in Los Angeles, Filipino artist Eyedress has continued to make a name for himself over the past decade, blending a wide array of genres from lo-fi hip-hop to post-punk to ‘80s-influenced goth and more to craft something that is distinctly and wholly his own.  Now signed to RCA Records, Eyedress made his label debut with his single, “Flowers & Chocolate,” The latest from Eyedress is “Separate Ways” ft. The Marias accompanied by unique visuals featuring both himself and Maria as claymation figures.

Na-Kel Smith | Nature Gardens | 8 pm

Na-Kel Allah Smith is an American skateboarder, rapper, songwriter and actor. Through his solo projects as well as, work with prominent collaborators such as Odd Future & Eyedress, Na-kel has gained a following and can be seen in films like Mid-90's, Illegal Civilization, Boys of Summer and more. The recent rise of the Skateboarding/Hip-Hop world, has only helped his platform grow and maintain a cult-like following.

DJ mini bear  | Nature Gardens | 5–8 pm

As a producer/DJ/vocalist/songwriter, LA native Lauren Kop (aka mini bear) has cultivated a vivid musical aesthetic, gaining respected roles within their community such as mentor and emerging talent. Lauren has written, produced, and released multiple EPs and a full length album under the artist name mini bear. Passionate about community building and helping to create opportunities and representation for marginalized genders, they’ve taught music production at UCLA, Occidental College, and IO Music Academy, and they are the Chief Education Officer at FEMME HOUSE.
 

Special Pop-Up Experiences!

Explore the museum and visit the pop-up experiences, including specially curated presentations from our Research & Collections and Museum Educators and our Sensory Lounge with guest artists and vendors.

NHM's Research and Collections | Otis Booth Pavilion–Ground Level

Explore the work and collections of NHM with specially-curated displays. We'll examine the forces that shape the behaviors of life forms large and small.

Museum Educators Pop-ups | East Entrance–Welcome Table | 5:30 and 7:30 pm  

Join one of our knowledgeable Museum Educators in a series of 30-minute pop-up presentations throughout the Museum to get first-hand insights into our exhibits and vast collections. Meet the M.E.s at the top of the steps near the Welcome Table located at our East Entrance. 

• 5:30pm - Rock, Paper, Lizard: Beyond Male and Female - How can you tell if an animal is male or female? Why do we care about an animal's biological sex anyway? Come learn about the side-blotched lizard and how sex and gender might not be as simple as people think. Presented by Kay Lai (they/them), a Museum Educator at NHMLAC. Though they have a background in teaching many different subjects, science is their favorite! They hope to inspire curiosity in guests to find wonder in all things, no matter how big or small.
• 7:30pm - Teddy Bear Patriarchy - Join us in the African Diorama Hall to discuss the historical gender biases that exist in taxidermy dioramas and examines ways the Museum interrupts those perspectives.  Presented by Lani Quintana (she/her), a Museum Educator who has been with NHMLAC for two years. She is passionate about connecting visitors to urban nature in Los Angeles through community science.

SENSORY LOUNGE | Level 1 Foyer

SIGHT:  LAVA (LOS ANGELES VIDEO ARTISTS)  Founded in 2003, LAVA is a community of video artists and creative technologists working primarily in the field of immersive experiential digital art. The goal of the LAVA community is to promote and nurture the evolution of video art with the latest technological magic in the greater Los Angeles area. 

Artists Featured In April: Ben Koffman aka Society of Shadows, Noelle Gonzalez aka Kosoz, Alex Guaring aka Sick Delicious

SOUND: Soundscape Curated by FEMME HOUSE featuring GeeXella:  Femme House creates opportunities for women, gender-expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+  creatives in the technical and behind the scenes areas of music. They are developing the future producers, mixers, engineers, DJs, artists, and executives of the industry by providing education and scholarships, cultivating community, furthering visual representation, and leveraging our platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities.   

GeeXella (pronounced Jee-EL-LUH) is an AfroLatinx, Non-binary, and Queer transdisciplinary artist. They are currently occupying space in Muscogee Creek Land, also known as Atlanta, GA. They engage with their work as an extension of cultural organizing for the liberation of Black and marginalized people. 

TASTE: Albert's Petite Sweets Albert's culinary journey began 10 years ago when he taught himself to make cake pops to share with family and friends. He discovered a passion for creating unique treats with the power to delight.
Against all odds, Albert fought to turn dreams into a reality. Being self-taught, he successfully competed on Hulu’s Baker’s Dozen and won first place. Two years after the show, he has opened his first commercial chocolate shop and kitchen at Partake Collective in Downtown Long Beach, California, living out his life’s calling.

SCENT:  Herbalaria is a family company bridging the rich heritage of Filipino plant healing tradition and culture with the demands of contemporary wellness. The company produces modern-day skin and spiritual care products deeply rooted in tradition, utilizing the wisdom passed down through generations.  Founder Katuuran Lyn Pacificar is a Visayan shaman, driven by a passion for preserving her family’s Philippine healing heritage. Herbalaria creates contemporized wellness products that are made in ritual with Filipino traditional botanicals, love, and good intentions.

Food Trucks and Pop-Ups

• Berlin Truck 
• Soul Feels Good Vegan Garden 
• 5 Elementos 
• The Green Truck 
• Lost In The Sauce 
• Cakes By Chante

Policy and Rules

Your safety is our top priority. Please read the full covid-19 safety guidelines. 

Watch highlights from past First Fridays: