First Fridays 2025: AMPLIFIED – Sound and Nature

First Fridays 2025: AMPLIFIED!

The 2025 First Fridays season turns the volume up on sound and music as we examine our relationship with the aural world and how it affects our bodies and our lives.  Join us as we amplify unique voices, enriching perspectives, and dynamic music in the vibrant and stimulating setting of NHM after-hours. 

April 4  |  Sound and Nature

First Fridays is delighted to present live music from groundbreaking Los Angeles legends Ozomatli, celebrating their 30th anniversary, a testament to the band's enduring relevance and innovation.  The night also features DJ sets from PayRay (Inside) and DJ Sleepwalk (Outside), our signature discussion in the new Commons Theater with Jeff Rice, Seattle-based sound artist and journalist specializing in wildlife recording, hosted by Dr. Yewande Pearse, a sound lounge featuring sound bath micro-sessions from Jen V. Benitez of UMAKYAT Sound & Energy Healing, an art activity at the Sounds Artsy! Creative Station hosted by Nova Community Arts, Sound Exploration Talk from our Museum Educators, and more! (See below for program details.)

If you are interested in learning more about 2025 First Fridays series, click First Fridays 2025: Amplified!
 

Our Featured Discussion! 

Discussion  | Commons Theater |  6:30–7:30 pm  

Sound and Nature:  What can studying and recording natural sounds benefit humans and help in wildlife conservation?  What does the sounds around us mean in regards to our environment? What does nature sound like in the city? What did dinosaurs sound like?
*Seating is limited. Please arrive early.

OUR MODERATOR

Dr. Yewande Pearse is a neuroscientist turned science communicator, bridging the gap between science and culture. London-born and now Los Angeles-based, she is the founder of Nyewro, a science translation and communications company. Driven by the belief that science isn't just for scientists and has the power to connect people and communities, Nyewro's mission of "Broadening where science belongs" brings science into art galleries, music venues, and cultural institutions. She serves as an advisor to the California Science Center and is a Community Fellow at The Center for Diverse Leadership in Science at UCLA's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.

OUR GUEST

Jeff Rice is a Seattle-based sound artist and journalist specializing in wildlife recording. His work has been featured in museums, libraries, and media outlets across the country, including the New York Times, the L.A. Times, Outside Magazine, and NPR. He is co-founder of the Acoustic Atlas at Montana State University. 
 

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! 

Ozomatli  | Nature Gardens | 9 pm

If the city of Los Angeles had a soundtrack, it would be Ozomatli. Since their formation in 1995, the six-piece, multi-genre band has been a cultural force, blending Latin, hip-hop, funk, reggae, and global influences into an unmistakable sound that embodies the energy and diversity of LA. In 2025, Ozomatli celebrates an incredible milestone: 30 years of bringing their dynamic, genre-defying music to audiences around the world.  The ensemble’s six founding members—Asdru Sierra (vocals, trumpet), Raul Pacheco (vocals,guitars), Uli Bella (saxophone, vocals), Wil-Dog Abers (bass), Jiro Yamaguchi (percussion), andJustin Poree (vocals, percussion)—have remained true to their mantra: "We take you around the world through the heartbeat of Los Angeles." Their music is a vibrant collision of styles, drawing from salsa, dancehall, cumbia, samba, funk, merengue, New Orleans second line, Jamaican ragga, and Indian raga. This eclecticism is at the heart of their sound, resonating with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
 

DJ Sleepwalk  | Nature Gardens | 5–8 pm

Andrea aka DJ Sleepwalk is an open format DJ and a member of Chulita Vinyl Club. She was born in Mexico City, grew up in the Bay Area and is based in Los Angeles. Her diverse background has taught her that when it comes to music - there are no borders. She pushes boundaries through curating soulful and eclectic DJ sets that incorporate sounds from around the world. 
 

Sound Central Station with DJ and Pop-Up Experiences!

PayRay | Level 1 Foyer | 5–10 pm

Ramon “PayRay” Limon is a native born Angelino who began collecting records and getting deep into music as a teen. PayRay also co-produced the radio show "Adventures In Stereo" hosted by DJ J.Rocc . He currently co-owns High Fidelity Record Shop in the West Adams district of Los Angeles.

Pop-Ups | Level 1 Foyer | 5–10 pm

Meet sound practitioners UMAKYAT Sound & Energy Healing and more to be announced.  Don't forget to visit the Amoeba Music pop-up shop!

Sound Lounge featuring Sound Baths and other Sound Experiences!

UMAKYAT Sound & Energy Healing | Level 2 North American Mammal Hall | 6 pm and  7 pm

*Two 30 minute micro-sessions at 6pm and 7pm.  Limited capacity.  Please come early to save a spot.  No late entries.

Jen V. Benitez of UMAKYAT Sound & Energy Healing has been called forth as first generation ancestral & sound healer under Diwata Sa Kagubatan. She comes from a lineage of midwives, albularyo’s (herbalists) & manghihilot’s (high priestess / shaman) on her paternal side from Alaminos, Pangasinan, Philippines. Her work is at the intersection of sacred art / adornment & ancestral remembering. She began her healing journey over 10 years ago through sound & meditation, which then inspired her to share her gifts with her community. She began her own practice in 2019, UMAKYAT Sound & Energy Healing, facilitating women’s circles & offering 1:1 sound healing sessions. Jen is also Founder / Executive Director of Filipina creative nonprofit, PINAYSPHERE, where she aims to amplify teens & young adult creative voices using decolonial frameworks. 

Sounds Artsy! Creative Station | Otis Booth Pavilion Ground Level | 5–10 pm

Hands on art activity for the entire family! This month is hosted by our friends at Nova Community Arts!  Nova Community Arts is a queer-owned, community-focused center dedicated to arts education for adults in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Located in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. 

More Sound Knowledge to Explore!

Sound Exploration Talk | Commons Theater | 5:30 pm 

Join our knowledgeable Museum Education Specialists in a series of talks exploring Sound!

NHM's Research and Collections | Otis Booth Pavilion Ground Level | 5–10 pm

Explore the work and collections of NHM with specially-curated displays. 

Food Trucks and Pop-Ups

Enjoy a diverse lineup of food trucks offering a range of cuisines, along with cocktail and refreshment bars. 

Featuring: The Tropic Truck, Baby's Badass Burgers, Go Beyond the Bowl, and Cakes by Chante.