NHM FIRST FRIDAYS 2023: February

First Fridays 2023 season is here!

Explore the Museum after hours with live music, DJs, topical discussions, signature cocktails, pop-up experiences, special NHM collections display, and more.

2023 Theme: Fandoms & Fantasy

The Natural World vs Fantasy Worlds: This season we focus on how nature and science influence the creation of our favorite imagined worlds. From dragons and witchcraft to superheroes and giant monsters, First Fridays 2023 is where the fans come out to celebrate the intersection of pop-culture fandom and the work and collections of NHM.

February 3: Dragons, Lore, and More

Live Music by:

Black Belt Eagle Scout
Ari Rivera

featuring OUR Host AND Moderator: Dr. Yewande Pearse

Photo Credit: Kate Berry

Dr. Yewande Pearse is a neuroscientist and science communicator with over 10 years of research into understanding rare genetic brain disorders at both King’s College London and The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA. Host of "Sound Science" on Dublab Radio and Inside Biotech, a podcast from Biotech Connection Los Angeles. She has also worked with Headspace, Seed, Deem Journal, NAVEL, Fathomers, Massive Science, TEDMED, and more.

Cosplay Welcome!

Cosplay as your favorite fantasy and fandom character and get a chance to win a prize for favorite costume! Extra points for representing this month's theme of Dragons, Lore, and More.

*Rules and info below.

DISCUSSION: Dragons, Lore, and More

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

How does the fantasy world’s made-up science, outlandish creatures, and fanciful environments look to the scrutinizing scientist? How can the fun fantasy science of our beloved books, shows, and movies be a gateway to the appreciation and understanding of fascinating real science? Join the discussion with our guest Rebecca C. Thompson, author of Fire, Ice, and Physics; The Science of Game of Thrones, and our moderator Dr. Yewande Pearse.

SEATING IS LIMITED FOR THE DISCUSSION, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rebecca C. Thompson is the Head of Education and Public Engagement at the Fermi National Accelerator Lab. After receiving her Ph.D. in physics from the University of Texas at Austin, she joined the staff of the American Physical Society where she led their public engagement efforts for 11 years. While there she authored the popular Spectra, The Laser Superhero series of physics comic books. She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and a member of the Sigma Xi honors society. Her first book, Fire, Ice, and Physics; The Science of Game of Thrones, was released in October 2019.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE NORTH AMERICAN MAMMAL HALL ON LEVEL 1

LIMITED CAPACITY IN THE HALL, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
THE LIVE MUSIC STAGE IS INDOORS FOR FEBRUARY ONLY.

BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT | LEVEL 1, NORTH AMERICAN MAMMAL HALL | 9:00 pM

Black Belt Eagle Scout’s upcoming album "The Land, The Water, The Sky" rises and falls, in darkness and in light, but even in its most melancholy moments, it is never despairing. When you stand on ancestral lands, it is impossible to be alone. You feel the arms and hands that hold you up, unwilling to let you fall into sorrow or abandonment. In her songs, Katherine Paul has channeled that feeling of being held. In every note, she has written a love letter to indigenous strength and healing.

Ari rivera | LEVEL 1, NORTH AMERICAN MAMMAL HALL | 8:00 pM

Ari Rivera is a 20-year-old multi-media artist raised overseas and living in Los Angeles. A songwriter/producer who writes emo music with a pop sensibility, Ari released his debut EP "Leaving Flowers Out" in the new year–a 6 track project about teenage affection and processing loss. He is currently working on a follow-up project to be released later in the year and building the foundation for Harcourt Paloma, a creative studio/collective of artists and close friends.

DJ SETS OUT IN THE NATURE GARDENS

CHULITA VINYL CLUB (feat. Linda Nuves, Que Madre, Trankis) | NATURE GARDENS | 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Chulita Vinyl Club is made up of women, gender-non-conforming, non-binary, LGBTQ+, and self-identifying people of color. CVC launched with the context of providing a safe space for empowerment, togetherness and to utilize music and vinyl as a form of resistance against the erasure of culture. Each Chulita identifies with their own.

Linda Nuves (she/they) is an entertainer and professional DJ from Los Angeles. She performs in a Latin band with her father, Azucar L.A., and has made her mark as a DJ, joining the Los Angeles chapter of Chulita Vinyl Club. Nuves is also a radio host and the co-creator of Radio Pulgarcito; a podcast that aims to preserve and showcase music on vinyl from Central America, especially El Salvador.

Que Madre is a Los Angeles-based DJ and mother. A mother at 17, she began collecting vinyl records in her early 20s to connect with her upbringing in East Los Angeles, primarily focusing on lowrider oldies and soul. She joined Chulita Vinyl Club, in 2014 and since then has cultivated a musical style and vibe of her own. By day, she works as a project director at a local non-profit where she focuses on increasing equitable mobility needs to communities of color throughout Los Angeles County.

Trankis (they/she) is a Mexican American artist and DJ from South East Los Angeles. During their last year of college, they joined CVC where they began their colorful musical career. In CVC they amplified their unique style, meshing Latin sounds along with queer dance music classics and various genres. Trankis currently hosts a monthly night called A Quien Le Importa? with another CVC member that explores queer Latin dance music, roquero, and post-punk genres.

POP-UP EXPERIENCES

NHM'S RESEARCH AND COLLECTIONS | OTIS BOOTH PAVILION - GROUND LEVEL

Explore the work and collection of NHM with special displays from our Dinosaur Institute, Ornithology, and Herpetology department. We'll be looking at Scales and Flight in the fantasy world vs. the natural world as well as other selections from our collection.

Alf Museum’s Cosplay for Science Initiative | OTIS BOOTH PAVILION - GROUND LEVEL

The Alf Museum’s Cosplay for Science Initiative assembles scientists, educators, and cosplayers to bridge the connection between science and pop culture. Brought to you by the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology. Visit the Alf Museum's Cosplay for Science Initiative at the Otis Booth Pavilion on the Ground Level for a special Dragons, Lore, and More Pop-Up Experience and join in the science and fantasy fun.

Golden Apple Comic and Art Foundation | LEVEL 1 FOYER - DUELING DINOS

The Golden Apple Comic and Art Foundation was started by Kendra and Ryan Liebowitz, owners of the world-famous Golden Apple Comics on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. The foundation's purpose is to preserve, safeguard and showcase private collections and ensure that comics, books, art, and collectibles are secured for future generations to enjoy. Visit the Golden Apple Comic and Art Foundation's table next to the Dueling Dinos for more information, special display, and on-theme items for sale.

PODCAST CORNER

POPSKL PODCAST | LEVEL 1 FOYER - NEXT TO DINO HALL

A group of like-minded creators who celebrate epic contributions to Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Beyond with lively, insightful, and scintillating discussions. We are POPSKL, the “Pissed Off Psychic Scary Kids of LA.” Though we’re not really that 'pissed off' or 'scary', we are a little bit Psychic. Visit and chat with Lisa K. Weber, Kelly Sue Milano, Claire Thorne, Justin Peniston, and Phillip Kelly of POPSKL Podcast at the foyer on Level 1 next to the Dino Hall and talk about all the wonders and enjoyment found at the intersection of fandoms, fantasy, and science.

MUSEUM EDUCATOR POP-UPS

M.E. Pop-Ups | East Entrance-Welcome table | 5:30 PM & 7:30 PM

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

Val Hatcher (she/her) is a Museum Educator at NHMLA and the La Brea Tar Pits. A California native, she studied theater and professional writing. Museum education, for her, is about authenticity, storytelling, and unraveling misconceptions. She lives in Los Angeles.

Dan Priore has been a Museum Educator at NHMLAC since 2016. Dan grew up going to the Tar Pits and NHM, which first inspired him to study the past. With his background in classical civilizations and archaeology, he enjoys sharing tales about our cultural worlds and connecting visitors to Los Angeles' history.

This Month's Featured Food Trucks

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. PLEASE READ THE FULL COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES

accepting all credit cards, Apple Pay, Cash App, and CASH.

COSPLAY RULES

First Fridays welcomes and celebrates the creativity of cosplayers. Please follow these basic guidelines for a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly experience for everyone. Guests who do not follow these guidelines are not allowed entry or will be removed from the event.

All Museum rules still apply.

No functional props or weapons are allowed.
No masks that cover the entire head and face.
No costumes may be realistic depictions of American law enforcement, current American military uniforms, first responders, emergency medical personnel, or any official government agent.
Costumes must not obstruct or impede the flow of traffic or entryways.
First Fridays is an All Ages/Family Friendly event and all costumes must be respectful of all guests.

NHM FIRST FRIDAYS 2023: February

Date

Location

Tickets

First Fridays 2023 season is here!