Natural History Museum First Fridays

First Fridays returns LIVE and IN-PERSON to NHM!

Our annual series is back! Explore the museum after hours with live music, DJs, topical discussions, signature cocktails, and more.

2022 SEASON: FROM SEEDS TO PSYCHEDELICS

This season, we look to the power of plants to save us – returning to the roots of well-being with new ideas drawn from ancient ways.

MARCH 4 Theme:  Plants With Benefits

FEATURING MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY:

• SPILL TAB
• ILL PEACH

OUR HOST AND MODERATOR: DR. YEWANDE PEARSE

Dr. Yewande Pearse is a neuroscientist and science communicator with over 10 years of research to 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.

Discussion  |  Plants with benefits  |  6:30pm-7:30pm

Understanding psychedelic plant medicine and the link between science and the ceremonial use of sacred plants. From mind-enhancing to well-being, can we embrace the benefits of psychedelics? Featuring guest Dr. Beatriz C. Labate, Anthropologist and Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines.  Moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse.

Dr. Beatriz Caiuby Labate has a Ph.D. in social anthropology from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Brazil. She is Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines, Public Education and Culture Specialist at MAPS, and Adjunct Faculty at the East-West Psychology Program at the CIIS.

ON THE MAIN STAGE IN THE NATURE GARDENS

SPILL TAB  |  9:00PM

spill tab is a bilingual indie pop artist based between Los Angeles and New York. The French-Korean artist and producer marinelli create textured tracks with smooth vocals and songwriting in both French and English.

ILL PEACH  |  8:00PM

ill peach , Jess Corazza and Pat Morrissey, of Wyoming and Minnesota. The former cowgirl and competition tap dancer (both real facts) eventually tried writing pop songs, settling in Los Angeles. Pat has worked with SZA, Pharrell Williams, Weezer, LP, Hayley Kiyoko, and K Flay. Jess has written for Big Freedia, Icona Pop and AESPA. 2021 saw their debut EXCUSE US WHILE WE FIND OUR MINDS with a second EP slated for 2022.

DJ LANI LOVE  |  5:00PM

Lani Love is an arbiter of uninhibited joy. She’s known for creating uplifting musical experiences that transcend time, place, and genre. You can find Lani bringing her unique brand of wholesome to Twitch and live events in LA, Chicago, and beyond with her DJ & streamer collective Club Mesh.

DIGITAL ART POP-UP

PABLO GONZÁLEZ  | LEVEL 1 FOYER – DUELING DINOS  |  ALL NIGHT

With work that seamlessly blends reality with digital elements, often blurring the lines between the two spaces, Pablo González‘s work is not bounded by medium. Inspirational cues for Pablo’s work evolve from narratives and topics such as identity, the internet, solitude, dreams and more.

MUSEUM EDUCATOR POP-UPS

M.E. POP-UPS  | LEVEL 1 FOYER – DUELING DINOS  |  5:30PM  &  7:30PM

Join one of our knowledgable Museum Education Specialists 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 Level 1 Foyer next to the Dueling Dinos.

Philip Caltabiano (he/him) A highlight in working at the Museum for over 5 years has been the team of volunteers and staff that blow him away with their dedication, and the ability to share stories and help the guests feel more connected to the world we all share. You can also find Philip adventuring through LA’s nature, getting lost in a book, or sharing laughs with friends over a good board game.

Mollie Beth Samocha (she/her) is originally from Chicago. Her background is in animal and conservation-related interpretation for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the Los Angeles Zoo. Her favorite animal, though, is people – which has brought her to NHMLAC to work as an Education Specialist with volunteers and guests. When not at sea level, you can find Mollie out rock climbing local crags or SCUBA diving in our local shark-infested waters!

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.

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY.

In accordance with the most recent L.A. County Public Health Order, effective January 15, 2022, all eligible participants (currently 2+ years of age) who are attending indoor events with 500+ guests are required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 laboratory test result. Antigen tests must be performed within 24 hours of the event start time and PCR tests must be performed within 48 hours of the event start time.Guests ages 18+ must also show a valid photo ID. COVID-19 self-tests, sometimes referred to as “home tests” are not acceptable at this time. Per LA County Public Health Department, masks must be worn at all times indoors and in our outdoor Pavilion by all our guests (ages 2 and older) and our staff.*

PLEASE READ THE FULL COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES