Summer is here and tagging along with it is an intense heat that can drive people insane. To avoid becoming a victim of “summer fever” one’s best bet would be to head to the nearest large body of water – the Pacific Ocean. It’s not only a safe way to find solace with temperature change, but a great place to find unique activities.
The Santa Monica Pier will hold its 22nd annual music festival, Twilight Dance running all summer long. Don’t worry, the music is not consistent with carnival and adult contemporary persuasion, but rather a sweet pick of folk, local reggae, rock and an eclectic selection of world music.
The lineup ranges from performers like R’B icon, Mavis Staples and Kiran Ahluwalia, an Indo-Canadian who performs a style of music from India that dates back to the 14th century. A full list of performers and events is available on the Santa Monica Pier’s Web site.
Other events taking place at the beach on a regular basis are drum circles. For more than 30 years, drum circles have been performed at Venice Beach every Saturday at 3 p.m. The circles commonly attract a diverse group of individuals. If you’re leery about actually performing in front of people, watching the drum circles is just as fun.
With the increase in gas prices consider finding alternative forms of transportation like the Metro and visit a museum. There are several museums in Los Angeles such as The Museum of Neon Art. The admission for students is only $3.50.
Admission to the Erotic Museum on Hollywood Boulevard is steeper at $12 per person. The museum is completely dedicated to sex. Although small inside, visitors will not forget the contraptions they see, and in some cases touch.
If an air-conditioned movie theater sounds like a sweeter deal, there are several independent film screenings scheduled at the ArcLight theater in Hollywood. Some films are also followed by a question and answer session with the director.
Concerts are another choice during Summer for students to experience live music.
Check out your favorite artists from the reggae group Steel Pulse, to the death metal band Asesino or classic punk rock group X.
Show some love for the smaller venues too by supporting your local bands. See great live music at places like Cozy’s Bar and Grill in Sherman Oaks or the Baked Potato in Universal City. You can also see a monthly combination of unique music and spoken word at the Conga Room.
Summer is always a busy time for festivals and other events. The annual Shakespeare by the Sea performances in San Pedro brings people to the beach. Shakespeare enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of plays free of charge in an outdoor theater overlooking the sea. The event lasts through July.
Even if you’re stuck in summer school or at work, get out and see the world – or at least the immediate one that surrounds you. One of the greatest advantages of living in the L.A.-area is the wide variety of events offered. With so much diversity it’s difficult to stay bored.
