August 15th, 2009

August 29, 2009

Lil Devils Boutique (2218 E. 4th; 562-439-0555), the “Retro Row” children’s specialty store featuring apparel, accessories, and gifts for the whole family, is celebrating its FIRST Anniversary! For its very first birthday, LDB is throwing a party (in conjunction with 4th Street’s “Last Saturdays” monthly soiree), and will be serving yummy treats (PBJ sandwiches), games (Pin the Tail on the lil devil), giveaways and party favors, plus a live DJ!

Plus, stop in for storewide savings of 10% on purchases of $50 or more—ALL DAY!

Opened in mid-August 2008 by Sarah Benton and Peter Toulios, Lil Devils Boutique encompasses a wide range of merchandise from “edgy,” vintage- and rocker-inspired clothing, to retro-style toys and books, as well as an assortment of hip gifts and accessories.

“It was nearly impossible to buy gifts for our friends’ babies,” said Benton. “Nothing we could find in retail stores suited our style. While I was able to buy hipper presents online, I found it hard to tell the quality by looking at a picture. That was the motivation for us to open Lil Devils.”

“We have had great success at finding handmade goods for the store—and many of our items are locally handmade,” adds Toulios, “Being in heart of ‘Retro Row’, where shoppers know to come to find unique items not found anywhere else locally, has proven to be the perfect location for Lil Devils. Our customers are always thrilled by the constantly-changing selection of cool kids’ duds, toys and more that we offer.”

Throughout the year, Benton and Toulios hosted an assortment of entertaining events from the Easter egg-stravaganza (with a larger-than-life bunny), to a pre-Mom’s Day in-store pampering (including free massages for all moms), to this past June’s Seventies Prom (in partnership with The Art Theatre’s showing of the Stephen King horror flick, “Carrie”). Guaranteed, there will be more wacky happenings to come in year two!

“It’s been a great to way to hang out with our customers,” said Toulios, “but also to provide some treats and tricks for both kids and parents alike. We’ve got a few fun tricks up our sleeves for this year, so stay tuned!”

August 29, 2009
6:00 pm	to	9:00 pm

Join the shops on 4th Street for an evening of art openings, in-store music and, of course, shopping!

Last Saturdays highlights include:

• Elan Collection (408 Saint Louis Ave. off 4th; 562-434-1895): Complimentary food and beverages at this eclectic boutique, plus 25% off most furniture, lighting and art!

• Lil Devils Boutique(2218 E. 4^th; 562-439-0555): This lil boutique—offering rockin’ gear for your lil devils & accessories and gifts for the whole family—celebrates its FIRST ANNIVERSARY! To celebrate their first milestone LDB will be serving yummy treats (PBJ sandwiches), games (pin the tail on the lil Devil), giveaways and party favors, plus a live DJ! 7-10 pm. PLUS, save 10% on purchases of $50 or more ALL DAY!

• {Open} (2226 E. 4^th; 52-499-6736): Featuring books, music, magazines and art, the open folks will be featuring a live DJ plus refreshments!

• Portfolio Coffeehouse [2300 E 4th St, LBC 90814; 562-434-2486]: The premiere coffeehouse of Long Beach is pleased to present an Artist Reception with artist/educator Maria Elena Cruz. Her exhibit, “Jazz In The Sun”—A Melodic Exploration Of Jazz In Painting, runs through September 28th, 2009.

• Scuda (2001 E. 4^th; 562-439-0101): This purveyor of cool vintage clothing and furnishings, jewelry and more, will be showcasing a new local artist, a live music (TBD) and a DJ spinning!

• Shelter Surf Shop (2148 E. 4^th; 562-342-4401): Shelter Movie and Music Party! Join Shelter for a free screening of Mitch and Wyatt’s new film, “You Scratched My Anchor” along with art by Wyatt and Kassia Meador. Live Music by Greater California. Bring the gang, beach chairs and the blankets. Refreshments will be served. 7pm-11pm.

• Vintage Collective (2122 E 4^th; 562-433-8699): Storewide sale! Save 10-30% off selected items! Visit the Collective’s 4,000 sf showroom— specializing in home furnishings, furniture, clothes, jewelry, art and more—from Art Deco thru Mid-Century Modern.

August 29, 2009
7:00 pm	to	9:00 pm

Portfolio Coffeehouse is pleased to present, “Jazz In The Sun”—A Melodic Exploration Of Jazz In Painting by artist and educator, Maria Elena Cruz. The exhibition runs from August 1 to September 28th, 2009, with an Artist Reception on August 29th, 2009.

Cruz studied the arts at El Camino College and Pasadena Art Center, and has been teaching for the past 10 years, working with “at risk” youth and adults with mental illness.  She has exhibited her original designs in various galleries throughout Los Angeles and represented by the PR firm Diversity in Art.

“I use a trumpet player in my jazz images for multiple reasons,” explains Cruz. “On my journey as an artist, Miles Davis’ music has had a powerful influence in my work. A friend who was a very talented trumpet player exposed me to his music.  Occasionally, we would go for hikes and he would walk to a cliff and perform while I would sit and draw near the waterfall.  At one point, I looked up to see him play and admired his posture and passion as he performed and decided to capture the image at that moment. Over the years, I began to listen to Miles’ music while I painted and it would help me to transpose my emotions onto the canvas. The circular motion in the background of each painting reflects the movement of the music that draws me in. Although, the image that I use in most of this series is not Miles Davis, they all carry the title of his music because of the influence that both the music and my friend has had in my journey as an artist.”