Los Angeles, CA (February 8, 2022) — After two years of a virtual program, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) is bringing a refreshed onsite experience to its visitors with this season’s NHM First Fridays: From Seeds to Psychedelics, featuring live music, eclectic DJs, thought-provoking discussions, signature cocktails, and more.
This year, First Fridays returns to the roots of well-being, reawakened with new ideas drawn from ancient ways. From foraging to fungi, seeds to psychedelics—and all things plant-based—this season will look at how scientists, activists, and artists are utilizing the power of plants and fungi to save us.
On Friday, March 4, groove to an outdoor set by DJ Lani Love. Then, in the Museum’s iconic North American Mammal Hall, listen in on Plants with Benefits, a discussion about the practice of psychedelic plant medicine moderated by Dr. Yewande Pearse, a neuroscientist and science communicator. The conversation will cover psychedelic plant uses from the scientific to the ceremonial and will probe guests to answer: Can we embrace the benefits of psychedelics? Dr. Pearse will be joined by Dr. Beatriz Labate, anthropologist and executive director of Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines.
After the discussion, the fun will continue at the outdoor Main Stage with lo-fi alternative pop bliss from spill tab, and pop-duo opener ill peach. Plus, enjoy food and drinks in the Nature Gardens and explore the Museum after-hours.
This event is free for members and $20 for the public, with advanced reservations recommended. Online reservations are available now. For more information and to RSVP, visit NHM.ORG/firstfridays.
Returning for another season is First Fridays media sponsor KCRW. Event partner is IAMSOUND, INC.
As part of NHM’s commitment to health and safety, the museum is implementing a number of measures. In accordance with the L.A. City Municipal Code Ordinance, all eligible patrons (currently 12+) are required to show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test performed within 72 hours. Visitors 18+ must also show a valid photo ID. Guests should stay home if they are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19. All guests are encouraged to wear a mask except while actively eating or drinking. To see NHM’s full list of safety guidelines, please visit: NHM.ORG/covid-19-safety-guidelines.
2022 First Fridays: From Seeds to Psychedelics
Friday, March 4, 2022
Plants With Benefits
RSVP: NHM.ORG/firstfridays
DISCUSSION
Plants with Benefits – 6:30 pm
With Dr. Beatriz Labate, anthropologist and executive director of Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines.
Psychedelic plant medicine has been practiced for thousands of years, from scientific to ceremonial use of sacred plants. From mind-enhancing to well-being, can we embrace the benefits of psychedelics?
Dr. Beatriz Labate is a queer Brazilian anthropologist based in San Francisco. Her main areas of interest are the study of plant medicines, drug policy, shamanism, ritual, and religion. She is Executive Director of the Chacruna Institute for Psychedelic Plant Medicines. She is Public Education and Culture Specialist at the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and Adjunct Faculty at the East West Psychology Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She is also founder of the Interdisciplinary Group for Psychoactive Studies (NEIP) in Brazil. She is author, coauthor, and co-editor of twenty-one books, two special-edition journals, and several peer-reviewed articles.
Moderator Dr. Yewande Pearse is a neuroscientist and science communicator. She has dedicated over 10 years of research to understanding rare genetic brain disorders at both King’s College London and The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA. Her communication work includes hosting 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.
DJ LOUNGE
DJ Lani Love - 5 pm
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.
LIVE MUSIC
Headliner: spill tab
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.
Opener: ill peach
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.
POP-UP ARTIST
Pablo González
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.
UPCOMING FIRST FRIDAYS CONNECTED DATES (full schedules to be announced):
Friday, April 1, 2022: Wild Harvesting
Friday, May 6, 2022: Plant Powered
Friday, June 3, 2022: Seed Sovereignty
Friday, July 1, 2022: Mushroom Magic
About the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County
The Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC) include the Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, and the William S. Hart Museum. They operate under the collective vision to inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. The museums hold one of the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history—more than 35 million objects. Using these collections for groundbreaking scientific and historical research, the museums also incorporate them into on- and offsite nature and culture exploration in L.A. neighborhoods, and a slate of community science programs—creating indoor-outdoor visitor experiences that explore the past, present, and future. Visit NHMLAC.ORG for adventure, education, and entertainment opportunities.
MEDIA CONTACT
For interviews and imagery, please contact Sally Márquez, smarquez@nhm.org.