Ocean Beach merchants are opening their doors this Saturday night to local artists, musicians and visiting art enthusiasts for the first “Newport Nights” art celebration on Newport Avenue.
Event organizer Lynne Bolton, who owns Primitive Kool Art Gallery and the Electric Chair hair salon on Newport Avenue with her husband, Paul, said she was inspired to organize “Newport Nights,” which will run Aug. 25 from 7 to 10 p.m., after attending “Ray at Night,” a monthly art walk held in North Park.
“We were surprised at how lively the event was in such a quiet part of North Park that would normally go unrecognized,” said Lynne Bolton.
“I think Ocean Beach has that and more to offer because people normally come out there at night anyway; we’re just adding some spice to the package,” she added, citing the farmer’s market, bars and artists already thriving in Ocean Beach.
Bolton explained that “Newport Nights,” which will occur on the final Saturday of each month after August, is the result of a cooperative effort between Ocean Beach business owners, who will display artwork on their walls and windows and host local musicians.
“Many of the participants will be featuring artwork so that visitors can come and wander up and down Newport Ave and the agents streets and experience the art,” according to Jeff Levitt, owner of Craves Café, one of the businesses planning to stay open for “Newport Nights.”
“The main purpose really is to bring people into the OB community,” Levitt said.
Besides Craves Café and Primitive Kool Gallery, Bolton said Falling Sky Pottery, Bone Appetite, Seth’s Chop Shop and other Ocean Beach staples are participating in the event Acoustic guitarist Jason Ott will also be performing at Bone Appetite, and Falling Sky Pottery will feature pottery-making demonstrations throughout the evening.
Craves Café will feature the artwork of Patrick Kennedy and host the guitarist Larry Wasserman, two talented Ocean Beach residents Levitt said he has known since he was 17 years old.
“Obviously I am a big fan, and I’m anxious for the rest of the community to be able to see what they can do,” Levitt said.
Of his cafe, a gourmet deli that opened in June of 2007 on Newport Avenue, Levitt said, “I’ve always been involved in the art community, and we’ve always been eager to feature and promote those local artists. And, as a business owner in OB, it was natural for us to get involved.”