by Dan Blackburn
Two outdoor events received enthusiastic endorsements Tuesday from the Hermosa Beach City Council, paving the way for an arts-oriented block party on Cypress Avenue this Sunday, Aug. 1; and “the world’s first silent beach concerts” on Saturday August 21, and again on Saturday Oct. 2.
Sunday’s block party, from 1 to 9 p.m., will highlight the light industrial district’s transformation into an arts district. The area is famous in the surfing world for having been home to the Phil Becker, Hap Jacob, and Greg Noll surfboard factories. Though those board builders are gone, the area continues to supply surfboards, worldwide. ET Surf’s and Hermosa Surfer Walk of Fame shaper Pat Ryan has a shaping bay on Cypress, as does former Phil Becker shaper Jose Barahona. Shaper and glasser Jon Mangiagli works out of the Cypress shaping and glassing factory founded by his dad Steve, one of three original partners in Becker Surf. Mangiagli Glassing was founded in the early 1970s, and is believed to be the oldest surfboard factory on the mainland. Spyder Surf shaper Dennis Jarvis has his shaping bay around the corner, on 6th Street.
In recent years, the Cypress district has developed a reputation for art galleries, including Resin and ShockBoxx; and sound studios, which include Music Focus, Hermosa Music Company, Screaming Leopards and Studio 637. A number of craftspersons also work in the area, including woodworker Chip Herwegh, and foundry caster Greg Plant.
The block party, along Cypress Avenue, between 6th and 8th streets, is from 1 to 9 p.m. and will include 10 band performances, and the art exhibit opening of “The Phoenix Rises,” at Resin. Local high school students who have volunteered to teach art to kids through the summer will be honored. The party is being hosted by the Hermosa Music Co., Studio 637, the South Bay Artist Collective and the Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Admission is free, but to comply with pandemic restrictions, tickets are required. They are available at Eventbrite.com. Search for Cypress Block Party.
‘Silent’ music beach festival
Adam Malovani’s Word of Sound Productions is producing the “silent beach festivals, on the south side of the Hermosa Beach pier. Attendees will listen to the bands through high-fidelity headphones, which will be provided, but must be returned. The festivals will include a silent disco, wellness and kids’ club activities, beach games, and a beach cleanup. A “Neon After Dark” dance party, using high-powered black lights, will activate neon and LED accessories worn by participants.
For more about the music festivals visit worldofsoundproductions.com. ER
