First Fridays celebrates rescheduled, reenvisioned Roots Aurora

Posted September 29, 2020 11:00 pm

Submitted by Aurora Downtown

First Fridays will be complete with art, music, and culture as Roots Aurora joins the Oct. 2 lineup. Look for in person (with masks), virtual, and crowd-free event options.

Art

• Sergio Furniture, 36 W. Downer Place, will present Catrinas of Aurora along with artist Pierre Lucero's "Dead Rainbows," a solo art exhibit from 4 p.m to 10:30 p.m. The show will feature six 4 x 4 foot canvases of a skull in each color.

• Gary Brown Art Gallery, 7 S. Broadway, will be open with Brayer Artistry from 6 to 9 p.m. Meet artist Joe Ruck, featured artist for October.

• Artesan Lofts, 2 S. Stolp Ave., will feature resident artists Jonathan Pacheco, Kristin Jongen, and more. Pottery and prints on display outside. Enjoy jazz from Doug Jeppesen Combo from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Aurora Tap House, 134 W. Downer Place, will host art by Devan from 5 to 10 p.m., using Sharpies and Prismacolor markers to create a creative adventure. Stay for DJ Happymeal from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Virtual

• The ArtBar presents "ArtBar: This Is Halloween," a virtual gallery on their website artbaraurora.com. Tune into their Facebook page at 7 p.m. for a conversation on art in public spaces in Aurora.

Music

• Altiro Latin Fusion, 1 S. Stolp Ave., will bring live music by Damian Rivero to the outdoor seating area along Stolp Avenue from 6 to 9 p.m.

• The Venue, 21 S. Broadway, presents M&R Rush in Mundy Park. Doors open 7 p.m. Ticketed show starts at 8 p.m. Purchase tickets online at themusicvenue.org.

• The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange, 8 N. Broadway, brings live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Started with a Mason Jar will be on site with her camper filled with handmade wares. Solo artist Frankii Davis performs with guitarist Robert Covington.

• All Spoked Up, 14 W. Downer Place, Suite 10, will break out the Spooky Record Jam with All Out Records. The popup will be selling vinyl and playing some Halloween hits from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 Water Street Mall, will be outdoors with live music featuring The Heels and other musical guests from 6 to 10 p.m.

• La Quinta de los Reyes, 36 E. New York St., will feature Friday night regular Luis Andre Singer and $5 Micheladas from 7 to 9 p.m.

• Wyckwood House, 14 W. Downer Pl. Ste. 16, presents live music by Lydia from 6 to 8 p.m. Shop the store from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Gillerson's Grubbery, 33 W. New York St., celebrates its fifth anniversary with live music on Pinney Street with headliner Shout Section Big Band and opener Invisible Cartoons from 6 to 9 p.m. Endiro Coffee will present Ballet Folklorico starting at 5 p.m.

• Tavern on Broadway, 24 N. Broadway, welcomes guests to stop in to their soft opening with live music by Side Peace. Limited menu available.

• Society 57, 100 S. River St., open until 8 p.m. with coffee drinks and fresh treats.

• Warehouse 55, 55 S. Lake St., open late with the Vintage Shop Hop and 15% off the entire store (some exceptions apply). Shop until 8 p.m.

• Camelia Danza at Zen loft Wellness Center, 6 W. Downer Place, will bring the Sisterhood dancing the Art of Fat Chance Belly Dance to Downer and Stolp at 7:30 p.m. Visit Zen Loft and check out Sense of Samadhi's yoga schedule and I of the Angeles metaphysical shop.

• DeCari To Go, 33 N. Lake St., invites families to "Make Pizza In The Park-(ing lot)." Classes from 4 to 6 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. Call ahead for details.

• Hope Chest, 34 N. Lincoln Ave., hosts a Freaky Friday Event featuring artwork by Jesse Reeder and a storewide sale from 6 to 9 p.m.

• Offbeat Vintage and Thrift, 14 W. Downer Place, Suite 16, Basement, features guest clothing collection by Nowt New, creatively curated vintage clothing and accessories with a Yorkshire flair from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Stolp Island Social, 8 E. Galena Blvd., will host artist Joseph as he paints windows to stand for racial justice and BLM. They will have chalk for kids to create their own messages on the sidewalk and Joseph will coach them with creative tips.

• Mora on the River, 43 E. Galena Blvd., offers $1 hot chocolate and $1 donuts to go from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, hosts the fourth annual CUPS Bra Drive from 5 to 8 p.m.

Roots Aurora

• U Samba? Cafe, 37 W. New York St., will offer traditional Brazilian fare. They will showcase food that holds special cultural significance for Brazil until 10 p.m.

• Tecalitlan Mexican Restaurant, 35 S. Broadway, will feature a popular Mexican dish called birria, which is endemic to the state of Jalisco. Along with the festive stew, there will be a $50 raffle.

• Paramount School of the Arts, 20 S. Stolp Ave., offers a family fun activity table 5 to 9 p.m. with supplies for you to take home or do right at the table, if space allows.

• Gallery 1904, 1 E. Benton St., presents "The Aurora Stronger Exhibit: A Community That Came Together," featuring the premiere of the VizoArts Films documentary "Our Streets." See work from Gary Bahnick, Ivan Carmona, Victoria Lunacek, and Amy Nelson. An art showcase and more from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• Aurora Historical Society, 20 E. Downer Place, will display "Roots Aurora Cultural Champions Over the Years," a pictorial gallery of 32 previous champions in the windows.

• The Perch, 31 W. Downer Place, Suite 301, features documentary screenings of "Black Immigrants in the U.S." from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Join Roots Aurora for two short documentaries as well as a group discussion led by Roots Aurora. Screenings begin at 5, 5:40, 6:20, 7, and 7:40 p.m.

• Santori Public Library - Parker Garden, 101 S. River St., opens the Parker Garden from 6 to 8 p.m. for Roots Aurora reading lists and checking out photos by Robb Winder of community resistance art created in Aurora after the killing of George Floyd. This exhibit also available virtually.

• SciTech Hands-On Museum, 18 W. Benton St., sets up their Super Sidewalk Sale with STEAMart favorites on sale for 40% off. Spin the prize wheel and take a prize home. Visit a Roots Aurora table from 5 to 7 p.m.

For information, visit rootsaurora.org.

All participating venues will adhere to current Phase 4 guidelines. Masks are required indoors, and outdoors when six-feet of social distancing cannot be maintained.

The trolley will not be running. Maps available online at auroradowntown.org.

Roots Aurora from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, is a festive event that uplifts and celebrates the cultural diversity of the community. Courtesy of Roots Aurora

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