FRIENDS OF THE LOS ANGELES RIVER CELEBRATES THIRTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH FANDANGO “TAKE ME TO THE RIVER”

Friends of the Los Angeles River will celebrate thirty years of advocacy on the L.A. River with a gala at L.A. River Studios in Cypress Park on October 8, 2016 from 7:30 -11:30 p.m.

“We’ve had a lot of artists come down to the River over the years but nothing beats what you’re going to see at this Fandango. River people will talk about this one for years” said FoLAR President and Founder Lewis MacAdams.

The musical performances are matched by the talent of four renowned Los Angeles-based artists that will be exhibiting works at Fandango. Christian Kasperkovitz, AKA ELKPEN will create a chalk art installation, Ryan Patrick Griffin will be showing a projection piece inspired by the L.A. River. The gallery at LA River Studios will serve as a showplace for the work of photographers Peter Bennett and Grove Pashley, who both have a long-standing relationship with FoLAR.

Friends of the Los Angeles River will unveil The Lewis P. MacAdams River Champion Award, created to acknowledge thirty members of the community and organizations that have supported their thirty years of L.A. River advocacy and revitalization. The honorees have been chosen to represent the passionate and diverse community that has made river restoration a major priority in Los Angeles. “I didn’t go down to the River alone thirty years ago and we’re not alone now” said MacAdams. “We’re the voice of a community that is stronger than ever and wants the River restored now.”

Fandango takes place at LA River Studios not far from where Lewis MacAdams first picked up the bolt cutters and started the LA River movement in the Elysian Valley. In the spirit of honoring Los Angeles makers, movers and shakers, Fandango features various brands and services that have donated their time and goods to the event including Starry Kitchen, Heirloom LA, Village Pizzeria, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, Maltose Falcons, Deep Eddy Vodka, Angel City Brewery and a special light installation by Light Riders. “We wouldn’t be here today without sponsors like Toyota, Metabolic Studio, and Mack Urban” said MacAdams. Friends of the Los Angeles River is supported by donations from individuals and organizations raised at the annual Fandango fundraiser. These gifts make it possible for FoLAR to continue to strive in creating a swimmable, fishable, boatable, bikeable Los Angeles River. MacAdams continued, “the River today is only a clue to what it’ll be in ten years. It’s the support we get today that makes it possible.”