I first learned about First Fridays after reading a magazine article about a year ago. Ever since then, I've been dying to go see what really goes on at the Natural History Museum after hours (to see if the dinosaurs actually walk around like they did when Ben Stiller was a security guard in Night at the Museum).

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, happens once a month and is a night that brings science and music together under one roof. Partnering with Indie 103.1, Spaceland Productions, and dublab, the NHM stays open late and hosts scientific discussions lead by experts in the field (doctors, philosophers, professors, etc.) and up-and-coming musical guests. Past musical guests include former Rage Against the Machine frontman Zach De La Rocha, Steve Aoki/DJ Kid Millionaire, Busdriver, Matmos, Ghostland Observatory, Plaid, Deerhoof, and Sea Wolf.

First Fridays did not disappoint with their most recent event on February 1. Headlining the night was lady MC Kid Sister and A-Trak, the youngest person to ever win DMCs World DJ Championship (at the sweet age of 15). An almost surreal setting, the performance took place in the North American Mammals Hall, filled with permanent exhibits featuring sea lions, elk, deer, rams, etc. (just think of the cover of Interpol's Our Love to Admire). A-Trak began the performance with a short set, opening with non other than Kanye West's "Stronger." After a few songs from A-Trak, his touring partner and girlfriend Kid Sister came out to give a high energy set, performing hits such as "Beeper", "Pro Nails", and "Let Me Bang." The night ended with an hour long DJ set by A-Trak that included mash-ups of songs ranging from old school hip-hop (the Pharcyde, House of Pain, etc.), 80's ("Groove is in the Heart" by Deee-lite, "Lookout Weekend" by Debbie Deb), to M.I.A., Midnight Juggernauts and Jay-Z.

Just a little more about Kid Sister and A-Trak. Kid Sister hails from Chicago and recently signed to Downtown Records, home of Spank Rock and Justice. Her brother, J2K, is one half of the duo Flosstradamus. Canada-native A-Trak is the co-creator/owner of the record label Fool's Gold, brother of Chromeo's Dave 1, and has served as the DJ for Kanye West. West made a surprise stage appearance at the Cool Kids/Kid Sister/A-Trak concert held last week at the Natural History Museum in New York.

For all that live or will be visiting the So. Cal area, the next event of the First Fridays series will be held on March 7 - headlining the event will be Why? and YACHT.

General admission is $9, students with ID is $6.50, and admission is free for NHM members.

Check 'em out:

Kid Sister
Pro Nails feat. Kanye West

A-Trak
Quitte La Piste (feat. TTC)
Stronger (A-Trak Remix)

Labels: dinosaurs, dj, kanye west, MC