Mongoose Junction is celebrating First Friday tonight. Here are the official details straight from them…
On Friday, February 3rd, discover, dine, and dance the night away as Mongoose Junction continues its “First Friday” of each month series in Cruz Bay, St. John. Dance to live music and enjoy a wide range of locally made art at the premiere shopping and dining destination in the Virgin Islands.
Fueled by creativity, diverse culinary experiences, art and music, the Mongoose Junction community will offer V.I. residents and visitors alike a stimulating, cultural experience starting at 6 p.m . The lower courtyard will feature live music “From Broheem with Love”, a Jazz, Rhythm and Blues band, offering a perfect blend of sax and locals. In another courtyard by Ocean Grill, dinners and shoppers will be able to enjoy steel pan music by Rasico.
In addition, 30 unique Mongoose merchants will be hosting artists, art exhibit openings, live music, and special offers. Among some of the First Friday art gallery & retail offerings on Friday, February 3rd include:
The Best of Both Worlds Gallery will turn the clock back to 1993 when photographer Constance Wallace captured the attitudes and style of a dozen local men. Her photo-collage exhibit was called “The Colorful Men of Cruz Bay” and, at the time, it raised eyebrows and controversy. Those were simpler days, when men of various life-styles limed congenially in town, often accompanied by homeless dogs and cats that gathered wherever there might be food. Back then, locals could take animals for veterinary care to an empty shack near the library where Dr. Saunders and Dr. Williamson ferried over from St Thomas to tend to them.
Fashions have changed since then, and many of the faces in Wallace’s archival collages are no longer among us. And replacing the shack is our modern, no-kill Animal Care Center, which finds homes and provides care for needy island animals. Depending on the community to fund its adoption and spay/neuter programs, it’s whittling down the numbers of homeless island animals.
During First Friday, Best of Both Worlds Gallery will spotlight Wallace’s portraits, selling her gilt-framed vintage collages and donating all proceeds to the Animal Care Center. On that night, 10% of all other sales at Best of Both Worlds and at Nest will also be donated to the ACC. The Gallery invites you to celebrate Cruz Bay back-time and help our local ACC. Other gallery artists include, Kimberley Boulon, Kat Sowa, Elaine Estern and Candice Greathouse.
The Gri Gri Project at Bajo El Sol Gallery will be hosting the opening of its exhibition “Lucid Dreaming.”
“Lucid Dreaming” features new mixed media paintings by Aimee Trayser (St. John), ink on paper drawings by Andrew Barlas Jr. (St. John), oil paintings by Amy Gibbs (St. Thomas), Marta Isabel Pérez (St. Thomas/Puerto Rico) and Elisa Lacatena (St. Thomas), handbound books by Susan Edwards (St. Thomas) and metal sculptures by Mike Walsh (St. Croix). The opening’s special guest artist will be video artist Bill Stelzer (St. John).
Bamboula will offer henna body painting by artist Carolyn Roust on a walk in basis from 5:00-7:00. Designs start at $10.
Mention the phrase “First Friday” and receive a free sterling silver petroglyph charm, with a purchase of $20 or more at Caravan Gallery.
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will have a 20% off on select items.
Sugarbirds will feature new photography images by owners, John and Dean Baldwin.
Included in Mongoose Junction’s first Friday Friday restaurant offerings:
Steel Pan music by Rascio and art work by artist, Patty Tacquard at Ocean Grill Restaurant which features fresh, contemporary cuisine. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 693-3304.
Viva Cantina’s will offer its “Chef’s” Complimentary Salsa Tasting (on request) for parties of 4 or more, 5 to 9 pm. Viva’s featured artists is Kimberley Boulon and dinner reservations can be made by calling 693-3473.
Sun Dog Café is celebrating 20 years on St. John with 20% Off Adult Beverages 5 to 9 pm.
We’ll be on island for First Friday in March. Will this be an ongoing event? Hope so!
Mongoose Junction is committed to hosting First Friday every month this year until June….. Thanks!