ART BEYOND THE GLASS IV
THE YEAR’S BEST DRINKING EVENT IS BACK

I often say that the month of June is the worst month of the year for me in terms of food, drink and calorie intake. Honestly, it’s way worse than the holidays. June is my birthday month and the month-long celebration really takes a toll—completely worth it mind you. This month I’ve already over indulged in Napa and feasted at The French Laundry not to mention Chef Thomas Keller’s Ad Lib, and Ad Hoc. And now comes Art Beyond the Glass IV, a summer boozy tradition featuring L.A.’s top bartenders gather for cocktails and a great cause.

Now in its fourth year, Art Beyond the Glass IV (ABTG) is taking place on Sunday, June 28 at General Lee's in Chinatown. For the first time, ABTG is taking place in a public location: the historic Chinatown Central Plaza outside of General Lee’s, with the famous Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well as the backdrop for live performances. This year, funds will be raised for KCRW, widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential independent music radio stations. Proceeds from ABTG IV will go to KCRW’s Capital Campaign to build a 35,000 square-foot Media Center, which will house KCRW in its entirety and become a public gathering place for the City of Los Angeles.

I still remember attending the first Art Beyond the Glass, showing up with a hangover and slowly making the rounds starting with a Sailor Jerry based Bloody Mary made with barbeque sauce, beer and a stick of bacon. And then things only got better when I tried a lovely mezcal and mole sauce cocktail. The following year I fell in love with snow cone cocktails and a slew of other daring and delicious drinks.

This year’s event will feature an expanded lineup of top bartenders from across the L.A. area that will mix cocktails and showcase their art, music, photography and much more. Bartenders returning to this year’s ABTG include: Alex Straus (EP/LP), Anna Knudson (Sassafras Saloon), Beau Du Bois (The Corner Door), Brian Butler (Sunny Spot), Christine Wiseman (Break Room 86), Dave Fernie (Honeycut), Dino Balocchi (Melrose Umbrella Co.), Francois Vera (Pour Vous), Giovanni Martinez (Sadie), Greg Bryson (The Wallace), Jeremy Lake (Lost Property), Julian Cox (Soigné Group), Karen Grill (Sassafras Saloon), Kelly Merrell (Trader Sam’s), Kiowa Bryan (Eveleigh) and Una Green (Belcampo Meat Co.).

Art Beyond the Glass was co-founded in 2012 by bartender Zahra Bates (The Pikey) and Daniel Djang, founder and editor of the cocktail and spirits blog Thirsty in LA. “Thanks to our amazing community of bartenders, sponsors, volunteers and guests, this will be the biggest Art Beyond the Glass yet!” says Djang. “I'm excited to see all the new faces alongside bartenders that have been with us from day one. It's such an honor to be raising funds for KCRW. It's one of the most vital nonprofits in L.A. and its influence is truly global.”

The ABTG IV all-inclusive ticket includes cocktails, art, entertainment, and bar bites from L.A. chefs such as Executive Chef Nick Liberato (Venice Whaler, Top Chef, Bar Rescue), Chef de Cuisine Ali Haji (The Corner Door) and more who will also be donating their food in support of this event. In addition, guests will be able to purchase bartender art, buy raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items, including artwork, photography, rare spirits and much more. All proceeds will be donated to the KCRW Foundation.

Art Beyond The Glass IVwill take place on Sunday, June 28 at General Lee’s from 3pm to 7pm. Tickets for the event are $60 per person and will be available exclusively at Eventbrite until 6pm on Saturday, June 27. Please note that tickets will not be available for purchase at the door on the day of the event. 21+ only.