New Year: Events at Santa Monica's Annenberg Beach House

Start off the New Year exploring great opportunities at the Annenberg Community Beach House with a lineup that offers something for everyone. From a synchronized swim class to free events including guided beach walks, art talks, performances and a Gold Coast-era birthday celebration! Don't miss the fun kicking off this Sunday.

AQUALILLIES SYNCHRONIZED SWIM CLASS, Sunday, January 8, 15 & 22, 10 – 11:15 a. m. -

Haven't you always wanted to take a synchronized swim class? With the Aqualillies, it's a fun and creative way to feel great. Learn sculling techniques, back layouts, ballet legs, torpedoes and tuck turns, then set your new skills to music in a simple and graceful routine. The class includes complimentary hot chocolate!

SNOWY PLOVER BEACH WALK WITH THE AUDUBON SOCIETY

Sunday, January 8, 8:30 – 10 a. m. -

Your inner naturalist will revel in a guided walk exploring the habitat and life cycle of the small, white snowy plovers in their winter beach home. Binoculars will be provided, or bring your own!

FAMILY FIELD TRIP BEACH WALK WITH THE AUDUBON SOCIETY

Sunday, January 8, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

You never know what you'll find on this sandy field trip to the beach! Could it be grebes, beach hoppers, sand crabs, or kelp? Ages 5+ with parent/guardian. Binoculars and field guides provided for extra fun!

PLECTRUM VIOLIN/GUITAR DUO FEATURING MANN-WEN LO AND MARK GRGIC

Tuesday, January 10, 6:30 – 8 p. m.

These advocates of traditional and popular music present repertoire that's both artistically challenging and enjoyable for a wide and diverse audience, taking listeners on a musical journey spanning centuries.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARION!

Sunday, January 15 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Hosted by the Santa Monica Conservancy, it's a slice of Gold Coast history come to life!  Celebrate Marion Davies; silent film actress, famed party hostess, mistress of media tycoon William Randolph Hearst and original Beach House resident.  Cut a rug to music from the classic American song book by LA Love Band, enjoy magician Tom Frank, catch Marion and W.R. Hearst in snippets from European vacation home movies, and Marion in her 1928 silent film Show People.  Film producer Elaina Archer and Davies' biographer Lara Fowler will be on hand to share insights into Marion's life and times.  Festivities take place at Marion's 1928 Julia Morgan designed Guest House.

BEACH WALK & SKETCH WITH THE AUDUBON SOCIETY

Sunday, January 22  9 – 11 a. m.                     

Bring your sense of wonder and take to the sands to sketch nature's offerings on our beautiful stretch of Santa Monica State Beach!  Binoculars, drawing boards, pencils and newsprint will be provided, or bring your own easy-to-carry sketching tools.

ARTIST TALK ON LOS ANGELES: DETAILED

Saturday, January 28, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Join the photographers featured in the current gallery exhibition, as each reflects on their individual work, moderated by educator, blogger, curator, writer, and fellow artist Aline Smithson.

POETRY & THE ART OF LISTENING, A READING AND DISCUSSION WITH BILLY BURGOS, TERESA MEI CHUC AND DANIEL ROMO, MODERATED BY DINAH BERLAND

Tuesday, January 31-- 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Join Beach House writer-in-residence Berland and guests on the theme of "how poetry can spark empathy across difference." 

For more information on all the Beach House has to offer, visit annenbergbeachhouse.com or call 310-458-4904. Space is limited for all events. RSVP and registration for all free events is requested. The Annenberg Community Beach House is located at 415 Pacific Coast Hwy.  Parking is $3 per hour or $8 per day.

The Annenberg Community Beach House is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant. For disability related accommodations, please call Guest Services at 310-458-4904. The Annenberg Community Beach House at Santa Monica State Beach is operated by the City of Santa Monica. The Beach House is made possible by a generous gift from the Annenberg Foundation, at the direction of Wallis Annenberg, and in partnership with the City of Santa Monica and California State Parks. Additional funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.