Sunday, June 30th marked the 12th annual celebration of Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG), a legendary Los Angeles cocktail festival that brings together the city’s top bartenders and their artistic flair for a day of unforgettable cocktails, creativity, and community. Held at the iconic Catch One nightclub, ABTG 2024 once again proved to be a vibrant showcase of LA’s vibrant cocktail culture, all for a good cause.
Raising a Glass for Art & Community
Started in 2011 by Daniel Djang and Zahra Bates, “ABTG is an annual event for bartenders to showcase their artistic talents when they’re not behind the bar. From cocktails to paintings, photography, live music, DJs, spoken word, and more, ABTG is a celebration of bartender artistry inside and beyond the glass,” (ABTG website).
This year’s event proudly benefited Self Help Graphics & Art (SHG), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the creation and advancement of art by Chicana/o and Latinx artists. Through innovative printmaking techniques and other visual art forms, SHG empowers artists and enriches the cultural tapestry of Los Angeles. By attending ABTG, you were not only treated to a day of entertainment, but also contributed to the future of art in our city.
A Cocktail Extravaganza for Every Palate
The heart of ABTG lies in its incredible lineup of bartenders. Over 100 mixologists from LA’s most celebrated establishments, including All Day Baby, Apotheke, Bar Flores, Death & Co, The Varnish, and many more, came together to showcase their talents. Each bartender presented a signature cocktail, offering a dazzling array of flavors, techniques, and presentations. Whether you preferred classic cocktails with a twist or innovative creations pushing the boundaries of mixology, ABTG had something to tantalize your taste buds.
Beyond the Glass: A Celebration of Creativity, Costumes, and Characters
But ABTG goes beyond the drinks. It encompasses the creative and festive spirit of the pop-up bars and bartenders. With themes ranging from the Olympics to Indiana Jones, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Greek Gods, and Prince, the bartenders went all out with their costumes and props. There was even an “Airport Baggage Claim,” complete with a rotating cocktail and food conveyor belt!
A Day of Playful Entertainment
ABTG invited us to unleash our inner child with games like “Spritzster” (a hilarious take on Twister), “Shoot ’em Up”, and the classic Nintendo game, Super Mario Bros.
Adding to the buzz were live bands and DJs spinning tunes across multiple rooms, and a glitter face painter. An incredible burlesque performance from Candace Cane further amped up the energy, leaving us wanting more.
Cheers to the Future
Art Beyond the Glass 2024 was a resounding success. From the delicious cocktails and creative presentations to the playful games and vibrant atmosphere, the event offered a unique and unforgettable experience. It was a day of community, celebrating both the artistry of bartenders and the importance of supporting the arts.
I can’t wait to see what ABTG has in store for next year! If you missed out this time around, mark your calendars for June 2025 and get ready to experience the magic of liquid art for yourself. In the meantime, support your local bartenders, explore the amazing work of SHG, and raise a glass to creativity in Los Angeles!
