Before State of the Arts 2025 begins, a select group of guests will kick off the evening at the Nash Bash—a jazz-infused VIP fundraiser honoring the life and legacy of former ArtsLB board member and arts advocate James Nash. Held from 5 PM to 6 PM on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center, this exclusive reception invites arts champions to gather in support of Long Beach’s creative future.
This year’s Nash Bash features a live jazz performance by Tatiana Tate and the Jazz Quartet, curated cocktails, and gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Guests will enjoy breathtaking waterfront views and intimate conversations with Long Beach artists, civic leaders, and cultural changemakers. It’s more than a stylish reception—it’s a vital fundraiser to protect the future of arts programming in our city.
And support is urgently needed. Public funding for the arts is facing unprecedented challenges. In California, the state has cut more than $70 million from its arts and culture budgets, including the proposed elimination of the $11.5 million Equitable Payroll Fund, which sustains thousands of creative jobs across the state.[¹][²] Meanwhile, the National Endowment for the Arts canceled over $27 million in grants in early 2025—affecting over 90 projects nationwide and destabilizing programming for smaller organizations and artists alike.[³]
When you attend Nash Bash, you’re not just enjoying world-class jazz—you’re making a direct impact. Your ticket supports artist grants, public art, youth education, and the sustainability of the creative economy in Long Beach. Your participation sends a powerful message: that the arts are essential, and we stand behind those who bring creativity, culture, and beauty to our communities.
🎟 Reserve your Nash Bash ticket now →
📍 Marina Pacifica Shopping Center
🗓 Friday, September 19, 2025
⏰ 5 PM – 6 PM (before State of the Arts)
Spots are limited for this exclusive event. Whether you’ve supported ArtsLB for years or are just discovering our work, we invite you to enjoy this elegant pre-party that blends impact with celebration. Let’s raise a toast to James Nash, to the power of music, and to the future of the arts in Long Beach.
Special thanks to Marina Pacifica for hosting and supporting this powerful evening.
#ArtsLB
📚 Citations
- (2018, February 4). Arts Funding Twenty-Five: Trends from 2022–2024. Https://www.Giarts.org/. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.giarts.org/arts-funding-twenty-five
- (2025, May 29). California Theatre Workers Respond to Gov. Newsom’s Proposed Cuts. Https://www.Americantheatre.org. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.americantheatre.org/2025/05/29/california-theatre-workers-respond-to-gov-newsoms-cuts-proposal
(2025, June 4). Local arts groups face budget gaps as NEA pulls grants. Https://pbs.org. Retrieved July 8, 2025, from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/local-arts-groups-face-budget-gaps-as-nea-pulls-grants#:~:text=On%20May%203%2C%20the%20National%20Endowment%20for%20the%20Arts%20abruptly,part%20of%20our%20canvas%20coverage.