The Electric Lodge Performing and Visual Arts Center in Venice will once again play gracious host to the Kulov Tea Festival. Since 2000, the Kulov has celebrated the exotic culinary and cultural traditions that are literally “steeped” in tea. This year’s Kulov features the “teas and flavors of China,” and is only a short walk from artsy Abbot Kinney Blvd, with its hip restaurants and galleries.
“Every year around Valentines Day we host a cultural event honoring a country with a strong tradition of tea,” explains event producer Kulov. “Last year we celebrated Japan, the year before that, India. This year will coincide with Chinese New Year celebrations for the Year of the Rat.”
Local and International tea retailers, wholesalers and importers will be on hand. Exhibitors include the Art of Tea, famous for their rare, organic Ayurvedic teas, Dr. Tea’s Tea Garden and Herbal Emporium, which specializes in medicinal teas and herbal tonics, and 1001 Plateaus, known for the freshness of their high quality imported teas such as Jasmine Pearl ball, Long Jing, and Da Hong Pao.
Specialty foods, dim sum, and a grand tea ceremony with tea tasting, are among the culinary delights. Participation is encouraged, and workshops in herbal medicine, calligraphy, music and dance will be offered, as well as fine art displays, installations and a raffle. No matter what your taste, at the Kulov there is much to see and do.
Last year’s Japanese celebration included workshops in the crafts of origami and calligraphy, as well as demonstrations on how to make sushi, and mochi ice cream, and a Japanese tea ceremony. Every year the Festival features memorable live performances of folk music, as well as exhibits in both traditional crafts and contemporary art of the country. This year the UCLA Chinese Cultural Dance Club, and the American Chinese Cultural Association will round out the day with performances at 6:30 pm in the Electric Lodge theatre. Claudla Chol, Katherine Lee, Yujin Ono and Cathy Wang will also perform.
From Feb 7-28, in conjunction with the Tea Festival, Kulov contemporary and sixspace present an Exhibition of Chinese Contemporary Art also at the Electric Lodge. The exhibit will feature the works of Emily Cheng, Hong Hao, Alexander Lee and Zhang Xlanyong.
“The [Electric Lodge] is in a wonderful part of Venice just off of Abbot Kinney Blvd.,” says Kulov. “One of the goals of our tea festivals is to generate curiosity and good will that extend into the community at large,” he explains. “With so much to discover, people come from all over Los Angeles, as well as out of state, spending many happy hours exploring the neighborhood.”
Admission to the Tea Festival is $10 in advance, and $15 at the door, plus anywhere from $1-$3 for goodies and workshops. The event is free for children under 12. The Electric Lodge is located at 1416 Electric Avenue, Venice, CA 90291. For more information email info[at]kulov.com visit: http://www.kulovteafest.com or call (310) 699-7271.
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