First Fridays: AMPLIFIED” Blends Music and Neuroscience in Electrifying Evening at NHM
Los Angeles, CA – June 6, 2025 — This Friday, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHM) will come alive after hours with a unique fusion of science, sound, and culture in “First Fridays: AMPLIFIED – Music and the Mind.” Running from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, this dynamic evening event explores the fascinating relationship between music and the human brain through live performances, DJ sets, panel discussions, and immersive exhibits.
Now a beloved LA tradition, First Fridays transforms the museum’s halls into a nightlife venue for the intellectually curious. This edition dives into how rhythm, melody, and harmony affect cognition, memory, and emotion — with insights from neuroscientists, sound artists, and cultural commentators.
The highlight of the night will be a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring leading researchers in music therapy and auditory neuroscience, who will break down how the brain interprets and responds to sound. Topics will include music’s role in mental health, neuroplasticity, and its potential as a tool for healing.
Live performances from experimental and electronic artists will amplify the energy as museum-goers dance beneath the dinosaur skeletons. The DJ lounge in the museum's Grand Foyer will pulse with eclectic beats curated by LA-based DJs, while interactive stations allow visitors to create their own soundscapes or experience brainwave-reactive installations.
“This isn’t just a concert or a lecture,” said NHM event curator Lydia Suarez. “It’s a deep dive into how music shapes our minds and our culture — and we’re bringing it to life in one of the most unexpected venues in LA.”
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy food trucks, themed cocktails, and the museum’s permanent exhibits before the programming begins.
Admission is $20 for general entry and $15 for students and members. Advance tickets are strongly recommended as this event often sells out.
Whether you’re a science geek, a music lover, or just looking for something refreshingly different to do on a Friday night, First Fridays: AMPLIFIED – Music and the Mind promises a cerebral and sensory experience like no other in Los Angeles.