Just when we were ready to wave goodbye to summer for another year, a sweltering and oppressive heat wave smashed into Los Angeles.
Honestly, we’re kind of cool with it—it just means we get one more week to fully soak up the beach, eat healthy popsicles for breakfast, and sip on rosé (and smoothies, of course). One of the best ways to celebrate this unexpected summer extension? Spend your night flowing, drinking, and dancing on a swanky rooftop in downtown LA.
Sounds amazing, right? Just another Friday night for Justin Henderson, the founder of BENDER, a group that organizes events in the city that blend yoga, dance, music, art, and culture. Henderson taps the most talented teachers in LA to lead the class as he or a guest does a live DJ set—and the experience is truly otherworldly.
Last week I spent my Wednesday evening on the roof of Platform in Culver City led through an unreal yoga flow by Erin Ward and True Jung. The music and movement perfectly blended together, as Henderson (who was our DJ-music-spirit-guide) responded to the class, adjusting the intensity of the music to match our bodies. The experience was incredible, and made even this non-yogi feel balanced, centered, and excited for the next BENDER event!
After, there were food and drinks, and of course, great company. It’s nights like this that remind you how unique Los Angeles truly is and help you appreciate some stillness in this chaotic city. And I’ve got good news: There’s another yoga-fueled happy hour coming up in the first week of October.
Held on the roof of ROW DTLA, the class will be lead by Patti Quintero and DJ’ed by Henderson. After you’ve sufficiently stretched and twisted the workweek out, there’ll be requisite drinks—it’s Friday night, after all!—and dancing. Guest DJ Sofar Sounds will lead the concert lineup—and there are three more secret artists performing that’ll be announced on the day of the event.
Soak up this gorgeous Indian summer while you still can—grab your spot to BENDERxSofar Sounds here.
What: BENDER x Sofar Sounds // rooftop yoga + secret concert
Where The ROW DTLA
When: Friday, October 7, 7pm-11pm
Sign up here!
Photo credit Justin Henderson.
