Pepperdine students crowded Aviator Nation on Sept. 12 as Sophia Zamani debuted her album, “Shelter from the Rain.”
Aviator Nation Dreamland is located on the edge of PCH, overlooking the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and warm sky. Opened in 2022, this local venue has been home to new artists showcasing their talents to the local community. By day, it connects their clothing line to a dining area and by night it is tied together with a live music venue.
“My friends and family have flown out for each of my shows and have been so supportive in this journey,” Zamani said.
Zamani has expressed her passion for music through six different live shows, along with a music festival performance at BottleRock in Napa Valley in California. Aviator Nation has collaborated with Zamani in the past, being the venue for her first live performance just about one year ago.
From the moment the doors opened until the time Zamani stepped on the stage, the crowd filled with friends and family full of joy and support. Many of those in the crowd were fellow Pepperdine students and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority sisters.
Junior Nicole De Felice was in attendance alongside her friends for Zamani’s album release. She said she thoroughly supports Aviator Nation giving local artists the opportunity to share their talents and passions.
“I think it’s awesome,” De Felice said, “It’s such a great way for new artists to put their music and name out there. For Sophia, for example, her first show was at Aviator Nation and from there she did many more, , -FS” class=”inline-comment collapsed”>
so I just think it’s a great opportunity for new artists.”
Having both the option to hang out with friends and to listen to music is ideal for a college student, De Felice said.
Aviator Nation puts on anywhere between five and eight live events each month, all of which can be found on their monthly calendar. This includes a “composer’s breakfast club” on Tuesday mornings, which is open to composers, musicians, artists and singers in the area.
Being only five minutes away from Pepperdine’s campus, Aviator Nation provides a source of entertainment and creative freedom to students in the area. The store’s interior resembles that of a nostalgic Hollywood, filled with couches, lounge chairs and tables where creativity fills the open space and relaxed air.
Wall art hangs throughout the venue, allowing it to be a photo opportunity for students to utilize as a backdrop. Once Zamani’s performance came to an end, family and friends gathered to take pictures alongside her and express their admiration for her music.
Whether it be a live performance on a week night or a dinner break from being on campus, Aviator Nation is a venue for students to experience the surrounding city.
____________________
Follow the Graphic on X: @PeppGraphic
Contact Rosabella Chavez via email: rosabella.chavez@pepperdine.edu
