"This feels way better, way more support from the community," says Jonathan Heraux, below, co-owner (and janitor), with Christian "See" Ellauri, of Ong King Arts Center, which celebrates its first anniversary on First Friday. He's comparing his multimedia space to his ill-fated 2004 On the River, which had a similar concept but closed after less than a year and left Heraux broke. The birthday blowout includes scratch guitarist The Genie (his name makes sense once you hear him play), an art show, Cherry Blossom Burlesque, and Mainland slam poets Q and Big Poppa E. "You can always guarantee that there will be more performers than audience," says Heraux with a laugh. "Either way, we'll be packed."

Ong King; 184 N. King St., 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday; $10 after 9 p.m., 306-7823.