About ABTG

Art Beyond the Glass (ABTG) was founded in 2011 by Daniel Djang and Zahra Bates as a special event for bartenders to showcase their artistic talents when they're not behind the bar. From cocktails to paintings, photography, live music, DJs, spoken word and more, ABTG is a celebration of bartender artistry inside and beyond the glass.

Proceeds from every ABTG event are donated to a local arts-based nonprofit - to date, ABTG has donated more than $210,000 to these vital community organizations.

COVID-19
In response to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, ABTG is pivoting its fundraising mission in order to support bartenders suffering financial hardship due to loss of employment or reduced work hours.

To accomplish its new focus on COVID-19 relief, ABTG is being supported by Community Partners, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, as part of its Fiscal Sponsorship program.

Daniel Djang - Co-Founder

Daniel Djang is the founder and editor of the award-winning cocktail and spirits blog, Thirsty in LA. When he's not bending an elbow at a bar near you, Daniel is the Content Manager for discoverlosangeles.com, the official website of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.

Zahra Bates - Co-Founder

Zahra Bates is currently the National Brand Ambassador for Courvoisier. She was previously a bartender at The Pikey in Hollywood, Senior Bartender at the historic Cole's Red Car Bar in Downtown L.A., and the Bar Manager at Providence, which earned two Michelin stars during her tenure. In her role as National Brand Ambassador, Zahra shares her knowledge and experience at seminars and events across the country.