By Matt Wendland

The B-Town Beat is welcoming seven new businesses to downtown Burien at their October 3rd music and art walk.

The B-Town Beat is an independent not-for-profit group of volunteers that formed in early 2013 with the mission of utilizing arts and culture in Burien as the catalyst to increase community and economic development. The group’s primary event is a free monthly Music and Art Walk that takes place on the first Thursday of each month in downtown Burien. Thus far, each Beat has attracted hundreds of people to between 25 and 35 local businesses hosting some form of art.

The October 3rd Music and Art Walk will be themed around giving people the opportunity to preview the seven new businesses who recently opened or are about to open in Downtown Burien. These business include Start Fresh, a gluten free grocery store with plans to expand as a bakery and deli, Lucky U, a clothing consignment store in Olde Burien, The Maven Mercantile, an eatery serving fresh meals made from scratch with quality ingredients, Black Zia Cantina, a bar and eatery in the former Sal's Deli location serving New Mexican (Yes, the state New Mexico) food as well as a variety of vegan options, The Greek House, a greek restaurant launching in October by the former head chef of the Seattle Hilton, The Barber Shop, a classic style barbershop on SW 153rd Street, and finally, Burien Arts new gallery in Olde Burien.

Each of the businesses will be giving participants the opportunity to preview their new locations and sample what they are offering. They will also feature art or music.

These new businesses join 25 other local businesses hosting art for the Beat. Many businesses, such as Burien Press and Skinperfect, host visual art. This month Mark restaurant in Olde Burien and The Barber Shop are hosting photography. Vino Bello Wine Bar & Shop is hosting both visual art and live music. Buriendaily.com is hosting a free open mic at HomeTask and the King County Library is hosting a free kids craft time. These are just a few of the many examples of art that will be offered.

The event will take place on the Thursday evening of October 3rd from 6PM to 9PM. Venues are located between 1st Ave SW and 10th Ave SW on SW 152nd and 153rd St. The B-Town Beat will be setting up a "home base" in front of HomeTask at 611 SW 152nd St where participants can pick up venue lists and walking maps. For more information about the B-Town Beat, their programs and the upcoming Music and Art Walk, visit their website at www.b-townbeat.com.