SANTA MONICA, CA (CelebrityAccess) — After nearly being cancelled after last year’s season, Santa Monica’s summer concert series is returning with a new name and new theme.
The Twilight on the Pier will feature both local and international musicians performing at the world famous Santa Monica Pier. The free concert series will expand this year from one to three stages and will also feature art installations, food offerings, a beer and spirits garden, games and interactive activations all along the Pier promenade.
The music series will take place each Wednesday from September 5 to October 7, with each night focusing on a different ‘cultural soundscape’ including afrobeat, South Asian sounds, Australia, Latin waves and an indie night.
Now in its 34th year, the concert series was nearly a victim of its own popularity. According to the Los Angeles Times, Santa Monica locals last year expressed concerns about the cost of the events and security, as an increasing number of Los Angelenos attended the event thanks to an easy commute by the Metro.
Leading local critics of the event included city arts commissioner Phil Brock, who, in an op-ed, suggested that the influx of people for the shows risked the pier’s “local flavor” the Times noted.
However, a meeting of stakeholders last November was able to address concerns from the community about the event. Changes included moving the shows from the summer, during peak tourist season, to the early Autumn, the Times reported.
Full Santa Monica Pier Concert Schedule: Twilight on the Pier 2018
September 5: Latin Waves
- ORQUESTA AKOKAN
- JARINA DE MARCO
- QUITAPENAS
- SISTER MANTOS
September 12: Australia Rocks the Pier
- BETTY WHO
- TOUCH SENSITIVE
September 19: Island Vibes
- JUDY MOWATT
- BOKANTE
- DANNY HOLLOWAY
September 26: Eclectic Indie
- BRAZILIAN GIRLS
- SUDAN ARCHIVES
- CAPYAC
- YOYA
October 3: Afrobeat R&B
- FELA! THE CONCERT
- TIFFANY GOUCHE
- TWILIGHT DRUM CIRCLE
- DJ NNAMDI
October 7: South Asian Sounds
- RED BARAAT
- VIDYA VOX
- DJ REKHA
- DISCOSTAN
