Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Concert Series to Kick Off July 5, 2012

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The Santa Monica Pier will launch Southern California’s prized Twilight Concert Series, presented by Southern California-based OneWest Bank, on Thursday July 5^th. The free ten-concert series, now in its 28^th year, will feature a unique mix of emerging and established music from all over the world every Thursday night from 7 pm to 10 pm through September 6, 2012.

“We are nearing thirty years on a treasured Santa Monica legacy”

Co-produced by Los Angeles-based Rum & Humble, the Twilight Concert Series will span diverse genres from breakout bands, established acts, singers and songwriters and local artists, including African Rock, Indie Rock, Cuban, Jamaican Reggae, Contemporary Salsa, New Orleans Brass, Folk and Louisiana funk.

The series attracts tens of thousands of concertgoers from all over Southern California and throughout the country who flock to Santa Monica to enjoy free concerts on the beach and under the stars.

The kick-off concert is supported by long-standing series partner Heal the Bay and renowned graphic artist John Van Hammerveld of “Endless Summer” fame, who has designed the 2012 Twilight Concert Series posters, t-shirts and sweatshirts.

July 5: Beach-ready songs of surfer/troubadour Donavon Frankenreiter and the energetic soul of Jeff Young's Song & Dance Society
July 12: Jamaican harmony trio The Mighty Diamonds and Los Angeles-based reggae band The Lions, featured by LAcarGuy
July 19: Los Angeles-based Indie acts HAIM and Wildcat! Wildcat!
July 26: Organic jam rocker Jackie Greene, featured by Bloomingdale’s and the winner of Rusty’s Surf Ranch’s Emerging Artist Competition
August 2, Australia Rocks the Pier: Australian country singer-songwriter Kasey Chambers and Aussie folk rocker Matt Ellis
August 9: PARADE Collective – Showcase featuring musicians from Cirque du Soleil®
August 16: African Rock from Mali’s Amadou & Mariam paired with Portland Scene-stealers Y La Bamba
August 23: Cuban singer-songwriter Alex Cuba and the Salsa dance sounds of Lucky 7 Mambo, featured by Loews Hotel
August 30: New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band and Louisiana funk band The Gumbo Brothers
September 6: SoCal Indie Breakout Act Best Coast and L.A. buzz band NO

“The Twilight Concert Series is about coming together for music and discovery in an amazing environment,” said Jay Farrand, the Santa Monica Pier Administrator. “You just can't beat Summer nights at the Pier. Where else can you listen to great bands with friends over the sound of crashing waves?”

“We are nearing thirty years on a treasured Santa Monica legacy,” said Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom. “Free summer concerts on the Santa Monica Pier are woven into the fabric of our identity, and the continued contributions and support from the Southern California community demonstrate the overwhelming desire to preserve and celebrate this remarkable cultural institution.”

The ten-concert series is presented in partnership with OneWest Bank, the largest Southern California-based bank, as part of their effort to support local initiatives that contribute to a vibrant California. The series receives support from many partners including Cirque Du Soleil, Heal the Bay, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, LAcarGuy, Bloomingdale’s, the Australia Consulate, Loews Hotel, Pacifico, Sonoma Wine Garden, WSR Creative, and the continued support from the businesses and organizations on the Santa Monica Pier.

“As members of the Greater Los Angeles and Santa Monica communities, we are committed to preserving the integrity of Southern California’s cultural institutions,” said Joseph Otting, President and CEO of OneWest Bank. “It is an honor to support the Twilight Concert Series and contribute to a legacy of continued success.”

The Thursday night concerts will be emceed by DJs from 89.9 FM KCRW, the media partner for the Twilight Concert Series.

“With the magical backdrop of the Pacific, this is an ideal location to celebrate summer with KCRW,” said KCRW Music Director and Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley. “This is the best lineup yet for the Twilight Concert Series and we can't wait.”

Concertgoers are encouraged to take the Big Blue Bus to partake in the Twilight Concert Series. Parking will be available in the lot north of the pier at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, however parking on the Santa Monica Pier deck will be closed. The City of Santa Monica will provide a free bike valet, stationed on the beach next to the bicycle path on the south side of the pier.

More information about the Twilight Concert Series can be found at twilightseries.org.

About the Santa Monica Pier Corporation

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC), established in 1983, is a non-profit, public benefit corporation made up of business and community leaders who represent the full range of community interests. It was created by the Santa Monica City Council to preserve and enhance the pier experience for people of all ages and for future generations and is funded by the City of Santa Monica. For more information, visit, http://www.santamonicapier.org.