Santa Monica Pier 2011 Concert Schedule

The Twilight Dance Series at the Santa Monica Pier concert schedule for 2011 has finally been announced. As always, the concerts are free to the public and take place on Thursday evenings starting at 7pm.

July 7: The SaMo Mambo
July 14: 80’s Pop: The Bangles and Caracol
July 21: Australia Rocks the Pier!: Missy Higgins and Kim Churchill
July 28: Reggae/Ska: Slackers and Star Pool
August 4: (presented by Cirque du Soleil): TBA
August 11: La Monica Ballroom Then & Now: Royal Crown Revue, Orgone, and Ameera
August 18: Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar: Duo-Tones, Slacktone, and The Eliminators
August 25: Tango on the Timbers: Milongatron, (tango lessons start at 6 pm)
September 1: Americana: Dawes
September 8: New Orleans Funk & Blues TBA

From the Twilight Dance Series:

Each Thursday night the highly attended concert series will showcase a different musical theme: The SaMo Mambo: Salsa, ‘80s Pop, Australia Rocks the Pier!, Reggae/Ska, La Monica Ballroom Then & Now, Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar, Tango on the Timbers, Americana, and New Orleans Funk and Blues. The Twilight Dance Series is co-produced by Los Angeles-based Rum & Humble, known for presenting both established artists and homegrown talent in venues such as the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre.

Concert organizers have also put the “dance” back into Twilight Dance Series by including a dance floor on the deck of the Santa Monica Pier for The SaMo Mambo, La Monica Ballroom Then & Now, and Tango on the Timbers.

“We believe the 27th Annual Twilight Dance Series will be a fantastic concert production and will please the Santa Monica community and concert fans,” said Kent Smith, chair of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation. “Free summer concerts on the pier have become a cultural and historical phenomena and we made a collective effort to deliver the quality and community experience that has come to define this cultural institution.”

The ten-concert season is presented in partnership with OneWest Bank, the largest Southern California-based bank, as part of their organized effort to support local initiatives that contribute to a more vibrant California.

“At our Santa Monica branches and offices throughout Southern California, OneWest Bank is dedicated to personalized service, One Person at a Time,” said Joseph Otting, President and CEO of OneWest Bank. “We are committed to preserving the integrity of Southern California’s cultural institutions and ensuring their continued success. In particular, we are honored to support the Twilight Dance Series.”

The Twilight Dance Series has been an annual fixture on the Santa Monica Pier since 1983 when it began with “Save the Pier Week” and has since become a hallmark of the Santa Monica community.

“We are delighted with the business community’s commitment to the Twilight Dance Series,” said Santa Monica Mayor Richard Bloom. “Their efforts help to preserve the cultural heritage of Santa Monica and, with their contributions, we will continue to enjoy free summer concerts at the pier.”

Concertgoers are encouraged to take the Big Blue Bus to partake in the Twilight Dance 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.

The 27th Annual Twilight Dance Series is presented in partnership with OneWest Bank. Additional sponsors include the Australian Consulate and Cotton On, Cirque du Soleil, Bloomingdales, and media partner KCRW 89.9 FM.