Twilight Concert Series, The Mighty Diamonds: July 12, 2012

Vol. 3 July 12th, 2012

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2012 Twilight Concert Series Table of contents Pg. 5

TCS user guide Here’s the skinny on this year’s shows

Pgs. 8-9

Santa Monica Pier map Where to go made easy

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Pg. 12

Reggae on deck

Flashback

The Mighty Diamonds give this week’s show an island feel

Donavon Frankenreiter rocked week 1 with a surf-inspired sound

Pg. 7

The life aquatic Celebrate all things oceanic at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium

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Upcoming shows Find out who’s performing during this summer’s run

About this publication This Twilight Concert Series guide has been created as a partnership between the Santa Monica Pier Corporation and the Santa Monica Daily Press.

It is intended to help concert-goers navigate the popular summer concert series.

The Santa Monica Pier Corporation is a non-profit created in 1983 by the Santa Monica City Council to preserve and enhance the pleasure pier experience for people of all ages and for future generations.

For more information, visit santamonicapier.org, or call (310) 458-8901.

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Here’s the skinny on this year’s shows Tickets, cost No ticket or reservation is necessary for the concerts. And all of the concerts are free.

However, should you find yourself wanting to express your appreciation for the concerts you are welcome to make a tax deductible contribution to the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation either by donating online at santamonicapier.org or in person at one of the concerts by visiting the pier booth.

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Twilight Concert Series user guide

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Food and drinks Alcohol consumption is not permitted in public spaces in Santa Monica. However, there are several full-service bars on the pier.

Food is permitted.

TAXES ALL FORMS, ALL TYPES, ALL STATES

What time do the concerts begin and end?

BACK TAXES • BOOKKEEPING • SMALL BUSINESS

7 p.m. — 10 p.m.

SAMUEL B. MOSES, CPA

Parking Parking is available in the 1550 Pacific Coast Highway Lot, on a first-come, firstserved basis. There is no parking permitted on the Pier Parking Deck.

There are also a number of city structures located in nearby Downtown Santa Monica.

For more information, visit the City of Santa Monica’s parking site for directions and pricing at parking.smgov.net/overview.html.

For directions to the Santa Monica Pier, visit santamonicapier.org/location.

Bike valet There is a free bike valet located next to the beach bike path just south of the Santa Monica Pier. It’s the reward for being kind to the environment.

Hundreds of bikes are parked during each show so make sure you get a spot.

First aid/lost and found If you require first aid or assistance, please visit the pier booth/tent and we will contact the proper authority. If it is an emergency, please call 911. The lost and found will also be located at that location.

Smoking Smoking not permitted on the Santa Monica Pier.

Pets Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Weather

(310) 395-9922 100 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1800, Santa Monica 90401

Have a drink “Sonoma on the Deck” Wine and Beer Lounge will be located on the pier overlooking the sand, where guests can enjoy a selection of specialty wine and beer, see the concerts in a relaxed environment, all while taking in the sunset overlooking the Santa Monica Bay.“Sonoma on the Deck” will feature locally-owned, award-winning Solsticio Wines from Argentina, California labels, specialty beer and more! Beer and wine will be offered for $5 and $8 respectively. Must be 21 years of age and present an I.D. “Sonoma on the Deck” is a perfect place to enjoy a summer’s night with great wine, friends and entertainment!

Volunteer The pier is always looking for a little help with the dance series.

Volunteers are needed to help with raising funds, assisting the crew and providing hospitality for artists.

If you are interested in assisting at the concerts, please contact us at (310) 4588901, or e-mail Anne Railsback at Anne@santamonicapier.org. Please provide the following information: • E-mail address • Phone Numbers: Cell/home • General availability • Special skills/interests • Fundraising ideas

It never gets really cold, but after the sun goes down it can sometimes get a bit chilly requiring only a sweater or light jacket. It’s always a good idea to have something to throw on just in case.

Santa Monica Pier contact info

Seating

Internet:

Seating is not provided. You are welcome to bring beach chairs and blankets and sit on the pier deck or the beach. We ask that you bring low beach chairs. Many people do sit on the sand at the beach below the pier deck.

Telephone: (310) 458-8901

santamonicapier.org

Mail: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A Santa Monica, CA. 90401

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Reggae on deck The Mighty Diamonds give this week’s show an island feel or 41 years, The Mighty Diamonds have been entertaining and educating the world with their sweet harmonies and conscious lyrics. This week they make a splash at the Santa Monica Pier for the Twilight Concert Series’ second show of the summer, July 12.

Donald “Tabby” Shaw, Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson and Lloyd “Judge” Ferguson comprise the long-running trio. In fact, Gen X’ers will probably remember their 1982 single “Pass the Koutchie,” written by Ferguson and Simpson, which became an international hit. First when it was released on their album “Changes” and then again when Musical Youth covered the tune and released it as “Pass the Dutchie.”

The band formed in 1969 in the Trenchtown area of Kingston, Jamaica, a ghetto that was also the home to Bob Marley. With their soulful harmonies and polished performances, they quickly became known as a young group with the Motown sound. Their first recordings at Dynamic Sounds eventually led them to their classic hit “Shame and Pride” in 1973. Their first hit singles “ Country Living” and “Hey Girl” were recorded on the Channel One label.

After touring the U.S. with Toots and the

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Maytals, the group signed to Virgin Records in 1975 and recorded four albums. Their debut album “Right Time,” released on Virgin has become a classic.

A resurgence of all things reggae has increased the band’s popularity in recent years and they are excited to be playing the Santa Monica Pier show. Audiences on their new tour have been mixed, Shaw mused, between longtime followers and new fans, perhaps turned onto reggae by the success of Ziggy Marley. Reggae has started building up again.

In music, reggae is characterized by its origins in ska and rocksteady, but reggae is more than music. It’s also a lifestyle. And it is this blend of their reggae roots and their spirituality that makes The Mighty Diamonds unique.

“We’re singing freedom music,” Shaw said. “People are in captivity and need to be free.”

Though devout Rastafarians, they balance their spiritual and political messages with sweet romantic material, which gives them a more universal appeal than militant groups like Culture or Black Uhuru. Regardless of whether they are singing love songs or protest anthems, The Mighty Diamonds bring

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a startling emotional commitment to their best material, and their debut album, “Right Time,” still stands as one of roots reggae’s all-time classics.

Shaw, Simpson and Ferguson have produced over 40 albums in their long career.

The trio has toured the world extensively and has a strong following in Europe and Japan as well as in the U.S. In Jamaica they are forever loved. They frequently bust out with stage antics reminiscent of the Four Tops.

The Mighty Diamonds with their animated hand gestures and energetic footwork are favorites of the dance hall crowd, roots and progressive audiences.

It is remarkable in itself that the three

founding members have remained together, despite the ever-changing and cut-throat music business, for 41 years — and counting! They find strength and inspiration in their faith in Rastafari and their love of Jah. Their message is one of unity, love and at times, rebellion in the face of injustice.

The Mighty Diamonds continue to achieve stardom on their own terms, wrapping a militant message in some of the prettiest melodies around. Even with their mushrooming international popularity, The Mighty Diamonds have not forgotten their roots which come from the unique cultural potpourri of Jamaica with its harsh ghetto realities and its irresistible reggae pulse.

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The life aquatic Celebrate all things oceanic at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium ummer is the time to hit the beach and watch the sea roll in, and Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium brings the element of water close enough to see, and sometimes even touch.

Located right next to the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is dedicated to the conservation, pollution prevention and education about all things Santa Monica Bay. It’s the perfect place for locals and tourists to come and take a look at what happens underneath the waves.

In 2009, the Aquarium was happy to lend a hand to the Pier Centennial Celebration, so it’s no surprise that this year, Heal the Bay is acting as the Twilight Concert Series’ official nonprofit partner; amidst the festivities, be on the lookout for the Heal the Bay information booth at upcoming concerts.

Heal the Bay designed the Pier Aquarium so that people can get in touch with the Santa Monica Bay, from the beach to the sandy bottom, to learn why this environment needs to be protected. The facility’s interactive setup allows visitors to gaze at all the locals that swim and float, from fish that dart through lush kelp forests to eels that dwell in eerie undersea cliffs. Octopus, lobsters, crabs and a mixture of fish lurk in the open tanks; and what aquarium would be complete without sharks?

If you want to shake flippers with some of these critters, check out the touch tanks, where visitors can get up close and personal with animals that live in tide pools, like the gnarly starfish or the spiny sea urchin. And stop by one of the aquarium’s newest exhibits, a nearly 100-gallon tank housing California’s only native seahorse species, the Pacific seahorse.

If you’ve brought the family, don’t miss the Kids’ Corner jewel tanks, six portholestyle exhibits that are teeming with an ever changing assortment of undersea plants and animals. Children and adults alike can

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observe an ocean environment from all angles, and learn about how pollution can threaten this beautiful, and all too fragile, ecosystem.

To keep up educational fun for the whole family, on July 28 and 29, the aquarium is hosting the Ocean Appreciation weekend, which will fill you in on the habits of the inhabitants of the bay with games, presentations and arts and crafts.

You can snap photos of your friends in fun costumes set against an ocean background, play fishing games, create a racer worthy of the “Great Plankton Race,” and go on a scavenger hunt across the aquarium. Also available will be displays and presentations about marine life and habitats, as well as conservation efforts and environmental topics.

Author Maddalena Bearzi will be on hand to discuss her book “Dolphin Confidential” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, in the Aquarium’s classroom. Bearzi, who founded the Los Angeles Dolphin Project and cofounded the Ocean Conservation Society, will recount some of her fieldwork on the open sea, including her observations of dolphins and insights into their lives. She will also discuss the threats facing these intelligent animals, and the work being done to protect them. Try and catch a glimpse of some dolphins yourself off the west end of the pier at an observation station. Aquarium naturalists will be on deck to answer questions.

And on Sunday, July 29, dig into the weekly shark feeding exhibit at 3:30 p.m. An informational talk about these misunderstood predators highlights the event.

So whether you come for the weekend, or stay for the summer, celebrate the sea; the life aquatic is just a touch tank away. For more information, visit www.healthebay.org/smpa or call (310) 3936149.

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Aquarium hours and specials Hours through Labor Day: Tuesday — Friday 2 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday 12:30 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Kids 12 and under free; suggested donation of $5 per person or a $3 minimum entry fee Groups of 10 or more $2 per person regardless of age.

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Weekly events: Every Sunday is “Shark Themed Sunday.”

Families are welcome to come and make shark-related crafts, and films and feeding presentations are featured at 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Friday afternoons at 2:30 p.m., watch animal feedings and help the aquarium staff feed the sea stars.

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1230 Santa Monica Blvd. | Santa Monica, Ca., 90404 | (800) 809-1283

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S u b a r u o f S a n t a M o n i c a 1229 Santa Monica Blvd. | Santa Monica, Ca., 90404 | (800) 809-1283 www.SubaruSantaMonica.com | Twitter: @SubaruSM | Facebook: facebook.com/SubaruSM

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A look back Week one had the crowd swaying with the waves urfer dude Donavon Frankenreiter brought a laid back feel to the first week of the Twilight Concert Series.

He packed them in with his West Coastinspired brand of rock that plays like the soundtrack of summer by the sea.

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Snap away We’re asking concert-goers to send in their photos from each week’s show. E-mail them to daniela@smdp.com or post them on our Facebook page at facebook.com/SantaMonicaPier.

If you’re on Twitter we can be found at twitter.com/SantaMonicaPier. If you’re more into hashtags, tag it #pierconcerts.

Donavon Frankenreiter

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Twilight Concert Series 2012 lineup Week 3

HAIM Plus Wildcat! Wildcat!

July 19 Hailing from the San Fernando Valley, HAIM consists of, “Three sisters, and a mister” that has been shaking things up in Los Angeles for the past four years. It is truly a family affair for the band which prides themselves on being able to switch from instrument to instrument with complete confidence and ease, and all while singing in three part harmony.

The sisters, Este, Danielle, and Alana, grew up playing classic rock songs with their parents in a family band, called “Rockinhaim,” which played for charity events and street fairs. After years of playing with their parents, the girls decided to strike out on their own, and began writing their own material. Este, the eldest of the three, plays bass guitar and found time in between touring to graduate from UCLA with a degree in music. Danielle, the 22-year-old lead guitar player, who previously toured with Jenny Lewis, Cee-lo Green, and Julian Casablancas.

SEE Shows PAGE 14

Jackie Greene

The Great Bike Giveaway is back!

Presented by BIKE ATTACK and PURE FIX

e k i b e i x i Win a fconcert! every

Raffle tickets will be available for sale at the concert, and a drawing will take place at the end of every show.

You do not need to be present to win.

BIKE ATTACK 2400 Main St. Santa Monica

310-581-8014

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Shows FROM PAGE 13

Week 6 Week 4

Jackie Green July 26 At age 31, Jackie Greene has accomplished what many artists strive decades for. He has recorded seven albums of original work, an EP, DVD, and a recently released book of lyrics. Greene has been involved in many high-profile side projects.

Included in his endeavors are performing with Levon Helm at Levon’s famous “Ramble” and featured performer at Warren Haynes annual Christmas Jam. Constantly touring, Jackie has a reputation for putting on an energetic live show and has earned the respect of critics and musicians across the country. He tours 100 to 125 dates a year, playing to a devoted and growing fan base, and has been featured at many high profile venues and festivals.

Week 5

Kasey Chambers Aug. 2 The arrival of “Wayward Angel,” the extraordinary latest album from vocalist and songwriter Kasey Chambers, takes the acclaimed Australian artist into some of the most personal, heartfelt and emotionally resonant realms of her career.

“I found myself writing songs that were closer to my roots,” Kasey explains on the origins and inspiration of “Wayward Angel.”

“I was drawing directly from my own life as well as from the people around me and the characters I met on the road. The music came out pretty much the way it wanted, more organic and spontaneous than anything I’d done before.”

The sharp focus and expressive intent of “Wayward Angel” does indeed connect.

“I didn’t really think much about a certain style or sound,” she continues. “I tried to just let it flow and, even though the writing came together over a long period of time, it all felt very natural. I guess there is just more me in this music.”

PARADE Collective Showcase featuring musicians from Cirque du Soleil®

Aug. 9 The PARADE Collective will be a showcase of original music and arrangements written and performed by musicians and singers from Cirque du Soleil.

The term “PARADE” is a French acronym for programme d’aide aux réalisations artistiques des employés, which literally translated means, a program to aid in the artistic realizations of the employees. Cirque du Soleil’s Cultural Action Department presents this evening in support of its mandate to encourage and support its employees. This night, these accomplished artists, who perform live nightly in a Cirque du Soleil production, will demonstrate their high degree of creativity and passion by performing their own original music compositions and arrangements for this very special concert.

Check back for updated biographical information on the musicians and singers who will be performing!

Week 7

Amadou & Mariam Plus Portland Scene-Stealers Y La Bamba

Aug. 16 To expand your horizons while remaining true to your roots is a challenge that Amadou & Mariam have risen to — and consistently met — throughout their career.

Each new album has found the husbandand-wife duo from Mali boldly moving forward and breaking fresh ground, while at the same time preserving their instantly recognizable trademarks: the exquisite song craft, Amadou’s thrilling electric blues guitar and the magical interplay of their two voices, which first brought them popularity.

In recent years, Amadou & Mariam have toured with Coldplay and U2 and jammed with musical heroes David Gilmour and Johnny Marr. They’ve performed at a Nobel Peace Prize concert in honor of Barack Obama, and played at the opening

Kasey Chambers

ceremonies of the last two FIFA world cups.

Manu Chao and Damon Albarn have lent their production skills to their records and they have worked with some of the most innovative names in contemporary rock music via Albarn’s “Africa Express” and other cross-cultural projects, such as “L’Afrik C’est Chic.”

Week 8

Alex Cuba Plus Lucky 7 Mambo

Aug. 23 Alex Cuba is a rebel.

“When it comes to creativity, I need to go to places I’ve never been before,” he says.

With the wanderlust of a world traveler, the Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter explores new sonic spaces on “Ruido En El Sistema/Static in the System.”

Following the compass points of rock, soul, pop, and Latin-funk on his fourth album, Cuba continues his journey as a critically acclaimed independent artist who’s charted his own destiny across the world stage while earning a growing legion of devoted listeners at each new juncture.

Week 9

Hot 8 Brass Band Plus The Gumbo Brothers

Alex Cuba

has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade. The band plays the traditional Second Line parades, hosted each Sunday afternoon by Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, infusing their performances with the funk and energy that makes New Orleans music loved around the world. The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans and many began playing together in high school. What makes the Hot 8 so special are the sounds they coax from their well-loved, well-worn instruments.

Aug. 30 New Orleans’ own Hot 8 Brass Band

Week 10

Best Coast Plus No

Sept. 6 Combine the sophisticated chill of a New York City winter with the girlish, laid back romance of California in the summertime and what to you get? The answer is Best Coast, the latest musical endeavor by perennially cool, selfdescribed “weird girl” Bethany Cosentino.

Best Coast was born when Cosentino decided to come home to L.A. after a time in New York City, to get a fresh start at living in the place she knows best — California. Quickly garnering praise from critics and listeners with the single “Sun Was High (So Was I),” Cosentino was approached by UK-based label Blackest Rainbow, who released her now sold-out tape “Where the Boys Are.”

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