Twilight Dance Series, Dawes, Sonny & the Sunsets: September 01, 2011

New Americana: Dawes, Sonny & the Sunsets (plus the winner of Rusty’s Surf Ranch emerging artist competition: OLIO)

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september 1 , 2011 FREE CONCERTs

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About this publication

Twilight Dance Series Table of Contents Pgs. 6-7

Pg. 14

New Americana

Pier pals

Dawes headlines this rootsy show

Tenants add a special something to the mix

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Pg. 15

Guide

Walking distance

The low-down on the TDS

The area around the pier if filled with things to do

Pgs. 10-11

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Pier map

Future shows

Make your way around the pier with ease

Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew, and Donald Harrison Electric Band round out this year’s Twilight Dance Series

This Twilight Dance Series guide has been created as a partnership between the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation and the Santa Monica Daily Press. It is intended to help concert-goers navigate the popular summer concert series.

The Santa Monica Pier Restoration 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.

Publisher: Ross Furukawa Editor: Daniel Archuleta Designer: Darren Ouellette Special thanks: Martin Fleischmann, Steve Gibson, Craig Hoffman, Dennis Lin, Anne Railsback, Rob Schwenker, Brittney Seeliger, Steven Stuart, Taylor Van Arsdale

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Cheers!

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Sonoma Wine Garden on the deck

Flash back Milongatron blessed the pier with its tango-inspired sound during Week 8 For more information, visit santamonicapier.org, or call (310) 458-8901.

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The New Americana Dawes headlines a show with a distinct folk flavor he Twilight Dance Series stage at the Santa Monica Pier has seen its share of exciting acts this summer and this week is no exception as Dawes, an Americana rock band from Los Angeles composed of brothers Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith, along with Wylie Gelber and Tay Strathairn prepare to rock the crowd along with Sonny & the Sunsets.

Dawes was formed from the band Simon Dawes after the departure of co-songwriter Blake Mills who subsequently abandoned a post-punk sound in favor of folk rock, and culled their name from the Goldsmiths' grandfather, a fiddleplaying Okie named Dawes Lafayette Goldsmith.

“He used to say things like, 'If you got a drummer, you don't need a bassist, and if you got a bassist, you don't need a drummer,’” Taylor recalls. “I think if he heard us play he'd be like, 'Why don't you turn it down a little?'”

But don't worry folks, for the pier show Dawes’ music will be up full volume.

The group is a perfect example of the Laurel Canyon sound, which is centered in the North Hills area of Los Angeles and is heavily influenced by such acts as Crosby, Stills, and Nash and Neil Young and The Band. Their rise to fame started at the invitation of producer Jonathan Wilson, when the band joined local jam sessions that included Conor Oberst and The Black Crowes' Chris Robinson.

If you don't yet know Dawes, their debut album, “North Hills,” has the incredible ability to envelop any listener wholly into their songs; one after the other, and this quality endears the music to the listener to the point where it is difficult to

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resist becoming a die-hard fan. The band recorded “North Hills” in Laurel Canyon, in a live setting, to analog tape, resulting in a sound that Rolling Stone magazine called “authentically vintage.” In fact, Wilco multi-instrumentalist Pat Sansone is also credited with appearing on the release.

The band made a television debut on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” on April 14, 2010 and their song "When My Time Comes" was played during the final scenes and closing credits of the season two finale of “Hung.” Not bad for a bunch of local boys.

According to Rolling Stone Magazine, “Performing runs in the band's blood. Keyboardist Tay Strathairn's dad, David, is an Oscar-nominated actor. And the Goldsmiths' father is a former lead singer for funk crew Tower of Power who raised the boys on a diet of classic soul.”

The pier gig will also feature the band Olio, who will open for Dawes. Olio is the winner of the Rusty's Surf Ranch Emerging Artist Competition. As for Dawes, they are beyond excited to play in Santa Monica and on the pier.

“We've got a lot of friends in town, so it would definitely be fun to have one or two get up on stage with us,” Taylor Goldsmith said. “This will be our first headlining show in Los Angeles since the record came out so we're excited to showcase it properly for all of our friends and family and fellow Angelenos.”

Sonny & the Sunsets Sonny Smith began singing while a patient at Warm Springs Foundation Hospital in Texas to amuse the other patients.

Quasi-mystical with a tendency to write about new-agey subjects such as hypnotherapy, extrasensory perception, fortune tellers, palm readers and channelers Smith has been given his own genre by the press as “pop supernaturalism.” www.sonnysmith.com

www.dawestheband.com Sonny & the Sunsets

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2011 TDS lineup twilightdance.org • Sept. 1, New Americana: Dawes and Sonny & the Sunsets (plus the winner of Rusty’s Surf Ranch emerging artist competition) THE BIG CHEESE (GRILLED CHEESE NIGHT) EVERY THURSDAY UNTIL 11PM LATE NITE MENU W/DRINK SPECIALS TH-SAT UNTIL 1AM BEER FREEK, RARE BEER TASTINGS, ON SELECT WEDNESDAYS

• Sept. 8, A Night In Treme: (presented by Bloomingdale’s): Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew, and

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TDS survival guide Use these tips to help navigate this year’s concert series TDS store

Seating

Get your very own piece of this year’s Twilight Dance Series. The TDS Concert Store features T-shirts, Klean Canteens and glow sticks among other goodies. All purchases go to support the Twilight Dance Series.

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.

Tickets, cost

Food and drinks

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.

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

Food is permitted.

What time do the concerts begin and end?

7 p.m. — 10 p.m.

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.

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.

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

Time for wine “Sonoma on the Deck” 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 locallyowned, 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

Social media Tell us what you think about this year’s Twilight Dance Series. Post your photos, tell us a funny story or even rate the artists.

• twitter.com/SantaMonicaPier • facebook.com/SantaMonicaPier

Weather 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 Telephone: (310) 458-8901 Internet: santamonicapier.org Mail: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A Santa Monica, CA. 90401

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Cheers on the pier Sonoma Wine Garden and Solsticio Wines partner with the Santa Monica Pier usic lovers will have a reason to toast at this year’s Twilight Dance Series.

Sonoma Wine Garden, located in the newly-renovated Santa Monica Place, partners with Solsticio Wines and the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation for this year’s series of concerts.

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.

Sonoma on the Deck is a perfect place to enjoy a summer’s night with great wine, friends and entertainment.

“We are very excited to be partnering with SMPRC and Solsticio Wines; it’s an honor to be a part of the summer concert series,” said Aaron Chaum, General Manager of Sonoma Wine Garden. “We feel this is a wonderful opportunity to showcase great wines in such an energetic

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setting. Being part of the community is important to us and we look forward to meeting our neighbors.”

About Sonoma Wine Garden Sonoma Wine Garden has something to offer every type of diner. Guests can lounge and enjoy appetizers and small plates in its casual garden setting or have a full four-course meal in the elegant white tablecloth dining room. Its cuisine features classics from the Mediterranean with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients from the gardens of Southern California. Its chefs visit local farmers’ markets to ensure that the menu reflects only the freshest ingredients available.

As wine’s birthplace, the cuisine of the Mediterranean pairs effortlessly with its expansive wine list, and transports the diner to an outdoor veranda in the heart of wine country.

Whether looking for a relaxed outdoor area to enjoy a respite from a long day of shopping, an elegant dinner for a special occasion, or a happening nightlife ... Sonoma Wine Garden is the perfect destination.

About Solsticio Wines The summer and winter solstices have long been marked with celebrations, festivals and rituals to recognize the change of seasons and the Earth’s rebirth. Solsticio Wines invite you to share in this ancient celebration and enjoy one of nature’s finest gifts — a lovingly handcrafted wine. Solsticio is the fruition of their life-long passion for great wines, and began on the owners’ very first trip to Argentina’s Mendoza province. Since then, Solsticio Wines have focused its time and attention on bringing the

very best of Argentina’s fine wines to you.

Solsticio is introducing two key varietals — a deep, rich Malbec and a light, refreshing Torrontes — that truly exemplify the tastes and textures of two very different seasons.

Online: Sonoma Wine Garden www.sonomawinegarden.com Solsticio Wines www.solsticio.com

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Good neighbors Pier merchants give historic landmark its unique identity hen your mailing address is a 101-year-old international icon it makes sense to step outside of the lines to fit in. The Santa Monica Pier is home to a colorful bunch of merchants and tenants who bring the historic structure to life and continue its legacy of being entertaining to one and all.

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In 1989 the arcade was torn down and completely remodeled. Their temporary tent was later used by Cirque du Soleil for a star-studded after-party.

“Years ago it was kind of a rundown pier, but today it’s known all around the world,” Gordon said. “I really have to thank the city for making our place and all the places on the pier a wonderful tourist attraction.”

Playland Arcade Oatman Rock Shop It might be the oldest tenant on the pier, but the Playland Arcade is continually revamping.

Owner George Gordon established the arcade in 1954 and today his daughters manage it, adding newer, high-tech games each year.

“I was 9 years old and I used to come down here with my grandfather and give out tickets,” said Marlene Gordon, one of the current managers.

This souvenir and novelty store has the honor of being the second-longest tenant on the pier and has been selling items such as T-shirts and bumper stickers since it first opened Sept. 15, 1965.

Owner Chris Volaski moved to Santa Monica in 1965 with her four children and invested in the rock shop to help a family friend. She’s remained there ever since.

“Two of my children have worked there,” she said. “My grandchildren have worked there. Three of my children have learned to walk on the pier.”

The shop has occupied three different locations on the pier, first moving after it was completely destroyed during the storms in 1983.

Hot Dog on a Stick Hot Dog on a Stick is a must-try in these parts. The distinct, ketchup-colored stand — the popular chain’s original location — sits just south of the pier and has been an American icon since its opening in 1946. The stand serves

French fries, cheese on a stick, dogs on a stick and its trademark fresh-squeezed lemonade. There’s almost always a line, but the inexpensive prices, friendly service and taste of a local favorite make it well worth the wait.

For a complete listing of all the places to eat near the pier, please visit santamonica.com/where-to-eat/eat-pier/.

Rusty’s Surf Ranch This restaurant and nightclub replaced the Crown and Anchor during the summer of 1994.

Owner Russell Barnard re-installed pocket billiards and began holding weekly pool tournaments. The restaurant has also added live music to its program, attracting performers Bonnie Raitt and local celebrities Red Elvises.

This year, Rusty’s has partnered with the Twilight Dance Series for the Emerging Artist Competition. The winner of the contest will play at this week’s show.

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Walkabout Santa Monica Pier at the center of a busy hub

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hile there’s plenty to see and do on the Santa Monica Pier itself, the surrounding area offers dozens of other enticing activities and attractions. Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean, go for a ride along the beach, grab a bite or simply soak up the sun, there’s something for everyone. And the best part about it all is that you don’t need to stray far from the boardwalk. Here are some of the most popular things to do within walking distance of the pier:

29). Hang around past rush hour and not only will you miss the traffic, you’ll also get to witness the spectacular sight of the sun setting over the pier.

Lifeguard stations at the beach are staffed during all daylight hours, though the lifeguard headquarters provides 24-hour assistance year-round. For more information about Santa Monica State Beach, please visit www.santamonica.com.

Santa Monica State Beach

South Bay Bicycle Trail

Granted, this is an obvious one, but it bears repeating.

Santa Monica State Beach stretches more than three miles along Santa Monica Bay, home to some of the best coastline views in Southern California. Swim, surf and sun — this beach has it all (during the summer, surfing is permitted only between lifeguard towers 18 and 20, and between 28 and

For a classic Santa Monica experience, hop onto the South Bay Bicycle Trail, which passes underneath the pier and stretches 22 miles along the coast — north toward Malibu and south to Torrance. You can either bring your own bike, inline skates or skateboard, or rent from any of the numerous shops lining the beach. Whatever your mode of transportation — as long as it’s wheeled and non-motorized — the trail offers scenic views of the ocean, as well as a great way to work out or just people-watch.

It’s important to note that pedestrians are not allowed on the popular path.

For more information about the South Bay Bicycle Trail, please visit www.labikepaths.com.

International Chess Park If you’re feeling particularly adventurous or up for a mental workout, head over to the International Chess Park, south of Muscle Beach along Ocean Front Walk. Although the park

has its share of serious competitors, challengers and spectators alike are always welcome. And while you’re waiting for a table to open up, feel free to entertain yourself with the human-size chessboard painted right into the sidewalk.

For more information about the Chess Park, please visit www.santamonica.com.

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Upcoming TDS schedule Week 10 Sept. 8, A Night In Treme (presented by Bloomingdale’s): Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew, and Donald Harrison Electric Band

Jon Cleary’s Philthy Phew In the hallowed ranks of New Orleans “piano professors,” Jon Cleary is on the tenure track. Born in England and bred in New Orleans, Cleary is a triple threat combining soulful vocals, masterful piano skills, and a knack for composing infectious grooves with melodic hooks and sharp lyrics. He balances performing on solo piano, with noted funk band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, and his new trio Piano, Bass & Drums, alongside a career as a notorious hired gun with the likes of Bonnie Raitt and John Scofield. Cleary is featured on vocals and keyboards on the recently released, “Piety Street” by John Scofield & The Piety Street Band. Cleary has toured with Raitt since 1999, and has appeared on the albums “Silver Lining” and “Souls Alike.” On these recordings, Raitt covered the Cleary

originals, “Fool’s Game,” “Monkey Business,” “Unnecessarily Mercenary,” and “Love on One Condition.”

Cleary has produced five recordings to date including his latest, a live recording from Sydney, Australia called “Mo Hippa,” which features a mix of the styles that inform the New Orleans’ sound — from island rhythms, to souldrenched funk jams, to Mardi Gras Indian street-parades. www.joncleary.com

Donald Harrison Electric Band Donald Harrison is called one of the most important musicians of the new millennium by CBS Sunday Morning.

A list of his accomplishments shows that he has developed into a musical category unto himself. In the classic jazz genre, he is the originator of the nouveau swing style which merges acoustic swing with modern R&B, second-line, hiphop, (New Orleans African American roots culture), and reggae rhythms. www.donaldharrison.com Jon Cleary

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Time for tango Milongatron filled the night with the rhythmic sounds of tango during Week 8. As a special treat, there were tango lessons offered before the show.

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