Twilight Dance Series, Royal Crown Revue, Orgone: August 11, 2011

Week 6: La monica ballroom then and now

n Revue Royal Crow

FREE CONCERTs

thursdays 7pm-10pm dance floor opens at 6pm

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About this publication Royal Crown Revue

Twilight Dance Series Table of Contents Pgs. 6-7

Pg. 14

Back to the ballroom

Good neighbors

Royal Crown Revue headlines a night of nostalgia

Tenants give the pier its identity

Pg. 8

Pgs. 15-17

Survival guide

Upcoming TDS schedule

The low-down on getting around

Brace yourself for the rocking sounds of surf guitar

Pgs. 10-11

Pg. 18

TDS map

Flashback

Make your way around the pier with ease

Tutu Sweeney & The Brothers Band and Nelson Marquez & the Moderators mixed it up during week 5

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 on the pier Sonoma Wine Garden on the deck For more information, visit santamonicapier.org, or call (310) 458-8901.

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Stepping back into history Week 6 of the Twilight Dance Series a nod to the La Monica Ballroom’s glory days ut your dancing shoes on because swing is alive and well and headed to the Santa Monica Pier on Aug. 11 with one of the hottest swing revival groups going, Royal Crown Revue.

RCR headlines the Twilight Dance Series’ week 6 show dubbed La Monica Ballroom Then & Now. The show pays tribute to the landmark ballroom that once sat proudly above the waves before being razed in 1963.

The dance floor will open at 6 p.m. with preconcert music spanning the years of La Monica’s existence (1920s-’60s).

“We're pretty excited to come to Santa Monica because when we first started the band, back in 1989, we used to rehearse in Venice in a tiny rehearsal space off of Abbott Kinney. So Santa Monica is like home for us,” said saxophonist Mando Dorame.

“Santa Monicans are very open-minded and appreciative of our music. The Westside audience is always so receptive to hearing new music.”

From their landmark appearance in the Warner Bros. movie “The Mask” to the hundreds of thousands of records they've sold, this assembly of musical pros is sure to get you dancing, swaying, and rocking along during this tribute to the heyday of the pier.

Formed in 1989 in Los Angeles, Royal Crown Revue was conceived by Eddie Nichols and saxophonist Dorame. The band's

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hybrid sound emerged out of their mutual admiration and love for R&B, jazz, punk, rockabilly, soul and swing, amongst other styles of American roots music. RCR is often credited with starting the retro-swing revival movement of the 1990s, when they began playing regularly at The Derby, a landmark club in Los Angeles (anyone remember Jon Favreau's breakout film, “Swingers”?). The underground scene they created at the Derby became the basis for that film.

Since exploding out of L.A.'s underground scene when they formed, Royal Crown Revue has performed in many of the world's most prestigious venues, from the Hollywood Bowl to Radio City Music Hall. They have also worked with a stunning variety of top artists — from James Brown to Bette Midler to Gene Simmons and now they're coming to the Santa Monica Pier.

The show is set to be stomping with songs such as “Hey Pachuco!” and “Zip Gun Bop,” but in addition to the classics from the band's repertoire the show will feature some brand new tunes from the seductive songbird Jennifer Keith.

The year 2009 marked the band's 20th anniversary but even though they've been together forever, the band likes to keep things fresh. Says, Mando the Tenor Saxophonist about their music, “It's always evolving. Since the beginning, we have tried

to give the music a certain relevance; meaning that we don't treat it as some kind of nostalgia trip. We have always steadfastly tried to inject our own modern perspective into the originals and make the arrangements something fresh and our own. We're not afraid to blend styles or throw a rock'n'roll treatment onto a standard. But we always try to do it with respect.”

The current line-up features: Eddie Nichols on lead vocals, Jennifer Keith on additional vocals, Mando Dorame on tenor saxophone, Paul Lines will be standing in for

“Bam Bam” Danny Glass on drums, Mark Cally on guitar, Dave Miller on upright bass and a horn section that features Jim Jediekin on baritone and alto sax, and Mark Pender on trumpet.

This group of dedicated cats play their hearts out at each and every show. You can almost hear the ghosts of Sam Butera, Big Jay McNeely, Gene Krupa, and all the greats through their music.

SEE WEEK 6 PAGE 7

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Presents

Orgone

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FROM PAGE 6 Los Angeles-based Orgone is many souls with a cosmic connection, a natural creative force of musicians who have played together for years. They are self-schooled and continue to shape their musical voice as a solid unit of guys who hang, spin records and jam out their shared inspirations. With a rooted sense of funk, soul, afrobeat, deep rhythms and an intimate understanding of DJ culture as well as each others’ individual talents, Orgone seamlessly slides through multiple styles and dynamic performances.

Ameera featuring Antonio ‘Big Daddy’ Fargas Ameera has a vocal quality that you don’t hear in today’s young singers. While most artists want to emulate the latest pop, R&B or hip-hop trends, Ameera sounds like she’s from a different time in history reminiscent of the jazz clubs of the 1940s.

Ameera

2011 TDS lineup twilightdance.org • Aug. 11, La Monica Ballroom Then & Now: Royal Crown Revue, Orgone, plus Ameera featuring Antonio ‘Big Daddy’ Fargas (featuring a dance floor) • Aug. 18, Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar The Duo-Tones, Slacktone, and The Eliminators • Aug. 25, Tango on the Timbers: Milongatron (tango lessons start at 6 p.m.)

• Sept. 1, New Americana: Dawes and Sonny & the Sunsets (plus the winner of Rusty’s Surf Ranch emerging artist competition)

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

Thursday Night Swine & Shine Moonshine Specials Live Music & late night swine 2460 Wilshire Blvd. Santa Monica, CA (310) 828-2115

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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 119 Broadway | Santa Monica, CA. 90401 | 310.395.6037 www.theyardsm.com | www.facebook.com/theyardsm | www.twitter.com/theyardsm

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(310) 453-9677

Use these tips to help navigate this year’s concert series 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.

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Santa Monica Recycling Center

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TDS survival guide

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DELAWARE AVE. 10 WEST

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.

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

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.

Seating 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.

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

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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Shangri-La 1301 OCEAN AVE 310-394-2791

The Yard 119 BROADWAY 310-395-6037

www.shangrila-hotel.com

theyardsm.com

"A nexus of culture, first-class cuisine, and unparalleled mixology at the ocean"

Late Nite Menu w/drink specials Th-Sat until 1am

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True Food Kitchen 395 Santa Monica Place, Suite 172

Angel’s 2460 Wilshire Boulevard 310.828.2115

310.593.8300

www.angelssantamonica.com

www.truefoodkitchen.com

Hand-Made Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Absinthe, Moonshine – Bar Open Until 2am

Santa Monica Pier Picnic Baskets To-Go map are located within walking distance of the Pier.

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

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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 101year-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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Pacific Park Since opening more than a decade ago, Pacific Park has helped the Santa Monica Pier keep its pleasure pier status.

The park was a part of the pier’s 10-year restoration project and opened in 1996 as Los Angeles’ only admission-free amusement park.

twilightdance.org It continues the tradition that was started in 1916 when the pier opened its first roller coaster, the Blue Streak Racer, to mark the beginning of the then-named Looff Pleasure Pier.

Today, Pacific Park boasts amusement rides and midway games. One of its signature rides is the Pacific Wheel, the first solar-powered Ferris Wheel.

After 12 years, the original wheel was hit with damage from the marine environment and sold on eBay for $130,400. A new wheel with special solar-powered LED lights was unveiled May 28, 2008 accompanied by a fireworks show.

Santa Monica Pier Bait & Tackle Co. This family business started in 1983 when the former bait and tackle shop at the end of the pier was destroyed in the infamous storm of 1983. Mannie Mendelson, son of Oatman Rock Shop owner Chris Volaski, helped cultivate the idea of selling bait to the pier's sport anglers.

After the pier was renovated, Mendelson and stepfather John Volaski opened the Bait & Tackle Co. For Volaski and Mendelson — who both grew up fishing on the pier — opening the bait and tackle shop seemed like an natural fit. Mendelson remembers seeing many of the old timers when their shop first opened, but after 19 years, he’s watched fishermen come and go.

“I’ve seen families come out with their kids. I’ve watched them graduate school and

go on and have children,” he said “I start feeling really old.”

Mariasol Cocina Mexicana Named after owner Andy Comacho’s daughter, Maria Luisa, Mariasol Cocina Mexicana opened in 1995 after the pier’s 10year restoration project.

It sits at the very end of the pier, overlooking the water and serves authentic seafood and fresh fish called mariscos, which is found in the Mexican beach towns of Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

This Mexican seafood menu helps add a baja beach feel to the pier and was crafted especially for Mariasol.

“The pier is certainly an icon, and I think that’s what attracted him to the location,” said Don Luis Camacho of his father and business partner Andy Camacho.

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Upcoming TDS schedule Week 7

America’s best surf instrumental band.

Aug. 18, Making Waves: A Night of Surf Guitar: The Duo-Tones, Slacktone, and The Eliminators

Their sound is a hyper-kinetic mix of melody, speed and jaw dropping technical skill. Formed in Los Angeles in 1995 from a group of surf band veterans, they have since released four albums and toured Europe eight times. Slacktone’s music is featured in TV shows and they were the house band for the MTV’s “Rock ‘N’ Jock Super Bowl Party.” www.slacktone.com

The Duo-Tones Paul Johnson pioneered surf-instro music in the 1960s with the Belairs; his tune, “Mr. Moto,” is a genre classic. Now, after a lifetime of prolific creativity in a style that epitomizes the form, he’s regarded as one of the genre’s leading lights.

Gil Orr was a child prodigy in the1950s playing country music on TV and radio. He took to rock ‘n’ roll in the ‘60s and joined the Chantays (with whom he still plays to this day). Gil is extremely versatile and eclectic, bringing a brilliant creativity to a wide variety of styles.

These two masters of the surf guitar have joined forces to create a unique variation on the original theme: by leaving out the drums and bass, they put the focus on their delightful dual-guitar interplay, bringing fresh appeal to the surf-instro genre. www.pjmoto.com

Slacktone Slacktone is widely recognized as

The Eliminators The Eliminators have led the way in the resurgence of instrumental surf music that was popular during the early 1960s by staying true to the sound while giving the music and their show a modern twist. Their fast rising popularity is due to their incredible live performances and their TV and radio sound waves. You know their sounds from the Bud-Light “Left coast right beer” commercials, guest appearances on “Beverly Hills 90210", bumper music and record reviews on the 95.5 KLOS “Mark and Brian” show, a guest band appearance on the popular talk show “The View” and from background music for the hit TV drama SEE ARTISTS PAGE 16

The Duo-Tones

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twilightdance.org “Providence". The Eliminators have had great national exposure by performing on a 25-city tour sponsored by BudLight and opening for superstar Jimmy Buffett. The Eliminators are five California longboarders who live the lifestyle of the music they play. www.theeliminators.com

Week 8 Aug. 25, Tango on the Timbers: Milongatron,

(tango lessons start at 6 p.m.)

Schwee Miguel and Milongatron Slacktone

Lead vocalist, musical director, and multi-instrumentalist Schwee Miguel is back from Buenos Aires for another

extended residency in Los Angeles, teaching dance and performing live Argentine tango music at milongas and festivals around North America.

Schwee Miguel’s Milongatron features a phalanx of Argentine virtuosi including violinist Pablo Hopenhayn, polymorphous omniphone Pablo Goldstein, and bassist Oscar Lomuto, torch-bearer of the golden-age orchestra that bore his family name. Rounding out the roster are powerhouse Dominican violinist Mishkar Nunez-Mejia, New York pianist extraordinaire Evan Griffiths, Angeleno multiinstrumentalist Mike Bolger, a constellation of internationally renowned bandoneon specialists, and a half-dozen legendary local recording artists. www.myspace.com/schwee

Week 9 Sept. 1, New Americana: Dawes, Sonny & the Sunsets (plus the winner of Rusty’s Surf Ranch emerging artist competition. Begins at 6:45 p.m.)

Dawes “The best rock ‘n’ roll is never preconceived,” said Dawes’ Taylor Goldsmith. “It’s almost a country mentality: ‘This is what we do. We write songs.’ That’s how it is for Dawes.”

A self-described “American rock ‘n’ roll band,” Dawes represent everything pure and true about that fundamental delineation, four talented friends making music together, fueled by a shared belief in the power of their songs. www.dawestheband.com

SEE ARTISTS PAGE 17

Tom Bradley Family Source Center 5213 W Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90019

(323) 692-0669

South Valley Family Source Center 6931 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 201 Van Nuys, CA 91406

(818) 786-4098

Canoga Park Family Source Center Dennis P. Zine Community Center 21400 Saticoy St., 2nd Floor Canoga Park, CA 91304

(818) 887-3872

Jon Cleary’s Philty Phew

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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

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

Milongatron

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. 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

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For the planet

Nelson Marquez & the Moderators

Week 5 of the Twilight Dance Series wasn’t just about rocking it, it meant so much more.

The Twilight Dance Series teamed up with Cirque du Soleil and Heal the Bay in support of a cleaner ocean.

Tutu Sweeney & The Brothers Band and Nelson Marquez & the Moderators supplied the soundtrack to the charitable night of music and environmentalism.

Nelson Marquez & the Moderators

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