2016
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FREE THURS 7PM
Unknown STE ADY HOLIDAY
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Table of contents HEADLINER PROFILE P4 SNAPCHAT P5 KEEP IT CLEAN P7 BAND BIOS P6, P10 EVENT MAP P8 UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA
2016 TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES
Schedule WEEK 1
JULY 7TH - NU SOUL
MAYER HAWTHORNE with ALINA BARAZ WEEK 2
JULY 14TH - INDIE ROCK
BØRNS with PORCHES WEEK 3
JULY 21ST - ROCK
THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS with DAY WAVE WEEK 4
JULY 28TH - REGGAE
PROTOJE & THE INDIGGNATION with RAGING FYAH WEEK 5
AUG 4TH - LATIN
THEN & NOW P14
NATALIA LAFOURCADE
INSIDERS GUIDE P14
AUG 11TH - DANCE
with MONSIEUR PERINÉ WEEK 6
RÜFÜS DU SOL with MARC BAKER WEEK 7
AUG 18TH - CLASSIC
MAVIS STAPLES with THE SUFFERS WEEK 8
AUG 25TH - 90'S ALT STEADY HOLIDAY
SAVE FERRIS with CIBO MATTO & JAKE DAVIS BAND (Rusty's EAC Winner)
WEEK 9
SEPT 1ST - INDIE ROCK
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA with STEADY HOLIDAY OHIO PLAYERS
WEEK 10
SEPT 8TH - DISCO
OHIO PLAYERS with HOLY GHOST!
HOLY GHOST!
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Psychedelic sounds from the great Unknown
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n the music video for “So Good at Being in Trouble,” actor Christopher MintzPlasse, who is perhaps best known for playing McLovin in “Superbad,” confronts pinkclad hippies dancing at the beach after appearing to recognize a member of the group. Featuring a bizarre amalgamation of pop culture spheres, the video, directed by Danny Perez, explores the potential pitfalls of human interaction and the power of deep-seated beliefs. It’s light on the surface but thematically heavy, an appropriate dynamic for the band who created the song. Indeed, while Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s music floats on the airy vocals of founder Ruban Nielson and an expansive mix of synthesizer effects, the lyrics tackle the risk of love, loss and isolation. Unknown Mortal Orchestra arrives at Santa Monica Pier to headline the Twilight Concert Series on the heels of releasing
last year’s “Multi-Love,” which pushes a conversation about relationships to places that might be uncomfortable for people who think of romance as a strictly two-person ordeal. Nielson, who founded the alternative rock band more than five years ago, has revealed that much of the album addresses the relationship he and his wife had with a woman who lived with them in the U.S. until visa issues forced her to leave. “The writing on this album was more abstract,” Nielson says. “A good lyric was something that didn’t quite sit right. I don’t want to be sad or nostalgic about these relationships. I want to be more celebratory. It’s a feeling and desire that just came from time, being further away from it all. It was never going to be simple. I’m a bit wild, and was never going to just be normal.” Nielson’s personal life is the backdrop for a record that features more musical exploration by the band. Nielson, who also plays
2016 TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES WEEK 9
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guitar, is joined by Jake Portrait (bass), Amber Baker (drums) and Quincy McCracy (keyboards), the music buoyed by clap lines and other effects that draw in listeners. For Nielson, creating unique tunes was an established goal on the critically acclaimed “Multi-Love,” the follow-up to 2013’s “II,” which includes the aforementioned “So Good at Being in Trouble.” On the latest album, Unknown Mortal Orchestra channels its psychedelic tendencies in a package that’s cohesive and catchy without feeling overproduced. The band has performed the title track and another widely circulated song, “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone,” on several late-night television programs, including “Conan” and “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” Nielson, whose group has been based in Portland, says he found joy in the nitty-gritty work of toying with effects hardware. “It felt good to be rebelling against the typical view of what an artist is today, a
curator,” he says. “Our society wants to curate and consume. I wanted to be the guy behind the scenes, to demonstrate multiple skills and make it transparent. Not creating this overblown idea of a rock star or anything like that. It’s more about being someone who makes things happen in concrete ways. Building old synthesizers and bringing them back to life, creating sounds that aren’t quite like anyone else’s. I think that’s much more subversive.” Nielson acknowledges that it was difficult for him to broach the subject of polyamory in such a vulnerable and public setting. But he’s finding peace in the knowledge that the conversations he’s started could help listeners address the complications of love and loss in their own lives. “I’m glad I had this opportunity,” he says, “and if I made someone’s life easier with the album, that’s the closest reason that exists for making art that I’ve been able to find.”
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA with STEADY HOLIDAY
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here’s some irony in Snapchat’s community partner programs because the employees of a company that makes disappearing images are personally dedicated to making lasting changes in their community. Snapchat is a Venice based social media company with 900 worldwide employees and 150 million daily users. The company is also the Presenting Partner of the 2016 Twilight Concert Series and their participation has focused on enhancing the entertainment value of the already popular Thursday night shows. Concert attendees have had access to a host of Snapchat themed games featuring the company’s iconic ghost logo including a variation of the classic crane-claw machine game with Snapchat ghost plushies as prizes, a ghost plushy bean-bag toss, Whac-A-Boo (swapping out moles for ghosts), a giant Plinko game played for neat prizes, a free candy store and fresh flower wall. In a nod to the thousands of beach-goers enjoying the show from the sand, Snapchat ambassadors are roving the water’s edge to play fun interactive games with attendees, like Rock Paper Scissors, Categories, or a Staring Contest, in exchange for prize giveaways. Many of the real-world activities mirror the company’s virtual products such as funhouse mirrors creating fun images similar to the Lenses options in the app. Pier officials said the activities are a perfect example of a new company enhancing the historic value of the Twilight Concert Series. “Our mandate is to preserve the historic character of the Pier while delivering contemporary cultural experiences,” said Jay Farrand, Executive Director of the Pier. “Snapchat's energy and commitment to innovation and fun helps push our thinking while giving them a platform to enhance their own community's favorite summer tradition. It's a win win for us and when you combine Snapchat's enhancements with the opening of the EXPO line it will easily be the best summer yet.” Mary Ritti, Vice President of Communications for Snapchat said working with organizations like the Pier highlights the company’s belief in community. “The summer concert series is a very special part of summers in L.A.,” she said. “Creating a fun experience for our community of Snapchatters is what drives our company and we are excited to be partnering with the Pier to do the same for the community of Los Angeles.” While working with the Pier is literally fun and games, Snapchat also partners with local agencies that provide vital services including Safe Place for Youth, P.S. Arts, the Bixel Exchange and St. Joseph Center. Va Lecia Adams-Kellum Ph.D. President & CEO, St. Joseph Center said Snapchat employees came to the organization with open hearts to contribute in a variety of ways both personal and professional. “There are ways in which they connected with some of the families in our agen-
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cies,” she said. “With donations of time and resources to our pantry and ultimately we began a conversation.” Those talks culminated in Snapchat supporting St. Joseph’s Code Talk that provides women with skills in computer science. While there’s an obvious connection between the app maker and the tech classes, Adams-Kellum said the Snapchat partnership is particularly valuable for its extension beyond the obvious. “What’s so special about Snapchat, is they didn’t just stop with a tech type of program which is very much in their wheel house, in their area of work and focus,” she said. “They have a person on our board, we have received a great deal of support in looking at our marketing, again, that’s what makes Snapchat very special, doing other things in the community around homelessness and the vulnerable.” As Snapchat grew as a company, the employees have made a concentrated effort to increase involvement with the community around three pillars of Homelessness, Youth and Art. Ritti said Snapchat employees take pride in being part of their community and the company is built on a foundation of personal philanthropy that encourages everyone to make the world a better place in whatever way they can. “When you come to work at Snapchat, we expect you to be kind, be creative, and be smart,” she said. “The 'be kind' part of that is of huge importance to us and because of that, we're fortunate to have an organization of people who like to roll up their sleeves and give back - stuffing backpacks for families in need, beautifying a local school in need of love, or serving dinner to homeless youth.” The company’s commitment to the arts is also part of their work with the Pier and TCS partnership. Snapchat facilitated a new art installation from the arts collective Friends With You. “Light Wave” is a set of inflatable monuments that take on a living, breathing persona on Thursday nights. The work creates a glowing architecture that symbolizes the California Coastline while recognizing the cultural impact of the community concerts. Snapchat’s ongoing commitment to partnerships shouldn’t be that much of a surprise, after all, their actual product is specifically designed to foster connections between people. Officials said when a company with global reach and influence levies its resources at the community level, everyone benefits. "Snapchat has been a gracious collaborative partner, and believes in supporting unique civic engagement programming,” said Craig Hoffman, Director of Partnerships & Development. “Our organic collective efforts have been a big positive for Snapchat, the Santa Monica Pier, and most importantly for the traveling pier visitors and local audience faithful."
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2016 Twilight Concert Series bios WEEK 9
SEPT 1ST - INDIE ROCK
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA with STEADY HOLIDAY
UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA
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The threads of our past never unravel, they hover like invisible webs, occasionally glistening due to a sly angle of the sun. On Multi-Love, Unknown Mortal Orchestra frontman and multi-instrumentalist Ruban Nielson reflects on relationships: airy, humid longing, loss, the geometry of desire that occurs when three people align. Where Nielson addressed the pain of being alone on II, Multi-Love takes on the complications of being together. Multi-Love adds dimensions to the band's already kaleidoscopic approach, with Nielson exploring a newfound appreciation for synthesizers. The new songs channel with the spirit of psych innovators without ignoring the last 40 years of music, forming a flowing, cohesive whole that reflects restless creativity. Cosmic escapes and disco rhythms speak to developing new vocabulary, while Nielson's vocals reach powerful new heights. “It felt good to be rebelling against the typical view of what an artists is today, a curator,” he says. “It's more about being someone who makes things happen in concrete ways. Building old synthesizers and bringing them back to life, creating sounds that aren't quite like anyone else's. I think
that's much more subversive.” While legions of artists show fidelity to the roots of psychedelia, Unknown Mortal Orchestra shares the rare quality that makes the genre's touchstones so vital, constant exploration.
WEEK 10
SEPT 8TH - DISCO
OHIO PLAYERS with HOLY GHOST! The Ohio Players came into musical prominence in the 1970's as pioneers of street funk and underground R&B. After SEE BIOS PAGE 10
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Leave No Trace
ROCK ON
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The Pier has hired additional public safety officers and private security to keep the designated aisles clear and make the trash cans accessible, but Farrand said ultimately it will be the beach attendees who can solve the problem. “Overall we want people to pack out what they pack in and take responsibility for their own trash,” he said.
Rates start at
AFFORDABLE PARKING
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At the twilight concerts, parking can definitely be a hassle. There are specific lots that are designated Pier Concert parking, but parking fees do get a little pricey unless you take advantage of the deals available just down the beach. The parking lot that sits just to the north of the pier, lot 1N, costs $20 dollars. Another parking lot located even further north, 3N, will cost an entry fee of $15. Lot 4S, south of the pier and off of Bicknell, will cost $10 for an entry fee. People driving a car with four or more people can receive a $5 rebate. However, the best deal in town is located a little farther down from the pier in lot 4S, where drivers pay $3 to park after 4 p.m., which is a cheaper option for people who are willing to take a walk to get to the concert. This helps diffuse crowds in downtown and for those who take advantage of the price, the priceless views of the Pier as you stroll down the beach are included. The Twilight Concert Series website (http://santamonicapier.org/twilightconcerts) has made efforts to make concert parking easier for first timers, who definitely seem to have more frustration navigating the whole scene. They have maps up online and also encourage alternate transportation as much as possible. Attendees should know that the best way to plan these Pier Concert visits are using alternative kinds of transportation like the bus, the EXPO line, biking, and walking. Pier Executive Director Jay Farrand also notes that while other lots downtown can have better deals, “All attendees can benefit from understanding that parking next to the Pier is the most expensive.”
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WATCHING THE SHOW from the beach tonight? Don't forget to recycle your glass bottles and aluminum cans.
Aluminum Plastic Glass Bi-Metal Newspaper CardboardWhite/Color/Computer Paper Copper & Brass
Santa Monica Recycling Center 2411 Delaware Avenue in Santa Monica
(310) 453-9677
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he Twilight Concert Series attracts huge audiences from all over Los Angeles and organizers want everyone to have a good time, but they’re also asking everyone to treat the beach like the amazing resource it is and keep it clean. Every night, thousands gather on the beach to eat and drink and some picnickers are leaving beverage containers, plastic food wrappers, napkins, and other recyclable items. The Pier and beach officials are working together within the framework of existing mitigation programs, but they need help from concert goers. The Pier has a “Leave No Trace” program that uses volunteerambassadors to wander crowd reminding people to take their trash with them and throw it away. The program was brought together a few years ago in collaboration with Heal the Bay and One West Bank. Given the increase in attendees this year, organizers have introduced additional trash reminders to try to reduce littering. Officials have added reminders from the stage MC multiple times per night and have tried to recruit more ambassadors, whom they have also started to provide with trash bags for when they walk around the beach area. Their efforts are working but Pier Executive Director Jay Farrand said there are still, “a number of variables out of our control.” One of those variables is the number of volunteers they can secure each night. Another is the disability to communicate with the beach crowd due to the lack of a jumbotron or beach specific speakers. “The biggest issue,” said Farrand, “is working with the City to get the trash picked up the night of, since leaving full cans on the beach overnight invites people to dump them over or the wind to blow the trash around.” The trash clean-up takes a large joint effort on part of the city and the officials to clean up the trash, and it takes a toll on the staff. “Since we are a small non-profit we'd obviously prefer to spend our time putting on a great show, but it takes up a considerable amount of resources from the City, the SMPC and our volunteers,” said Farrand.
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OHIO PLAYERS
BIOS FROM PAGE 6 signing with Mercury Records in 1974 through 1977 The Ohio Players landed three consecutive platinum albums “Skin Tight, “Fire”, and “Honey”. Two number one singles on the billboard pop charts “Fire” and “Love
Rollercoaster” and five number one R&B singles “Funky Worm”,”Fire”,”Sweet Sticky Thing”, “Love Rollercoaster,” and “Who'd She Coo”. The Ohio Players traveled the world and produced more than a dozen albums and received 14 gold and platinum awards for their labors. They also appeared on many national television programs from Dick Clark,
Offer expires October 31, 2016.
Don Kushner, to David Letterman. Since then there is a long list of Artists who have sampled or re-recorded their material to list a few: Snoop Dogg, Puff Daddy, Salt & Peppa, Too Short, Sound garden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paul Jackson Jr., and Alex Bugnon. Currently the band consists of 10 members 4 of which are original members. James
“Diamond” Williams (Drums), Billy Beck (Keyboard), Clarence Willis (Lead Guitar), and Robert Kuumba,(Percussion). One might think the band members could now sit back and count their gold and platinum records, enjoy the memories and fade into an easy retirement. Nothing could be further from the truth. These guys have managed to keep busy and have been entertaining crowds of people all over the world who sing their songs and dance to the melodies and funky grooves. The Ohio Players today are one of the few bands from the 70's era who still currently performs all of their music using no computers or samplers to enhance their musical production. The Ohio Players are thankful for still having a large loyal fan base who come to the shows and are still enthusiastic to hear the original sounds from the 70's. The Ohio Players are enthusiastic and eager with the dawn of their new release. “This is your Night” The group's first new release in 13 years. After 38yrs in the business this group is still setting stages on “Fire” and riding their own “Love Rollercoaster”.
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Why is this bird making the 'in yo face' face? Let me tell you. She's a Twilight Early Bird and she wins! Boom!
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Happy Hour Drinks Refreshing $4 Boulevard radlers, and $8 cocktails, 6-7PM in the most picturesque beer garden ever. Early Bird don't pay retail.
Prime Seating She knows the good spots ďŹ ll up fast. Late Bird gets stuck in a corner. :(
Never Misses a Band The opening bands are the up-and-coming superstars of next year. Early Bird is like "oh you missed so-and-so? I totally caught them, they were rad, now they're super fame." Street cred = elevated.
Presented By
Series co-produced by RH&S Concerts
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Then & Now –
SANTA MONICA PIER
SANTA MONICA LAMONICA BALLROOM - 1934
SANTA MONICA FERRIS WHEEL - 2016
Twilight Concerts insider’s guide TICKETS No tickets necessary, this is pure free Summer fun (remember that?) all thanks to our partners and sponsors who have brought us another season of awesome free concerts at the beach. Make sure to show them some love.
TIME 7 – 10 p.m., but those in the know stake out a good spot early.
METRO EXPO Arrive in style on the new EXPO line. No parking, no traffic, no hassles.
WEATHER & ATTIRE It never gets too cold, but sometimes it gets a little chilly once the sun goes down. So bring something or head up to the Pier Tent on the deck to grab this year's limited-edition sweatshirt or t-shirt!
CONCERT GARDEN There is a 21-and-over Concert Garden featuring refreshments from Boulevard and Duvel beers, Deep Eddy Vodka, and an assortment of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Do not miss this view.
PARKING $$ We highly recommend alternate transport for a hassle-free experience (EXPO, Bus, Breeze Bike Share, rideshare, skateboard, walk, llama), but if you need to drive, parking is available in the 1550 Pacific Coast Highway Lot next to the Pier on a firstcome, first-served basis. Those wanting to avoid long waits and higher fees should try
one of the municipal lots a few blocks inland around 2nd/Colorado or 4th/Olympic. Be warned that parking by the beach is expensive! $20 after 4pm! Yikes! But there is a new Carpool Discount. Cars with 4 or more people get a $5 voucher to redeem at the bike valet so pile in.
VOLUNTEER We couldn't put on this free amazing event without a little (or a lot) of help from our friends. Wanna volunteer? Email info@santamonicapier.org.
FOOD & DRINK There are plenty of great food and beverage options on the deck and at the various restaurants on the Pier. Most even have to-go options perfect for munching during the show. As a reminder, alcohol consumption is not permitted in public spaces, but there are several full-service bars in the area.
BIKE/ SKATEBOARD VALET Park your wheels at the free bike and skateboard valet located next to the beach bike path just south of the Pier. Make it even easier and cruise over on a bike from the new Breeze Bike Share.
FIRST AID/ LOST & FOUND If you need first aid or assistance, please visit the Pier Tent or flag down a security officer. If it is an emergency, please call 911.
PETS
PRO TIP
Friendly dogs are welcome on the Pier only and must be on a leash.
Show ends at 10 but you don’t have to go home, this is the world famous Santa Monica Pier, hangout. We’ve got bars, restaurants and I don’t know if you knew this, but a pretty cool ferris wheel.
SMOKING Don't even think about it, it's a 100-year-old wooden Pier, and we really like it.
FRIENDS & FAMILY Bring them, the more the merrier. You will not regret it. This is one epic Summer tradition.
SEATING Seating is not provided, so feel free to bring your own chairs, blankets, etc...
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SAND. SUN. SURF. SIP.
RADL ADLL
H HOU HOUR
SPECIA ALS, GAMES AND FUN EVERY THUR RSDAY AT 5:30PM PM DURING THE TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES! S BOULEVARD’S GINGER LEMON RADLER IS A BRIGHT, REFRESHING BEER WITH TANGY CITRUS AND A TOUCH OF GINGER SPICE.
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