september 5, 2013
Gardens & Villa
Mr. Little Jeans FREE, THURSDAY NIGHTS, 7-10PM
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Table of contents pages 8-9
Map page 4
Big things come in small packages
Find your way around the Pier
Mr. Little Jeans, Gardens & Villa to grace the Twilight Concert Series stage
TCS lineup
pages 10 Learn about this summer’s future shows
page 5
Insider’s guide
pages 12
The 411 on this year’s shows
page 6
Ditch the ride for a stress-free time
Body and soul
Bike it, walk it or bus it to Twilight Concerts
Pumping up with a run or slowing down with yoga, ROGA at the Pier has you covered
page 14-15
Picture perfect Photos from last week’s show
Twilight Concert Series Schedule Sept. 5
Gardens & Villa and Mr. Little Jeans Sept. 12
Jimmy Cliff with The Delirians
Twilight Concert Series Partners Myspace Cirque du Soleil KCRW OneWest Bank 98.7 FM G'day USA Quantas Airways Shore Hotel Chili Beans Eyewear Michelob Ultra
LA Weekly Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Mambo Cotton On Australia.com Loaded Boards Rum & Humble Spaceland Laemmle Santa Monica Daily Press
Drum Workshop Uber Barefoot Wine Sabian
WSR Creative Bagavagabonds Heal the Bay Del Frisco's Grille Mariasol City of Santa Monica Pacific Park of Santa Monica Studio 16 City TV Whole Foods Buy Local Santa Monica For more information, visit
www.SantaMonicaPier.org
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Big things come in small packages Mr. Little Jeans, Gardens & Villa to grace the Twilight Concert Series stage
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hen Monica Birkenes was 12, she visited Santa Monica for the first time and has very vivid memories of the Santa Monica Pier and its eclectic mix of performers and artisans. “I remember thinking I’d help busker out who was not making any money by singing with him. It didn’t work,” Birkenes, a native of Norway, said. “I was also secretly hoping I would run into Hobie from ‘Baywatch.’” Birkenes will get a second chance when she takes the Twilight Concert Series stage Thursday, Sept. 5 as Mr. Little Jeans, performing her unique brand of alternative-pop that is more Björk (and not just because she’s foreign) than the bubble gum variety, a la Katy Perry. Birkenes, who relocated to Hollywood to record her full-length debut with producers Tim Anderson (Ima Robot, Dead Man’s Bones) and John Hill (Santigold, Mayer Hawthorne, Shakira), will co-headline the free concert along with alt-rock group Gardens & Villa, which should definitely consider a collaboration with Mr. Little Jeans as their dreamy, atmospheric sound meshes well with Birkenes’ hypnotic delivery that can come across as dreamy, like in her moody cover of Arcade Fire’s “Suburbs,” or beautifully bouncy as in her latest pop single “Rescue Song.” When looking at the artists who have inspired her, it is easy to see how Birkenes’ music embodies so much duality. “My influences have changed a lot over the years, from Mariah Carey to PJ Harvey,” Birkenes said. “But I remember being about 14 and hearing ‘Teardrop’ by Massive Attack and it made a big impression. I guess that’s sort of the direction I took in the end.” The beginning can be traced back to Birkenes’ childhood when she would run through the woods of her seaside hometown of Grimstad. Her dad built catamarans and her mom was a secretary whose love for music was infectious. They didn’t have much money, but put their daughter through years of piano and voice lessons which she’d attend wearing her mother’s oversized outfits from another era. Her first instrument has always been her voice. Birkenes sang in the church choir at 5, then around town wherever and whenever her mom saw fit: malls, old folks’ homes, theaters, even on local television once or twice. At 10, she recorded a cassette of children’s classics and shopped it around to gas stations mainly. By 15, she was singing in bars, clearly underage but backed by a band of boys in their 20s. She focused on music in high school, then relocated to London to study drama. A year later, Birkenes was on her own in England, having left college to chase singing leads. Mostly she spent an endless string of years as a terrible waitress and, after an exploratory trip to Los Angeles, a couple more years sofa-surfing, country-hopping, and racking up credit card debt as she wrote with dif-
ferent producers and shaped her sound into that of the inimitable Mr. Little Jeans we now know. Like Mr. Little Jeans, a name Birkenes pulled from a character in a Wes Anderson film, Gardens & Villa are also generating buzz on the indie-pop scene. They are fresh off recording their second studio album. The Twilight Concert Series show will be their second live performance after taking a long break to record in a small town in rural Michigan. The boys in the band like their solitude, which partly explains their love of gardening as well. (They formed their name by incorporating the street they lived on, Villa, with their passion for gardening.) “We like to be where there is no distraction,” said Adam Rasmussen, who mans they keys for the group. “Gardening is really a great way to start your day. It really makes you slow down, and the process is quite pure. Just sunlight and water.” Having formed in the quaint surf town of Santa Barbara, the band didn’t feel pressure to assimilate or mimic the sounds of others. They let their style form organically. They met in school and gravitated toward one another because of similar interests in film, literature and philosophy. “It just kind of made sense from the get-go,” said Rasmussen, who began playing piano at a young age before trying his hand at the bass during his punk phase. “Santa Barbara is this really free place, not like a big city where there are shows every night and you might feel that pressure to take what is popular at the moment. There is a freedom to being removed.” Fans can expect to hear plenty of tracks from their self-entitled debut when they play the Pier, but they will also pull out a few new tracks to see how the audience reacts. “We didn’t reinvent the wheel, but there is definitely a different feel to this album,” he said. “We had more time with this one … . The first one feels a little more retro maybe, whereas this record is very cinematic at points. It was nice to have a full month to record as opposed to a week in the studio. We’re still mixing [the record] and are kind of living with it, so I think until we have some time away from it and distance to reinterpret it, it will be hard to say what the sound is.” It will certainly have plenty of the synthdriven vibe of the first record but with more layering. “We’re really looking forward to playing at the Pier,” said Rasmussen, who remembers as a kid seeing a Cirque de Soleil show there. “It will be interesting to see how people respond. I know from looking at photos my sister takes at the concerts that it looks awesome, the crowd looks really animated and we are fortunate to have this opportunity.”
Mr. Little Jeans
Gardens & Villa
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WATCHING THE SHOW from the beach tonight? Don't forget to recycle your glass bottles and aluminum cans.
2411 Delaware Avenue in Santa Monica
(310) 453-9677
Twilight Concerts insider’s guide Tickets
Smoking
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.
Don’t even think about it, it’s a 100-year-old wooden Pier, and we really like it.
Pets Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Time 7 p.m. — 10 p.m., but those in the know stake out a good spot early.
Parking Parking is available in the 1550 Pacific Coast Highway Lot next to the Santa Monica Pier on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wanting to avoid long waits should try one of the municipal lots around Second Street and Colorado Avenue or grab the ParkMe app for live data of parking availability and prices. Go technology!
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!
Seating Seating is not provided, so feel free to bring your own chairs, blankets, etc ...
Food & drinks 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.
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.
Friends & family
The Concert Garden
Bring them, the more the merrier. You will not regret it. This is one epic summer tradition.
There is a 21-and-over Concert Garden featuring Barefoot Wines, an assortment of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. Do not miss this view.
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.
E-mail list & special offers Sign up at TwilightSeries.org for special announcements, offers and invites.
MICHIGAN 24TH
Santa Monica Recycling Center
CLOVERFIELD
Aluminum Plastic Glass Bi-Metal Newspaper CardboardWhite/Color/Computer Paper Copper & Brass X DELAWARE AVE. 10 WEST
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Body and soul Pumping up with a run or slowing down with yoga, ROGA at the Pier has you covered W
hat’s better, a brisk jog through the Santa Monica morning or a meditative turn inwards by the sea? Why not both? We here at the Santa Monica Pier believe in a healthy mind and body, and all of it can be obtained right next to the relaxing presence of the Pacific Ocean at ROGA, a free weekly event that ran all summer. Every Saturday morning, up to 150 people gather on the Pier for a run around Downtown Santa Monica before returning to the boardwalk for an hour long yoga session. “The Pier has always been a focal point of active, healthy living,” said Joel Brand, our active lifestyle curator. “The original muscle beach, which kicked off the modern day physical fitness movement, was not in Venice, but right next to the Santa Monica Pier. “Today, Santa Monica is known for yoga and the Pier and beach are havens for runners. Putting those two together, we’ve created another signature Santa Monica Pier experience that caters to a new era of healthy lifestyle.” Michelle Lindner, who’s producing ROGA with us, was thrilled to create the concept and stage it on the Pier.
“I think there’s a movement of really integrating yoga into our lives, and it is occurring with the combination of running and yoga,” she said. “Now there’s spin and yoga, people do yoga on paddleboards out on the water.” The event starts at 8 a.m., as people drop their yoga mats off on the Pier before heading out on one of a couple of suggested running routes around Downtown. The run is designed to be “at your own pace,” Lindner said. “Some people decide to walk, and some people decide to run longer,” she said. “It allows people to do what they want to do.” “The 3-mile course goes from the Santa Monica Pier sign to San Vicente Boulevard along Ocean Avenue,” Lindner said. “It’s really beautiful.” An alternate 4-mile route bounds back and forth along the boardwalk. Then at 9 a.m., everyone meets back at the Pier for the yoga class. “You can hear the water, see the Santa Monica Mountains,” Lindner said. “You’re literally over water out on the Pier. It’s quite amazing.” Fran Lyness, who has been a Santa Monica resident for over 30 years, has been
coming to ROGA for weeks. Lyness first discovered the event when she volunteered to help out at the nearby L.A. Yoga Magazine booth. It wasn’t long before she noticed people taking the free yoga class. “I said, this is fabulous! I’m going to come in and do yoga next time.” Lyness said that her favorite part is the location. “It’s at the end of the Pier. The water’s underneath you, you hear the seagulls and you’re being kissed by the sun. It’s really lovely,” she said. “It’s unique.” The environment is perfect for the relaxing, reflective nature of the event. “Yoga is basically meditation in action,” she said. Another great perk? Perking up with the free tea provided by Honest Tea. Joni Yung, another Santa Monica resident, said she also noticed the gratis goodies from our great sponsors, Honest Tea, Lulu Lemon and Clif Bar. “You get free tea and free bars. That’s always a good thing.” Yung has been coming to ROGA since the spring, but she isn’t just coming for the free-
bies. “I’ve been impressed with a lot of the teachers that have shown up,” Yung said. She should know; she hosts the Internet radio show “Yoga Chat With The Accidental Yogist.” “It’s an excellent deal for the price,” she joked. Yung said that the combination of running and yoga isn’t as strange as you’d think. “I started out as a runner, and then because of an injury, I got into yoga,” she said. “I used to run with my running group, run 10 miles, and then go to a yoga studio. I found yoga to be a good post-workout stretch.” The loosey goosey aspect of the event is also a definite plus, Yung said. It’s up to you to pick your pace, so runners of all strides can participate. And it’s the same with the yoga. “For yoga, they teach an ‘all level’ class, and again, it’s up to you. But you’re still with the whole group.” Yung said it’s a good combination: the running is good for its cardiovascular benefits, and the yoga is good for flexibility. “It’s balance,” she said. “They sort of complement each other.” ROGA returns to the Pier in spring.
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Jimmy Cliff
2013 Twilight Concert Series Sept. 12
Jimmy Cliff with The Delirians “I got one more shot at the goal/Straight from my soul/I’m in control,” sings reggae legend Jimmy Cliff on “One More,” the lead track from “Rebirth” the new Universal Music Enterprises album from the Grammy-winning musician, actor, singer, songwriter, producer and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, produced by punk icon Tim Armstrong, of Rancid and Operation Ivy fame. The release, his first studio album in seven years, is the next step in their collaboration on last year’s “Sacred Fire” EP, an effort Rolling Stone called Cliff’s “best music in decades ... [his] tenor still soars.” With the groundbreaking 1972 film “The Harder They Come” celebrating its 40th anniversary, Cliff — who starred in the movie and contributed the title cut, “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” “Many Rivers to Cross” and “Sitting in Limbo” to the soundtrack — is still going strong in a career that has spanned almost 50 years and includes his native Jamaica’s highest honor, the Order of Merit. In the autobiographical “Reggae Music,” Cliff recounts going to see famed Jamaican producer Leslie Kong in 1962 to convince him to work with him, releasing Cliff’s first hit, “Hurricane Hattie,” when he was just 14.
“Jimmy is one of my musical heroes and I’ve been responding to his music my entire life,” said Armstrong, who had never met Cliff before, but was once recommended to him by mutual friend Joe Strummer of The Clash. Gathering Armstrong’s studio band, the Engine Room (bassist/percussionist J Bonner, drum/percussionist Scott Abels, organ/percussionist Dan Boer and piano/lead guitarist Kevin Bivona), the first song they tackled was a cover of Rancid’s “Ruby Soho,” a ska- tinged number from the band’s 1995 album “... And Out Came the Wolves” about a musician having to tell his lover he’s headed for the road. “I had no idea it was one of Tim’s songs, but I liked it and could identify with the sentiments,” said Cliff. “I never really had the opportunity to hear his music, but it was a great thing how we hit if off in the studio.” They also worked on a cover of The Clash’s “The Guns of Brixton,” a song about the growing tension in Brixton at the time. Ironically, Strummer’s last session ever was with Cliff on “Over the Border,” a song from Jimmy’s 2004 album, “Black Magic.” It was at that time Joe talked up Armstrong as someone who might make a good collaborator for him. “It was inspiring working with Tim because even the sound of the album feels like we went back to the ‘60s and ‘70s,” said Cliff. “I had forgotten about a lot of the sounds and the instruments we used then, and we brought that all back.”
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Ditch the ride for a stress-free time Bike it, walk it or bus it to Twilight Concerts E
veryone knows that parking blows in Santa Monica, but you don’t have to give up on the city by the sea. Just leave the car at home and walk, bike or bus it down to the Santa Monica Pier for this summer’s edition of the famous landmark’s 29th annual Twilight Concert Series. The most convenient way to play is by hopping on your beach cruiser, using pedal power. It’s a great way to lose weight, stay in shape and avoid traffic jams Downtown. The city by the sea has an extensive network of bike lanes; a Downtown Bike Center complete with showers, lockers and a repair shop; as well as a free bike valet just south of the pier for those attending the concerts. It’s right off the beach bike path for easy access. If you are riding from the northern side of town, Montana Avenue to Ocean Avenue is a great route with plenty of scenery. You may want to use one of the walk bridges that connect Palisades Park to the beach bike path or take it all the way to the pier’s entrance at Colorado Avenue and walk it down to the valet. If you are coming from the south, try Main Street, Neilson Way (which turns into Ocean
Avenue at Pico Boulevard) or for a great view of the ocean hit Barnard Way. Make sure to turn west on Bicknell Avenue to get to the beach bike path for the last mile or so. Those coming from the east side of town by bike should take bike lanes on Arizona Avenue or Broadway for a stress-free ride. Both streets hit Ocean Avenue, which will lead you straight to the pier entrance. Always remember that a white head light and red back light are required when riding at night and that it is illegal to ride on sidewalks or fail to stop at all traffic signals and stop signs. Helmets are not required for adults, but they are recommended. You just might need that brain of yours. And don’t forget to bring a trusty, strong Ulock to secure your cycle if you decide to stop off for some snacks before the shows. For more information on biking in Santa Monica, visit www.bikesantamonica.org
Big Blue for you If biking isn’t your bag, check out the
award-winning Big Blue Bus, Santa Monica’s public transit system that has hubs at UCLA and Culver City. Most routes end in Downtown, so no matter which one you take you’ll be able to get to the pier by walking only a short distance. And the cost is cheap; only $1 per ride for most passengers. Big Blue has added extra service on Line 3 in anticipation of concert crowds. Line 3 runs along Lincoln Boulevard and Montana Avenue. And if the Big Blue Bus doesn’t work for you, there’s always the Metro system of Rapid and regular buses that run regularly on Wilshire, Santa Monica, Pico and Lincoln boulevards. For a detailed map of BBB routes, visit bigbluebus.com, and for Metro hit www.metro.net.
Park it OK, so we know that taking alternative forms of transit is not that difficult, but if you must hop into your car, there are plenty of places to park in Santa Monica, the best and
most affordable being those structures farther from Downtown. Santa Monica has a new parking app for your iPhone that makes finding spaces easier than ever before. Santa Monica Parking, powered by ParkMe, provides real-time parking information for City Hall’s 28 lots, 12 structures and 5,967 on-street metered spaces. The app also includes information on privately-owned parking facilities. iPhone users can download the app for free via the Apple App Store by using the search string “Santa Monica Parking.” Sorry Android users, but your app isn’t online just yet but check back soon as city officials promise to have one up shortly. Parking at the Downtown structures after 6 p.m. only cost $1 for 2.5 hours verses the previous rate of $5. Reduces parking rates at the Civic Center and the Main Library are $1 per hour and a $5 daily maximum, just in case you want to head down early for some shopping on the popular Third Street Promenade. For a complete list of parking resources and pricing, visit www.parkme.com and search “Santa Monica.”
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Picture perfect
Trombone Shorty brought down the house last week N
ew Orleans' own Trombone Shorty closed the night during last week's Twilight Concert Series show with their own style of funked-up super rock. Apparently Trombone Shorty has a bit of a fan club. Actor Craig Robinson even made a cameo appearance. This next week's show will feature a little alt rock with Mr. Little Jeans and Gardens & Villa coming to the Santa Monica Pier's deck.
photo courtesy Paul Alvarez Jr.
Trombone Shorty and Craig Robinson
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photo courtesy Paul Alvarez Jr.
Dustbowl Revival
photo courtesy Paul Alvarez Jr.
People playing ping pong in the VIP section
photo courtesy Paul Alvarez Jr.
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Trombone Shorty
Surly | Linus | Biria Virtue | Phat Cycles Schwinn | Nirve Purefix | Haro Free Agent | Litespeed Stromer | E-motion
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