By Daily Press staff
Tonight’s pier concert will be classic. On tap is Billy Vera & the Beaters and Thee Midniters with special guest Little Willie G.
The subject of numerous television and movie appearances, Billy Vera is a legend in Southern California. His band the Beaters, “the baddest band on any stand,” is a collaboration of top notch studio musicians playing their hearts out. Formed in 1979, the guitar/rock and roll/horn band made a name for themselves and developed a cult following playing Monday nights at the Troubadour. They hit a high point in their careers in 1986 with Billy’s “At This Moment,” which barreled up the Billboard charts after being featured in an episode of the then wildly popular show “Family Ties.” Fame led to numerous TV appearances and opportunities to perform, but Billy and his musicians still love playing music they love for their fans in clubs.
What some call the greatest Latino rock band of the ‘60s, Thee Midniters took their inspiration from both the British Invasion sound and more traditional R&B. Hugely popular in their native East Los Angeles, the group, featuring both guitars and horns, had a local hit with their storming version of “Land of a Thousand Dances” in 1965. Much of their repertoire featured driving, slightly punkish rock/R&B, yet lead singer “Little Willie G” Willie Garcia, who has now rejoined the band, also had a heartbreaking delivery on slow and steamy ballads. After a years-long hiatus, Thee Midniters is back in action.
The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. and officials recommend walking, biking or riding the Big Blue Bus to the concerts, as parking is limited. A free shuttle is available from the 2030 Barnard Way lot south of the pier starting at 6 p.m. each Thursday.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 19, 2004. Read the original PDF.