Holmstrom brings it
By Daily Press staff
SM PIER —Tonight hundreds of people will experience the “the epitome of soul” during the 22nd Annual Twilight Dance Series.
The sweet sound of soul and gospel with singer Mavis Staples is the highlight of tonight’s free outdoor concert at the Santa Monica Pier.
Staples possesses one of the most recognizable and treasured voices in contemporary music. Rock artist Prince once called her “the epitome of soul.”
Staples began her career in her family group, The Staple Singers, singing at local churches and on a weekly radio show. As the band grew in popularity they became a voice of the civil rights movement. Staples’ father was a friend of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Since starting her solo career with her 1969 self-titled album, Staples has embraced rhythm and blues while never relinquishing her gospel roots. She is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and was named one of VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll.
In 2003, Staples was nominated for Grammy for her collaboration with Bob Dylan. Staples also has recorded with Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, The Band, Los Lobos and Marty Stuart. She has appeared with everyone from Bill Cosby to presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Clinton, to Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, Santana, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
Opening for Staples is innovative blues guitarist Rick Holmstrom. Holmstrom’s background as a traditional blues guitarists landed him in the spotlight. He has played with such legends as Jimmy Rogers, R.L. Burnside and Smokey Wilson. But his groundbreaking record was Hydraulic Groove, which juxtaposed the traditional sound of the ’40s and ’50s guitar and vocals with hip-hop style break beats.
Bike Attack and Amoeba Records are continuing to give out prizes at tonight’s concert. Bike Attack, located on Main Street, is raffling off a beach cruiser and the proceeds from the raffle will be going to support Heal the Bay. Amoeba Records will give away a $100 gift certificate to one fan who signs up for their mailing list at their booth.
The Santa Monica Pier entrance is at the intersection of Colorado Avenue and Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. Beach parking is available in lots located at 2030 Barnard Way and 1550 PCH, both of which are accessible from Ocean Avenue. However, space is limited. Pier officials encourage walking, biking, and using mass transit. For more information and a line-up of future Twilight performers go to www.twilightdance.org. For bus information, visit www.bigbluebus.com and www.mta.net or call (310) 451-5444.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 20, 2006. Read the original PDF.