By EMILY SKEHAN Special to the Daily Press
SM PIER Twilight dancers might be wise to practice their moves in board shorts and flip-flops, as the annual summer concert series kicks off tonight with a theme that doesn’t stray far from the waves crashing beneath the pier.
Vibrant surf music and internationally influenced rock will fill the air when the 23rd annual Twilight Dance Series opens up with The Ventures and Boom Pam taking the stage.
The free Thursday night concerts will feature an eclectic selection of rock, reg-gae, folk and world music bands each week through Aug. 30.
The Ventures, a Seattle-based rock group that formed in 1958, are known as pioneers of the surf music genre who achieved international fame in the 1960s. Original lead guitarist Bob Bogle — who later switched to playing bass — and rhythm guitarist Don Wilson blended jazz and country rock influences in a recording of Johnny Smith’s “Walk Don’t Run,” inspired by Chet Atkin’s finger-style version. The self-produced single became a smash hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Top 100 in September of 1960.
The Ventures, whose music is characterized by strongly rhythmic guitar mixed with jazzy drums, maintain the energetic and colorful sound that propelled them to fame, both in the United States and abroad. They became international superstars following their American exposure in the 1960s — outselling the Beatles by a 2-1 margin in Japan throughout the decade — and continue to be one of the biggest American pop music influences overseas. The Ventures haven’t played in the city for many years, but performed at the Santa Monica Civic Center during the height of their popularity.
“They’re very excited about playing in Santa Monica again,” said Fiona Taylor, the band’s representative, citing the oceanside location of the concert. “It’s the perfect venue for Ventures music.”
Tonight’s surf music theme continues with the modern rock of the Israeli band Boom Pam. Two electric guitars coupled with a tuba and drums comprise the group, who play original rock with Mediterranean, Arab, Balkan and other worldly influences. Boom Pam, named for a hit song by famed Greek singer Aris San, mixes the electric guitar of surf rock with elements of classic folk music.
Their debut album ranked sixth on the European World Music charts in 2006.
Tonight’s concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on the Gibson guitar stage on the west parking deck. The Santa Monica Pier entrance is at the intersection of Colorado and Ocean avenues, and parking is available at 2030 Barnard Way. However, spaces are limited and attendees are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transit.
Bike Attack and the Santa Monica Daily Press will be raffling off a beach cruiser each week to benefit Heal the Bay, and Amoeba records will give a $100 gift certificate to one audience member who signs up for their mailing list every week. Concertgoers can donate cans of food to the Westside Food Bank or make donations to Amoeba’s “Think Green” campaign.
For more information on the Twilight Series, visit www.twilightdance.org or call (310) 458-8900.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 28, 2007. Read the original PDF.