By Daily Press staff
Tonight on the pier, expect to hear the sounds of Latin, French and gypsy jazz.
The group Les Yeux Noirs has been sharing its brand of all the magic and emotion of Gypsy music around the world for more than a decade. The nomadic music reflects the lives of a persecuted people in exile, caught up in a massive Diaspora, all with an unshakable will to live. It’s been said that their technical excellence ranges from improvisations combining Bohemian and Yiddish themes and folklore.
The other band playing tonight — Quetzal — was formed in 1993 by Quetzal Flores. He sought to push the boundaries of Chicano music by featuring a violin as the lead instrument and using female vocals as the centerpiece. More than 10 years later, his vision is realized. Moved by the social and political issues of their native Los Angeles and the Zapatista movement of Mexico, Quetzal weaves deeply personal topics into unique and accessible Latin-style music. Rich in musical layers, with influences that range from hip-hop to jazz to R&B, the band is led by the vocals of Martha Gonzales. Fueled by their drive to affirm humanity through art, their mix of Cuban and Mexican rhythms is super-charged.
Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 2 with a special finale — KCRW’s showcase of independent artists Next up!, on Saturday, Sept. 18. Admission is free.
Pier officials strongly 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.
For more information about the concerts, call (310) 458-8900 or visit www.twilightdance.org.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 22, 2004. Read the original PDF.