> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Steady dose of rhythm bumps Pier
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/steady-dose-of-rhythm-bumps-pier/
- Published: 2006-08-03T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T19:07:35.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Entertainment, Pier, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

SM PIER — Tonight, the twilight will be taken over by a reggae trifecta as The Aggrolites, Joey Altruda’s Classic Riddims and Chris Murray take to the stage at the Santa Monica Pier.

The three Reggae groups, each hailing from the LA area, will play for free in the open air as part of the 22nd Annual Twilight Dance Series. The Aggrolites came together by accident,when five musicians from two different groups were backing the Jamaican ska singer Derrick Morgan on an album recording.What was once the Vessels and the Rhythm Doctors merged to become The Aggrolites,now together for four years. The band plays rocksteady, ska and reggae laden with keyboard riffs and horn-filled rhythms.

The Aggrolites song “Funky Fire” was voted one of Esquire Magazine’s “Six Songs of Summer” in June. Esquire called it “summer’s best ska-funk, drop-top driving anthem; perfect for fans of War.”

Joey Altruda’s Classic Riddims pays tribute to the golden era of Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae. Led by bassist Altruda, a veteran Los Angeles musician, they perform a repertoire largely derived from the vaults of Coxson Dodd (Studio One) and Duke Reid (Treasure Isle).Classic Riddims is Altruda’s latest band; he has been performing and putting out albums since 1995.

Murray, the former leader of influential Canadian ska group King Apparatus, has earned a strong reputation as a dynamic performer and gifted songwriter. After King Apparatus disbanded, he moved to Los Angeles and began work as a solo artist. His soulful reggae ballad “Let There Be Peace”was featured on the most recent “Give Em The Boot” compilation (Hellcat/Epitaph). Murray also hosts Bluebeat Lounge on Tuesday nights at Hollywood’s Knitting Factory.

Bike Attack and Amoeba Records will give out more prizes at tonight’s reggae concert. Bike Attack, located on Main Street, is raffling off a beach cruiser. The proceeds from the raffle will support Heal the Bay. Amoeba Records will give away a $100 gift certificate to a 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. Parking space is limited and pier officials encourage walking, biking, and using mass transit.

For more information and a lineup of future Twilight performers, go to www.twi-lightdance.org.

For bus information, visit www.bigblue-bus.com and www.mta.net, or call (310) 451-5444.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 3, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/080306.pdf?ref=smdp.com)