By Daily Press staff
SM PIER — Tonight is the last chance to get your groove on at the beach.
Tonight marks the end of the 22nd Annual Twilight Dance Series at the Santa Monica Pier. The music will fade off into the sunset until next summer’s series returns. The final concert features artists influenced by Jerry Garcia and Billie Holiday to create their personal guitar and vocal styles.
For more than 40 years, mandolinist/composer David Grisman has been busy creating “dawg” music — a genre invented and named by Grisman. It is a blend of many stylistic influences including swing, bluegrass, latin, jazz and gypsy. Known widely for his work with Garcia, Peter Rowan and many other artists, Grisman also started his own company, Acoustic Disc, in Northern California. From the company’s start in 1990, it has produced more than 50 acoustic recordings — five of which were nominated for Grammy Awards.
Another of tonight’s acts, acclaimed San Francisco singer/songwriter Brandi Shearer first played guitar at 9 years old and hasn’t stopped since. She was greatly influenced by singers like Billie Holiday, and her songs rely on inventive lyrics and vocal styles. She practiced her performing in bars and clubs across Europe before returning back to her homeland. Shearer’s powerful, substantial songs are a bit like a good cocktail — her buttery-smooth voice over a hard-edged mix of rock, folk and jazz.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 31, 2006. Read the original PDF.