By Daily Press staff
The Twilight Dance Series kicks off the summer season on the Santa Monica Pier today with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, renowned as the world's greatest purveyor of Dixieland jazz.
Now in its 19th year, the Twilight Dance Series is a free weekly event that attracts hundreds of people to the pier on Thursday nights throughout the summer.
All concerts take place from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the pier's parking decks. Parking is available in beach lots and concert goers can ride The Tide, a shuttle that serves some beach lots and goes from downtown to the pier for 25 cents.
Next Thursday Aloha Live! featuring Willie K & Amy Hanaiali’i and special guests Ernie Cruz Jr. and Makana will take the stage. On July 10, look for Grammy nominees The Afro Celts and on July 27 the Wailing Souls is tentatively scheduled to play. Dark Star Orchestra plays on July 24 and the 14-piece band known as Salif Keita will play on July 31st.
Maraca will kick off the August portion of the series and on Aug. 14 Latin group The Sidestepper and Los Amigos Invisibles will play. The series will conclude with an Aug. 21 performance by The Platters with Billy Richards’ Coasters.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 26, 2003. Read the original PDF.