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# Two if by sea: Girls play Pier
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/two-if-by-sea-girls-play-pier/
- Published: 2006-07-06T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T18:45:22.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Entertainment, Pier, #archive-import

*Indigo Girls headline Pier show July 13 DICK DALE Killer Surf Guitar*

*By NORA SORENA CASEY Special to the Daily Press*

SM PIER —Tonight, the warm beach air will be filled with the folk melodies of the Indigo Girls.

The popular duo, composed of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, will follow folk-rock artist Michelle Malone in the second concert of the 22nd annual Twilight Dance Series. The concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m., will be held on the Santa Monica Pier and is free for all.

The Indigo Girls have remained one of the most popular folk-rock groups since their beginnings in the late 1980s. They have been together for two decades and produced eight albums. The girls first met growing up in Georgia while attending Laurel Ridge Elementary School. They began playing together in high school, but it wasn’t until 1985 that they became the Indigo Girls. The Indigo Girls blend harmonies and melodies with the social commentary typical of traditional folk music. Vanguards of the late-’80s singer-songwriter revival, the Indigo Girls had staying power where other artists from the same era quickly faded, and have a number of billboard hits and Grammy nods under their belts. Saliers has been described as gentler and more musically complex in her work, leaning towards the abstract and channeling the likes of Joni Mitchell and Ani DiFranco. Ray has been described as a bit more abrasive, providing balance and intrigue for the listener.

The group first experienced mainstream success in 1988 when the female singer-songwriter movement — including Suzanne Vega, Tracy Chapman and 10,000 Maniacs — cast the Indigo Girls as “the next big thing.” They have enjoyed widespread recognition for several Billboard successes, including Top 10 hit “Galileo” from the platinum album Rites of Passage, and “Least Complicated” from Swamp Ophelia.

Ray and Saliers each contribute to their albums, although they do not usually collaborate. In addition to performing in the Indigo Girls, Ray has released two solo albums and Saliers is considering one. However, neither plans to leave the group.

The Indigo Girls often incorporate their political beliefs into their songs.They are political activists, working to support the environment, the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and Native American and Gay rights. Both are openly gay and have been hailed as icons in that movement.

The Indigo Girls are known for exciting concerts, combining old favorites with sometimes unrecorded songs to keep fans happy and on their toes.

The Twilight Dance Series has grown in popularity since it began in 1983\. Concerts can attract up to 10,000 people, bringing the community together with free music.

Bike Attack and Amoeba Records are continuing to give out prizes at the concerts throughout the summer. Bike Attack, located on Main Street, is raffling off a beach cruiser and the proceeds will support Heal the Bay, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to cleaning the Santa Monica Bay. Amoeba Records will give away a $100 gift certificate to one 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. Beach parking is available in lots located at 2030 Barnard Way and 1550 PCH, both of which are accessible from Ocean Avenue. However, space is limited and pier officials encourage walking, biking and using mass transit.

For more information about the concerts, visit www.twilightdance.org or call the Santa Monica Pier information line at (310) 458-8900\. For bus information, visit www.bigbluebus.com and www.mta.net or call (310) 451-5444.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 6, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/070606.pdf?ref=smdp.com)