Free concerts return to Santa Monica Pier in September under a new name: Twilight on the Pier

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Past show at the Santa Monica Pier
Past show at the Santa Monica Pier

Free concerts are returning to the Santa Monica Pier this year, but not quite in the summer and not under the Twilight Concert Series banner.

The newly christened Twilight on the Pier series kicks off Sept. 5 for six consecutive Wednesdays of concerts featuring artists such as Orquesta Akokan, Betty Who, Judy Mowatt, Brazilian Girls, “Fela! The Concert” and Red Baraat.

The changes come after extensive debate in Santa Monica over a series that, over its 33-year existence, had become too popular for the city’s own good. Crowd size, safety concerns and cost became hot-button issues as the series continued to attract top-drawer talent, including many artists who have been solid draws at major festivals. This year’s lineup, while retaining some of the flavor of past Twilight series, is more eclectic and global.

“This series is a true celebration of the values that the Pier holds so dearly: diversity, collaboration and fun,” Negin Singh, executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, said in a press release. “With two new stages, a new ‘art walk’ vibe and a focus on creating a sustainable, safe event that will last another three decades, Twilight on the Pier will feel different in a lot of ways from past years, but the spirit stays the same: getting people from all walks of life together to connect in a glorious setting with music and art.”

The event, which moves from its traditional Thursday nights to five Wednesdays and a Sunday, will for the first time boast multiple stages. There will be more emphasis on culinary, craft and art offerings. Also: The public beach next to the Pier will not be used as a viewing area as during past seasons; instead, attendees will enjoy a Pier-wide takeover outfitted with various games and attractions and a beer and spirits garden.

Below, the full lineup and the themes for each evening:

September
5: Latin Waves, with Orquesta Akokan, Jarina de Marco, QUITAPENAS and Sister Mantos
12: Australia Rocks the Pier, with Betty Who, Touch Sensitive and more
19: Island Vibes, with Judy Mowatt, Bokante and DJ Danny Holloway
26: Eclectic Indie, with Brazilian Girls, Sudan Archives, yOya and Capyac

October
3: Afrobeat and R&B, with “Fela! The Concert,” Tiffany Gouche, Twilight Drum Circle and DJ Nnamdi
7: South Asian Sounds, with Red Baraat, Vidya Fox, DJ Rekha and Discostan