Between music legends and up and coming musicians, the Twilight Concert Series at Santa Monica Pier has been raging with talent. This past Thursday with the rising moon and crashing waves, the Pier was vibing with music from Jamaica to Nigeria via Los Angeles.
The night started with LA’s quickly rising afrobeat orchestra Mexico68 who is heavily influenced by the sounds of Fela Kuti and Africa 70. Their blend of chicano funk plus afrobeat was extremely contagious and the perfect warmup for what was about to come. KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole did an excellent yet brief set during the intermission playing brilliant tracks from Sister Nancy, Ray Barreto, Los Angeles’ own Boogaloo Assassins and a few others that kept you craving more.
When reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry came to the stage accompanied by the Subatomic Sound System, it became a total #throwbackthursday when he performed “Sun Is Shining” and “I Chase the Devil” and many more sounds that are part of Jamaica’s traditional reggae legacy. Perry who is in his late 70’s had many concert-goers ecstatic to witness this living legend. His historical career as producer and musician, in addition to his eccentric looks made this one of the most awaited nights of the series.
If you still need your taste of summer at the pier, you have two more opportunities to be a part of the thrilling Twilight Concerts series. OK Go and Charles Bradley will close out the season.
Photography and Words: Farah Sosa
Lee Scratch Perry
Jeremy Sole
Mexico68
Want more photos? Check out the photo gallery below!
La Santa Cecilia enamour fans at Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Concerts
Yuna Lights Up Twilight Concerts at Santa Monica Pier with Illustrious Sheen
Photos: Jimmy Cliff at the Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concerts
