Performance
Santa Monica is becoming a mecca for local and international performance artists.
Free summer concerts with major recording acts, small and large music venues, theatre and every other type of performance is in abundance in this creative city by the sea.
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Michelle Shocked and Mike Ferris
Date: July 31, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
The spirited roots-rocking sounds of Michelle Shocked teamed with vocal legend Mike Ferris will make for a memorable evening on the pier. Free. For info: tel. 310-458-8900
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Oliver Mtukudzi
Date: August 7, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Described as "one of the giants of African pop", best-selling recording artist, Oliver Mtukudzi brings his rich hypnotic rhythms to the pier. Rocky Dawuni will open the evening. Free. For info: Tel.310-458-8900
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Carmen Consoli
Date: August 14, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
In her west coast debut, chart-topping Italian songstress brings charismatic and unforgettable style to her native sicilian sounds. Free. For info: Tel.310-458-8900.
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Peter & Gordon with Gerry & the Pacemakers
Date: August 21, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Among the most recognizable faces of the 60s 'British Invasion', at one time topping music charts on both sides of the Atlantic, the legendary performing duo will light up the stage with their familiar mix of folk, blues and rock 'n roll. The crowds on the pier will also welcome Gerry & the Pacemakers, rivals to the Beatles in the early 60s with their Merseyside sounds. Free. For info: 310-458-8900
Pier Summer Twilight Dance Series: Toots & the Maytals
Date: August 28, 2008
Time: 7pm
Location: Santa Monica Pier
Legendary reggae band Toots and the Maytals will entertain the crowds at the grand finale of the Twilight Dance series. Credited with coining the word "reggae" back in 1968, they have long been known for their unique fusion of gospel, ska, soul, reggae and rock. Free. For info: tel. 310-458-8900.
Inaugural Gala: Barbara Cook in Concert
Date: September 20, 2008
Time: 7.30pm
Location: The Broad Stage, Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street, SM
From "Broadway's favorite ingenue" to concert hall sensation, the legendary Barbara Cook has been called "the greatest singer in the world" by the Financial Times and a national treasure by millions of music lovers. Miss Cook graces The Broad Stage for the Inaugural Gala that promises to be a vocal tour de force. For info: www.TheBroadStage.com or tel. 310-434-3859
The Broad Stage Opening Night: Frederica von Stade with Jake Heggie
Date: October 11, 2008
Time: 7.30pm
Location: The Broad Stage, Santa Monica College Performing Art Center, 1310 11th Street, SM
The Inaugural Season of The Broad Stage is honored to present Frederica von Stade, one of the greatest and most beloved mezzo-sopranos of our time singing a crowd-pleasing repertoire, as well as new music written especially for her by acclaimed composer and accompanist, Jake Heggie. The program will include the Los Angeles premiere of Heggie's "At the Statue of Venus" with libretto by Terence McNally.
Ruskin Theatre: L.A. Cafe Plays
Location: Ruskin Theatre, 3000 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA90405
Cafe Plays gives directors, actors and writers the chance to create a one-act play from scratch in 10 1/2 hours before presenting it the same evening to a live audience. Five one-act plays, bound by a common theme and locale, are staged each night. The 3rd Sunday of every month, 7.30pm & 9pm. $10 admission. Tel. 310 397 3244 or www.ruskingrouptheatre.com.