It was a hot Thursday evening, July 21 on the picturesque pier in Santa Monica, where thousands of locals and visitors took to the beach and the wooden planks of the pier to relax and enjoy the summer concert series created by RH&S Concerts Presents (Rum and Humble + Spaceland Presents).
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The stage is surrounded by colorful lights, giant glowing balloons, games, rides, food and beverages. It is a magnificent sight from just outside the stage as well as from the popular public beach. And the best part is, the concert is free!
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The opening musician was Jackson Phillips, also known by his moniker Day Wave, a 25-year-old buzzworthy and refreshing artist who has exploded onto the DIY scene. He began as one half of electro-pop duo Carousel, a synth-heavy style. As Day Wave, Phillips creates dreamy, lo-fi, guitar-driven indie-pop and has a modest but top-quality catalogue of a five-song EP and limited run 7”. Phillips writes, produces, and performs all of his songs, and tracks each instrument himself on an old reel-to-reel.
photo Courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The headliner was the post-punk UK band, The Psychedelic Furs, led by vocalist and songwriter Richard Butler and his bass playing brother Tim. They are considered one of the ground breaking alternative rock creators and have scored major hits such as “Love My Way”, “Pretty in Pink” and “Heaven”. In the early 80’s, with the advent of MTV, the band’s popularity caught the eyes and ears of movie mogul John Hughes. Hugh approached the band with his film built around the Furs’ hit song, “Pretty In Pink” and the Psychedelic Furs’ legacy was cemented.
photo courtesy of Judy Hansen Pullos
The crowd was pleasantly pleased by the quirky music, the incredible weather, the spectacular visuals and the tasty food and drinks. The concert series takes place every Thursday evening of summer starting at 7:00, and is one of the best run large events in the Southern California area. Summer in Santa Monica and the Twilight Concert Series is a destination must for travelers and local music lovers alike.
