Sometimes a free concert by the beach can be too popular for its own good. A few years ago, the Twilight Concert Series at the Santa Monica Pier was drawing so many people that the parking lots quickly filled up and the pier was uncomfortably packed with thousands of listeners. The series has been rebranded as Twilight on the Pier, with the concerts moved from Thursdays to Wednesdays, and the bookings have since emphasized mellower, less-popular musical acts. The series nonetheless kicked off last week with a set from fiery soul diva Jen Awad, and future weeks will spotlight Niger desert warrior Bombino, reggae from ex-Slits member Hollie Cook, and pop aristocrat Cornelius. This week’s “Latin Wave” program includes the low-key pop ruminations of Helado Negro and the comparatively dramatic and florid art-pop stylings of local diva San Cha.

Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica; Wed., Aug. 28, 7 p.m.; free. (310) 458-8900, santamonicapier.org/twilight. 

 

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