July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Twilight Concert Series Week Five Review: Aussies Rock The Pier:

The fifth night of this summer’s Twilight Concert Series unfolded an assortment of talent hailing from “down under” on Thursday.

Australian singer/songwriter Kasey Chambers headlined the night — a petite woman with a sense of humor that doubled her volume. A stage presence that captivated more than 5000 people, Chambers’ act was like warm apple pie. Comfort food.

Hosted by celebrity guest emcee Jamie Durie, “Australia Rocks the Pier” was presented by G’Day USA and Qantas Airlines. A Qantas koala mascot circled the crowd, taking photos with children as Chambers tuned her guitar backstage. Equipped with her nine-month-old daughter strapped to her back, Chambers explained that this was the first time on tour since having her third child.

Accompanied by her father Bill, Michael Muchow, and an up-and-coming young fiddler and vocalist Ashleigh Dallas, Chambers flew into town to promote her newest album “Storybook.” The vocalist took the stage, surrounded by more instruments than musicians.

“My dad taught me everything I know about music,” Chambers chuckled. “I love having him on tour because he’s cheap!”

Dad strummed away at his iconic steel guitar while the group matched intensity with harmonious authority. Nineteen-year-old Dallas was no amateur on stage, and satisfied Chambers’ honky-tonk tone seamlessly with her country fiddle.

“When I was at school I thought I was the only one who liked country music,” Dallas confided. “But when I went on tour there were so many young people, and it was really nice to see.”

A true family affair, Chambers and Dallas clicked because their upbringings were so parallel. Dallas’ solo career back home encompasses her own father and brother, although the Chambers have become a sort of second family for her now. Chambers is producing an album for Dallas, and it’s set to drop sometime next year.

A campfire feeling took the crowd when Dallas and Bill combined for a duet (plus undertones from K.C.) entitled “Riding the Rails.” Bill’s raspy fatherly quality, and the 19-year-old’s wise voice were a highlight.

Chambers would allow the crowd to decide between a cover of John Prines or Lucinda Williams before jumping into some bluegrass.

“We don’t really know how to play bluegrass, but we like it,” said Chambers. “So we’ll pretend for a few songs.”

The group gathered around one mic, and strummed out some familiar sounds that had the crowd wondering why they were able to sing along. The Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive,” and Woolley & the Camera Club’s “Video Killed the Radio Star” were presented in pure bluegrass fashion.

Other acts of the night included a curious opener, D. Henry Fenton.

In June, Fenton won a competition sponsored by the Australian Consulate to open for Chambers. The pop-rock Americana singer/songwriter boasted a stunning burnt mahogany-colored guitar he introduced as Priscilla.

“This concert is righteous because it’s not just produced by some company trying to make money,” said Fenton. “It’s communal.”

Accompanied by his band The Elizabethans, Fenton’s first song “Time For Moving On” featured a memorable guitar solo by Nick Maybury.

The group would go on to present a medley of tunes from Fenton’s debut album “Turnin’,” which dropped back in May. And while the crew did their best to seize the moment, their songs blended together in a sort of continuation of one another.

Their energy was amped during “Ain’t Nothing Hurts Like a Heartache” and a cover of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

Middle-act Matt Ellis wore dark aviators, and a denim shirt. His set began just as a flurry of onlookers took to the deck, sun-freckled and nearly outnumbering the fish below.

Ellis’ raspy but soft voice led his pack. Guest performances included Danny T. Levin on the trumpet, and Ellis’ wife Vavine Tahaphi, who added some symbiotic vocals.

“Roots music is big, and it’s growing into a really healthy movement all over the world,” he said with a fading Australian accent. “You can’t get around the fact that Australia – as a country – has the amount of people that L.A. county has. It’s an intensely bigger market here.”

The whole group appeared to be going through the motions a bit, as instrumentals drowned out vocals during their first few songs. But when his wife joined him for “River Too Wide,” a harmonious match of passion and vocal structure turned the tides.

Their high-energy finale would be followed by a double encore which included The Band’s “The Weight.” A fit choice for the theme of the night.

Catch next week’s concert on Aug. 9 featuring 19 different musicians of the world renowned Cirque du Soleil.

in News
<>Related Posts

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

Suspect Arrested in Shoe Retail Theft Spree Across LA County

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

During the search, police recovered two firearms and a significant quantity of merchandise The Los Angeles Police Department’s Organized Retail...

Suspect Arrested in Santa Monica Pier Arson Incidents

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The suspect, matching video footage from an arcade, was taken into custody Santa Monica Police Department officers arrested a suspect...

SMPD Launch New Recruitment Website Amid High Vacancy Rates

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The site features multimedia content, including day-in-the-life videos and officer profiles, highlighting the impact of serving the community The Santa...

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...