July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Twilight Concert Series Week One: Thousands Enjoy Music From Jeff Young, Donavon Frankenreiter:

KCRW’s Travis Holcombe introduced the first of 10 free concerts on the Santa Monica Pier Thursday night to a myriad of bubble blowers, beach ball punchers, families, friends, and anxious music connoisseurs.

Expectations were met after Mayor Richard Bloom delivered thanks and turned the mic over to Jeff Young and the Song and Dance Society.

Australian singer/songwriter Dannielle DeAndrea opened with a solemn yet powerful rendition of Ella Fitzgerald’s “Blue Skies.” The vocalist took a step back to draw in the crowd and express a vulnerable moment about one and half songs into the groups’ set.

“I’m a little nervous,” she said to pianist and vocal counterpart Jeff Young.

DeAndrea seemed to turn her nerves into energy, and had no problem engaging the crowd with her eloquence and stage presence after that.

“When I first moved here, I was very scared because I was starting again in a field that I’ve been in for 20 years,” explained DeAndrea. “But I find that when I go home to Australia now – since we love the American and English music style so much – I have gained credibility.”

Jeff Young led his pact through a medley of new material, older songs influenced by his work with artists like Jackson Browne and Steely Dan, and even invited his friend Vonda Shepard to sing a couple with the crew.

Shepard was known for her recurring role on the TV series “Ally McBeal” as a resident bar performer.

“I was working with Jackson [Browne], and the woman that he normally hires to sing background vocals was Valerie Carter. Valerie was working with James Taylor at the time, and suggested Vonda to us,” said Young. “It was through Vonda that I met my wife.”

Shepard wore a wavy black dress that flowed in the Santa Monica breeze as her raspy voice bellowed a convincing cover of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools.”

With the exception of his son and bassist Skyler, Young explained that this group – DeAndrea, guitarist Mark Goldenberg, and drummer Mauricio “Fritz” Lewak – had worked together in Jackson Browne’s rhythm section in the past.

“There’s something about the Song and Dance Society, it’s kind of a musical bond between these guys,” said Young.

Donavon Frankenreiter took the stage around 8:30 p.m. equipped with his iconic mustache, and the crowd gave a warm welcome. In between a melange of new and old material, the artist expressed his gratitude for an invitation to the event, giving praise to certain promoters and organizations.

“These free concerts on the Pier are incredible, everybody was so happy and peaceful,” said Frankenreiter. “I had never been to one of these, it was very enjoyable.”

A gregarious Frankenreiter and his Jack Johnson-esque sound kept the performance funky and fresh. And when his bassist Matt Grundy pulled a harmonica out of his bag of instrumental trickery during “What’cha Know About,” fans went wild.

Grundy also wowed the crowd with an array of instruments like the Ukelele and Banjo, yet he and Frankenreiter are notorious for even more curious weapons of resonance.

The antics didn’t end there as the whole group – Grundy, Frankenreiter, pianist Paul Clark, drummer Sean Macaulay, and bassist Jared May – erupted in a garage band rock session during the song “Move By Yourself.” The heavy rock ‘n’ roll tone echoed off the ocean break to sum up a beautiful kick off to this year’s Dance Series.

Just as the night was coming to a close, Frankenreiter turned his finale of “It Don’t Matter” into a true sing-a-long. Lobbing his microphone like a lasso to a bright-eyed fan in the front row, and the young woman surprised the audience with a confident delivery.

“I threw it to her, and she caught it. The rest is history,” Frankenreiter said with a laugh.

The Twilight Dance Series continues next Thursday, July 12 with The Mighty Diamonds and The Lions.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...