La Monica Ballroom Redux is one of the events leading up to the Santa Monica Pier’s Centennial Celebration on September 9, 2009.
The bands that performed for La Monica Redux are leaders in the Western swing sound that made La Monica Ballroom famous during its heyday in the 1940s and 1950s. Johnny Vana and The Big Band Alumni performed authentic music of the 1940s including the songs of Benny Goodman, Billy May and Glenn Miller.
Also performing were the Squirrel Nut Zippers, musical giants in the modern swing movement and known for a unique “30s punk†sound. The Squirrel Nut Zippers played some of their hits as well as performed new arrangements of classic numbers created especially for the La Monica Ballroom Redux event, providing a well-rece
ived surprise to Zipper fans.
“The Santa Monica Pier is an iconic piece of American history and the story of La Monica Ballroom has remained an enduring symbol. Reliving the era of La Monica Ballroom is humbling,†said Ben Franz-Knight, executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corporation. “The Santa Monica Pier has created long-lasting memories for many generations and will continue to entice generations to come.†
