Jerry Rubin dances with his wife of 26 years Marissa at the Santa Monica Pier during the 25th Anniversary Twilight Dance Series' tribute to the famed La Monica Ballroom on Thursday, July 23, 2009.

La Monica Ballroom Redux Event Commemorates Santa Monica Pier’s Iconic Role in Ballroom Dancing

Thousands put on their dancing shoes to swing on the 5,000 square foot dance floor at the Santa Monica Pier during the Twilight Dance Series’ La Monica Ballroom Redux. Honoring the Centennial of the Santa Monica Pier with a throwback tribute to the experience of the La Monica Ballroom (1924 – 1962), with a grand entrance reminiscent of the beloved heart of ballroom dancing.

As part of the Twilight Dance Series, a set of free summer concerts on the Santa Monica Pier now in its 25^th season, 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-received 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.”

The Santa Monica Pier Centennial Celebration will take place on its birthday, September 9, 2009, and will be marked by a grand rededication ceremony with civic and government officials, local and national celebrities, as well as the largest fireworks spectacular over Santa Monica Bay in twenty years.

Adds Franz-Knight, “Each of these celebratory events aims to bring our communities together and commemorate a place that is entertaining in uncountable ways.”

Members from the childrens song and dance performance group, "From the Top Production" entertain on the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, July 19, 2009.

About a 100 protesters from community, labor and social service groups rallied against Gov. Schwarzenegger's proposed budget cuts on Monday, July 20, 2009, at the Santa Monica Airport, which the governor uses frequently to fly to Sacramento from his home in Brentwood. The state is facing a $26.3-billion budget deficit.

Nightblooming cereus, also known as the lunar flower, moon flower and queen of the night, blooms Sunday night, July 12, 2009, in Santa Monica. The bud slowly began to open at about 7pm and was in full bloom by midnight. Each bloom only lasts for that one night. By sunrise the flower is spent. They bloom just on one or two nights of the year--typically around May 30th. The flower is very fragrant and is used to make perfumes. The plant grows as a thin, almost dead looking stick from a single stem in the ground.

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee) Genus: Epiphyllum (ep-ih-FYE-lum) Species: oxypetalum (oks-ee-PET-al-um)

(left to right) Director of Sales of The Lobster Lynne Thomas, General Manager Jack De Nicola and Executive Chef Allyson Thurber toast during their 10 year anniversary party on Monday, July 20, 2009. The three have worked at The Lobster since it was opened in 1999.

“THE LOBSTER” RESTAURANT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR CLASSIC AMERICAN SEAFOOD

VIPs, City Officials, Media And Loyal Patrons Gathered To Mark The 10th Anniversary Of The World Famous Restaurant’s Reopening At A Special VIP Reception on July 20, 2009.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (July 20, 2009) – Marking a decade since its reopening, VIPs, city officials, members of the media and frequent patrons gathered this evening to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the world famous “The Lobster” restaurant at a commemorative reception held at the restaurant’s historic location on the foot of the Santa Monica Pier.

Attended by hundreds, the exclusive, invitation-only event gave The Lobster and its staff the opportunity to acknowledge Santa Monica and surrounding communities for their part in making The Lobster into the culinary landmark that it is today. The evening’s celebration included a VIP cocktail reception followed by a private party, in which guests enjoyed the fresh air, fresh fare, historical charm, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean that make The Lobster an unforgettable dining experience.

“Over the past ten years, The Lobster’s ownership and staff have been committed to guiding the restaurant’s return to prominence as one of the world’s most unforgettable dining experiences, featuring a menu punctuated with a sumptuous selection of traditional and creative American seafood cuisine at a location that is simply put – stunning!” said Jack Denicola, General Manager of The Lobster. “We set out with the desire to build relationships with everyone that comes through our doors, and it is an honor to be able to celebrate this milestone with many of the people that have supported The Lobster throughout the years."

Revered by LA Weekly as offering “the quintessential LA dining experience,” The Lobster" has long been an unofficial historical landmark, nearly as recognizable as the Santa Monica Pier sign. First opened in 1923, the original The Lobster restaurant closed its doors in 1985 and reopened under new management 14 years later in 1999. Since it’s reopening, The Lobster has enjoyed the last ten years as one of Santa Monica’s premier restaurants, providing its clientele with top-notch seafood and captivating coastal vistas. Though its history has been long and eventful, the present-day incarnation of The Lobster is alive and thriving with the ongoing patronage of its many return customers. The celebration of its ten-year anniversary is a milestone not just for the restaurant, but also for its community of supporters as a whole.

Today The Lobster stands as a tribute to the family that built its reputation, as the remaining original structure within the foundation and walls of the main entrance and footprint still stand at the corner of Ocean Ave. and the Pier. "Established in 1923", recessed in the corner stone, greets guests in the spirit and heritage that only belongs to "The Lobster."

About The Lobster: “The Lobster” restaurant is one of Santa Monica’s landmark destinations and is recognized worldwide for its revered seafood dishes and breathtaking views over Santa Monica Bay. Built in 1923, the original the Lobster closed its doors in 1985. After reopening in 1999, the new The Lobster restaurant has enjoyed ongoing popularity and acclaim, with its enhanced view, greater capacity and premier seafood. The classic American seafood menu features whole live Maine lobsters, restaurant, terrace and bar area for seating, and a 180-degree view of the spectacular Pacific Ocean.

(top) Thousands of beach-goers pack Santa Monica Beach on Sunday, July 19, 2009.  (above) Thousands of people walk on the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday, July 19, 2009.

(above) Yannick Sire (right) shows-off his custom built V-16 hot rod made from two V-8 Chevy engines during the inaugural 'Venice Beach Rides for the Community' on Rose Avenue on Saturday, July 18. 2009. The car show featured hundreds of hot rods, muscle cars, motorcycles and bicycle. All proceeds from the event benefits the Venice Community Housing Corp., a community development organization that provides affordable housing, job training and support services for the low-income communities of Venice and Mar Vista.

(top) Phyllis Alexander goes all-in and wins the Santa Monica Kiwanis club's 2nd Annual Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament at the Riviera County Club on Saturday, July 18th, 2009. (center) First Runner-up Joseph Palazzolo places a bet during the poker tournament. (above) Tournament Director Glenn Grandis (left) deals the winning hand to Santa Monica Kiwanis club's 2ndAnnual Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament Champion Phyllis Alexander at the Riviera County Club on Saturday, July 18th, 2009. The annual fundraising event benefits the youth of the westside community. Through Kiwanis Charities of Santa Monica, these proceeds help provide Academic/Music Scholarships, Grants and other community support through a variety of projects.