By Lookout Staff

July 2, 2010 -- The Twilight Dance Series, Santa Monica’s annual concert tradition at the pier, will begin its 26th edition on Thursday with Konono No. 1. The group performs Congolese Trance Dance-tronica music.

Founded more than 25 years ago, Konono’s lineup includes three singers, dancers and three electric likembés (bass, medium and treble) that are amplified through hand-made microphones built from magnets salvaged from old car parts. There is a rhythm section that uses traditional and makeshift percussion, including junkyard pots, pans, garbage cans and car parts.

“With a set of releases for ‘Crammed Discs,’ their brand new ‘Assume Crash Position’ carries on the strange and spectacular electro-traditional mixtures that make up Konono’s ‘Congotronics’ blend,” the concert web site states. “One would say ‘Buzz’n’Rumble from Urb’n’Jungle!’”

For more on the group and to hear some of the music, go to www.myspace.com/konononr1.

The concert is free and will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Seating is not provided. Attendees can bring low beach chairs and blankets and sit on the pier deck or the beach. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash. For more information, go to www.santamonicapier.org.