By Lookout Staff

May 28, 2014 -- You won’t find any big-name headliners like Los Lobos, Eddie Palmieri or Joan Baez at the Santa Monica Pier’s Twilight Dance series this summer after the City Council directed staff to attract more manageable crowds.

This year’s lineup will feature an eclectic mix of international and local bands that won’t draw the overflow crowds that numbered as high as high 30,000 in previous years.

Among the acts that will perform at the 30th annual free concert series from July 10 to September 11 are a British band that last charted in the 60s and musicians from Syria and Malaysia, as well as various parts of the Los Angeles area.

“The Pier Concerts that were originally intended to enliven the Pier and serve the local community have ballooned into regional draws that encompass far more beach than Pier with crowds in the tens of thousands and pose significant health and safety risks,” City Manager Rod Gould said shortly before the Council’s vote in January.

He added, “The goal is to bring the beloved concerts closer to their original purpose and footprint, while keeping them safe, free and fun.”

At the meeting, the council also voted to reduce advertising and to eliminate the jumbotron screen that officials said increased the number of attendees because they watched from the beach. The loss of the jumbotron will also mean fewer sponsorship options, increasing the cost of the series for the City.

The concert series will kick off July 10 with indie rock duo Cults, and opening the show will be indie pop performer James Supercave. Also appearing this summer will be Malaysian performer Yuna on July 17 and Omar Souleyman, whose music is described as “Syrian Techno,” on July 31.

The Zombies, a British band known for its 1960s hits “She’s Not There” and “Time of the Season” will perform August 21.

After disbanding and touring with players that assumed the mantle in name only, the Zombies with Rod Argent and  Colin Blunstone back at the helm are sure to be the highlight of the popular concert series.

All the concerts will begin at 7 p.m. For more information on the lineup and concert features, visit tcs.dola.com.