Crowds Pack Free Santa Monica Dance Series, Economy Suspected

Since the Twilight Dance Series on the Santa Monica Pier began a couple weeks ago, the pier has gotten over capacity and has prompted extra police, says the Santa Monica Daily Press, noting that this is a first in its 25 year history for the weekly Thursday night summer event. Bigger crowds usually happen by the end of the summer, but not like this: "Franz-Knight attributed the big crowds to the economic downturn. 'We've had some great shows but I think people in a down economy are more excited and looking more for free events and community gathering spaces, and I think the concerts provide that,' he said."