Busker-Turned-Star Returning for Winterlit Concert

Singer-songwriter Andy Grammer—who was discovered while busking on the , and has since toured with Natasha Bedingfield and Colbie Caillat—will return there for a headlining stint at this year's Winterlit concert. The free show will kick off this year's Winterlit Holiday Celebration and take place Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. on the promenade, just south of Wilshire Boulevard.

Grammer scored a hit with his first single, "Keep Your Head Up." The song came out earlier this year, and peaked at #5 on Billboard's adult-pop-songs chart and #12 on its adult-contemporary chart. His self-titled debut album, which was released over the summer, was co-produced by Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, O.A.R.).

A year and a half ago, Grammer could be seen busking on the promenade.

“Santa Monica was the genuine birthplace of my art,” he said in a statement. “I learned what I had to offer on Third Street Promenade, working out the kinks in my music, and figuring out how quickly I could present what’s special about me. I feel that playing on promenade was one of the best ways I could have developed as an artist. I’m thrilled to be returning in November to play for the community that supported and helped to shape me.”

Grammer wrote "Keep Your Head Up" after a day of performing on the promenade. At the Winterlit concert, he'll play that song along with his new single, “Biggest Man in L.A.,” which revolves around busking.

Also performing two songs will be singer/songwriter Savannah Outen, a Radio Disney sensation whose videos have racked up more than 75 million views on YouTube. Like Grammer, she will also play two songs.

Grammer and Outen will extend a streak of singer/songwriters who have performed at the annual Winterlit concert. Last year, Tyler Hilton and Jared Lee were the headliners, and in 2009, Lee played in support of headliner Brian McKnight.

The concert is intended to kick off the holiday-shopping season in Santa Monica. Related Winterlit festivities include the ICE at Santa Monica skating rink, holiday-tree and Menorah lightings, and other family-friendly activities. The events are organized by Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., which manages services and operations in downtown Santa Monica.

Regarding the concert, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.'s CEO, Kathleen Rawson, said in a statement: “Over the years, we have worked hard to establish Winterlit as an annual community tradition that everyone can enjoy together. Having someone like Andy, who got his start right here in our community, come home from a national tour to join us for this event is so special. We’re incredibly proud of his success and can’t wait to welcome him home. And we’re thrilled to introduce Savannah, an artist who got her start in the online community, to our holiday visitors.”