Publication Date June 30, 2026
MORE GREAT STORIES
June 29, 2026UncategorizedComing to SoCal
June 29th, 2026 by Traci Turner
A new outdoor music festival is headed our way and its Y2K theme will be celebrated by the masses for certain. The Dial Up Festival will revel in the culture of the late 1990s and early 2000s with performances from Sugar Ray and Nelly, plus additional “iconic artists who helped define the crossover sound of the era, spanning pop, hip-hop, rock, punk, and alternative radio.”
This new festival will stop in multiple states, but launches November 7th at Castaic Lake Park, just outside Los Angeles. This date’s lineup features era-definining music from Nelly, Sugar Ray, Lit, Alien Ant Farm, and Unwritten Law.
Nelly will certainly be an entertaining headliner thanks to his classics, “Hot in Here,” “Dilemma,” “Country Grammar,” and “Ride Wit Me.” The multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning rap superstar is an iconic symbol of the era but continues to be relevant today thanks to stints on “Dancing with the Stars,” “The Voice,” and “The Next.”
Sugar Ray’s music absolutely reflects a party vibe, perfect for this festival! Cofounders Mark McGrath (vocals) and Rodney Sheppard (lead guitar) remain, giving every performance the energy of their ‘90s selves. We can certainly expect classics “Fly,” “Someday,” “Falls Apart,” “Every Morning,” and “When It’s Over.”
Perhaps THE best party vibes band though is Lit. The Popoff brothers and crew, born of the OC music scene, gave us the anthem that remains with “My Own Worst Enemy.” Seriously – does anyone NOT know this song? They continue to release music that carries the party on and this festival will not be an exception. P.S. I expect we will also hear “Miserable” and “Zip-Lock.”
Alien Ant Farm and Unwritten Law round out the Castaic date and they surely will not disappoint. Both bands have continued to tour and put on incredible shows, so they are worth a viewing as well.
Dial Up is built around “the music, fashion, drinks, games, and shared pop-culture memories of the pre-streaming generation” and “brings the Y2K era back to life through the sounds, visuals, references, and social experiences that defined a generation raised on mixtapes, burned CDs, flip phones, landlines, mall culture, music videos, disposable cameras, VHS rentals, and early dial up internet.”
The festival will feature a full day of music, plus “themed bars, specialty cocktails, food vendors, interactive games, photo moments, and immersive experiences inspired by the late ‘90s and early 2000s.”
Other locations include November 21st in Chandler, Arizona, and December 12th in Fort Worth, Texas. Tickets for all three Dial Up Festival dates are on sale now.
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June 28, 2026UncategorizedComing to Pacific Amphitheatre
with Smash Mouth & Tonic
June 28th, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
The ‘90s to ‘00s reggae and ska-punk music scene would be nothing without the “All Stars” of the era, who plan to ignite nostalgia and create an immaculate vibe at the Pacific Amphitheater. As part of the O.C. Fair Summer Concert Series, Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, and Tonic will bring the party on July 26th.
Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, and Tonic will take the atmosphere from 0 to 100 with their enthusiastic performances, as well as the unforgettable uniqueness of each band’s sound – nothing less than the aura-oozing albums they’ve been releasing for over three decades.
Costa Mesa is the perfect location to remember the sweet feeling of seeing “Shrek” for the first time and hearing “All Star” as he wakes up in his swamp; or when your older sibling drove you down P.C.H. and decided to show you what good music is all about, so they played “Fly” with the windows down. Hearing these artists perform these iconic anthems live will not be like any other concert; it’s sure to be a night filled with fans from every corner of the world, communally sharing everlasting memories.
Sugar Ray remains fronted by the charismatic Mark McGrath and the Newport Beach band is still hot on the airwaves thanks to their mega hits “Every Morning,” “Someday,” “When It’s Over.” McGrath is joined by other founding member Rodney Sheppard (guitar), plus Dean Butterworth (drums) and Kristian Attard (bass).
Smash Mouth formed in San Jose in 1994 and gave us so many classics. In addition to “All Star,” we love them for “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “Then the Morning Comes,” and their awesome cover of The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer.”
After the untimely passing of frontman Steve Harwell, the group is voiced by Zach Goode, who joins Paul De Lisle (bass), Michael Klooster (keyboards), Randy Cooke (drums), and Sean Hurwitz (guitar).
As for Tonic, “If You Could Only See” was a staple of alt rock stations in 1997, following 1996’s “Open Up Your Eyes.” The Los Angeles band still has longtime members Emerson Hart (vocals, guitar), Jeff Russo (guitar), and Dan Lavery (bass), plus Rich Scannella (drums) and Graham Whitford (guitar).
Of course, the Pacific Amphitheatre is an incredible backdrop for this event. When the crowd packs under the swaying palm trees, and the sun eventually sets down behind the Newport shoreline, hearing these familiar melodies with your loved ones will make you realize there’s no place you would rather be than living in that moment.
While their music becomes the soundtrack to memories developed in real time, newer fans can expect warm, friendly tracks carrying simple, yet powerful messages. The catchy beach rock, reggae, and ska will greatly represent the coastal region they coined by originating from the local area.
If you can ask for some time off from work, or if you’re just planning to take a “sick” day, I won’t tell your boss, and I will be seeing you there!
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June 28, 2026UncategorizedVOODOO GLOW SKULLS
Announce Riverside Day of the Dead
June 28th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
When it comes to Riverside punk and ska, right at the forefront of the scene that’s been established for the past four decades has to be Voodoo Glow Skulls.
This band has always proudly represented their hometown on their sleeve. From going to shows at Spanky’s Café and the Showcase Theater when they were barely teenagers, to eventually gracing those very stages as well as the Barn at UC Riverside.
Their legacy was literally on display starting this past November at the “60 Miles East” exhibit, which ran through April at the Riverside Art Museum. The exhibit was a celebration of “Riverside’s underground punk rock, hardcore & ska scene, from the late 1980s to early 2000s.” Presented by Travis Barker and 98 Posse, Voodoo had several artifacts showcased throughout.
Last week, Voodoo posted a flyer and almost cryptic message announcing the Riverside Day of the Dead, November 7th and 8th. The festival will be presented by Division 9 Art Gallery, and the band urged fans to stay tuned as more details will be released. Not much else is known at this time, other than it will be taking place in Downtown Riverside on Main St, between 10th and 12th.
The band states this will be a celebration of “culture, community, art, music, and tradition.” Although Riverside celebrates with a Day of the Dead festival every year, this appears to be the first time that Voodoo or significant music acts are taking part as part of the festivities. The band posted a short animation on last weeks as well, with not much more information other than they will be playing the Detour Stage. Oh yeah, and this will apparently be a 100% free show!
Stay tuned to OC Music News as we continue to bring more details of this exciting festival as the band releases them.
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June 25, 2026Uncategorized7th Annual Dia De Los Deftones
LINEUP DROPS
June 25th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
When it seems like there are a severe lack of music festivals in California, Sacramento’s Deftones came to save the day as they announced the lineup for their 7th annual Dia De Los Deftones. Every year the band takes over Petco Park, home to the San Diego Padres, for two stages of music from some of the hottest bands of today and tomorrow, all in a Día de los Muertos design. This year Dia will be returning November 7th.
The music directors for this festival really have their fingers on the pulse and have featured buzz-worthy bands who would later become some of the biggest stars in music. For their inaugural festival, gracing the side stage was none other than Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion the very next year, Turnstile in 2022, and just this last year Ecca Vandal, who is blowing up this year.
In addition to having a knack for finding the next best thing, Deftones always pick an eclectic lineup of everything from metal to hip-hop, hardcore, punk, pop and everything in between. This year’s lineup will continue that tradition bringing in a mix of various genres.
Deftones will of course be headlining as they always do. The band seems to have done the unthinkable becoming more popular than ever after nearly four decades. In May they played sold-out shows in Australia and Japan and will be headlining a European tour this summer before returning for a set at Sick New World in Fort Worth in October.
Headlining the main stage before Deftones this year will be the hugely popular The Neighborhood. The band launches a world tour next month, with several shows already sold out in Australia, Germany, Mexico, and Canada.
Also playing the main stage will be goth punk legends AFI, who will be playing a show at the Observatory Festival Grounds September 19th. Rounding out the main stage will be rapper and singer Bktherula, currently set to launch her European tour this summer.
Also playing the festival will be metalcore/hardcore Converge, whose monumental album, “Jane Doe,” put their names on the map. The fest will also feature Savages lead singer Jehnny Beth, who released her sophomore solo album, “You Heartbreaker, You” last year.
Dia always likes to pay homage to the holiday and the Deftones members’ heritage with Spanish rock. This year will get heavy with Guadalajara’s nu-metal Ladrones.
In April the band released their latest single, “Ay Ay Ay.” The afternoon will kick off with the electropunk act Lip Critic and the theatric rapper and painter LustSickPuppy.
This will be another unreal and over-the-top event, get out and see this one. General tickets are on sale now!
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June 25, 2026UncategorizedMike D 5D Announce Solo Tour
June 25th, 2026 by Traci Turner
Oddly enough, I have been singing “Sure Shot” in my head all day and now Mike D of the Beastie Boys has announced a solo tour!
Michael “Mike D” Diamond will be out in full force to promote his debut album, “Thank You,” due out August 28th. Earlier this year, he previewed tracks from “Thank You” on his European tour, including the currently available singles “Switch Up,” “What We Got,” and “True Colors.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame rapper will hit five East Coast spots – Boston, Washington, D.C., Asheville, Queens, and Atlanta (ok, East Coast-ish) – and one NorCal festival. Obviously, the New Yorker has a deep fondness for that side of the country, so we will be thankful for what we get: September 26th-27th at the Portola Music Festival in San Francisco.
In addition to his solo material, Diamond has been performing a few Beastie Boys favorites, including “So What’cha Want,” “Hello Brooklyn,” and “Staring Down the Barrel of a Gun.” There is no word on an appearance by his former Beastie bandmate, Ad-Rock, but we can hope.
Of course, the last Beastie Boys show was in 2009 at the Bonnaroo Festival. Their bandmate Adam “MCA” Yauch sadly passed away in 2012.
Mike D will be supported onstage by 5D, a group that includes his sons Skyler and Davis Diamond, Eddie Ruscha, Will Graefe, and Milo Ruscha.
Check on this living legend, tickets are on sale now!
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June 24, 2026UncategorizedDirty Heads & 311
Bring The So Glad You Made It” Tour To
F&M Bank Amphitheatre, Long Beach
June 24th, 2026 by Kaitlin Pinell
With summer heating up in Southern California, iconic reggae rock staples 311 and Dirty Heads have joined forces once again to set the vibe of the summer.
The So Glad You Made It Tour will be bringing their feel-good reggae-rock sounds to the waterfront Long Beach Amphitheatre on August 18th, along with featuring support from ROME, Ocean Alley and Atmosphere on select dates.
Set for August 18th, the Long Beach show is expected to draw committed fans from across the county to see them play near their hometown. Formed in Huntington Beach, the band has cultivated a following for over two decades.
Fans can expect a night of hits from both bands, including 311’s “Amber,” “Beautiful Disaster,” “Down,” “Come Original,” “All Mixed Up,” “Love Song,” “I’ll Be Here Awhile,” and “Full Bloom.”
Whereas Dirty Heads bring an impressive catalog of their own to this dance.
They will deliver crowd favorites, “Vacation,” “Lay Me Down,” “Stand Tall,” “For What It’s Worth,” “Lift Me Up,” “Life’s Been Good,” “My Sweet Summer,” “Burn Slow,” “Rage,” “Celebrate,” and their current radio hit, “Better.”
The tour also gives fans the opportunity to hear songs from Dirty Heads’ latest album “7 Seas” performed live.
Dirty Heads and 311’s history of playing together goes way back to 2007, when Dirty Heads opened for 311 at the Red Rocks amphitheater before their debut album had been released. Both bands mix hip hop, rock and reggae while promoting themes of love, perseverance, and community through music.
The tour marks the band’s first co-headlined tour together since 2019. Beginning in Shakopee, Minnesota and ending in West Palm Beach, Florida, the tour spans 30 dates across the U.S., with only two stops in California.
Tickets range from $19 to $145+ and are on sale now! Come out and see two of the most legendary reggae / alt rock bands right here in Long Beach.
It will be a night to remember with the Queen Mary as your backdrop.
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June 23, 2026UncategorizedOnce Upon A Time In The Summer Tour
COMING TO PAC AMP
June 23rd, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
We are incredibly fortunate to bear witness to Cypress Hill as the representatives of a cultural movement and generational music. They have influenced all current Los Angeles and West Coast hip-hop, and it is important we appreciate their tireless efforts to drop more than just rhymes.
In celebration of their 35 years as a band – and the icons they are – Cypress Hill announced their Once Upon a Time in the Summer Tour.
Between rap-game legends DJ Muggs, Eric Bobo, Sen Dog, and B-Real, they’ve deservingly earned three Grammy nominations and are the first Latino rap group to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Oh, and they have sold more than 20 million albums – not too bad for dudes from South Gate.
The eclectic style of their unique music pioneered all Cali-Rap that followed, and by combining their New York and Cuban roots with gritty lyricism and Latin-esque melodies, they made some of the most iconic albums ever created. Ever since their eponymous debut hit the rap-scene, no other group has made the same impact in hip-hop, streetwear fashion, and Latin culture all-in-one.
Although their place in hip-hop history was set years ago, new generations are constantly discovering or being “put-on” to the infamous rap group. Hearing songs like “Rock Superstar,” “Insane in The Brain,” “Dr. Greenthumb,” “How I Could Just Kill a Man,” “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That,” “Lowrider,” “What’s Your Number,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Siempre Peligroso” for the first time, is an incredible moment many superfans would love to relive again.
Photo by The Corona Chronicles
The upcoming tour promises more than just a live performance as the group has devoted their entire career to creating an atmosphere with a larger-than-life quality.
You can expect to see fans singing along to literally every lyric, familiar choruses with massive echoes of shouting, and thousands of hands in the air, chopping up-and-down to dramatize every sound of 808.
SoCal can see them perform live July 29th at the Pacific Amphitheatre in Costa Mesa, just miles away from where the group formed in ‘88.
If you’re looking to catch a vibe with the O.G.s of rap, you don’t want to miss out on this amazing opportunity!
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SID 260623 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
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June 23, 2026UncategorizedThe B-52s & DEVO
Team Up for Another De-Evolution Tour
June 23rd, by Jimmy Alvarez
There’s a song that says it all about our favorite bands. “Just Can’t Get Enough,” and in this case it’s not Depeche Mode. Fans worldwide just got the news, in a statement The B-52s said, “IT’S OFFICIAL!, the party isn’t over: The Cosmic De-Evolution Tour with DEVO continues – with special guest DJ Cummerbund.
These two bands have been icons of the new wave generation, and just when we thought we saw the last of them, we get one more injection of strobe lights and that’s good!
We first experienced the sights and sounds of The B-52s in 1976. They are from Athens, Georgia and by the early ’80s they became staples of MTV and with the help of local radio juggernaut KROQ FM in Los Angeles, the band simply blew up and became cosmic sensations.
The band’s original lineup had Fred Schneider behind the mic, and the amazing Kate Pierson also on vocals and keys / synth bass). The other angelic voice was Cindy Wilson (also on vocals and percussion). There was Ricky Wilson on guitar and vocals, with Keith Strickland on drums, guitar, keys, and also backing vocals). Sadly, Ricky Wilson died of AIDS related illness in 1985. That was a devastating loss for the band and their fans. Strickland came out from behind the drumkit and took up lead guitar duties. That’s the band today, with other live musicians that join them on stage.
This band has seen and done it all, they have played everywhere on the planet, and their songs are heard everywhere: radio, movies, and the small screen.
The list of songs fans can’t get enough of, “Whammy Kiss,” “Strobe Light,” “Roam,” “Love Shack,” “Private Idaho,” “Planet Claire,” “Summer of Love,” “Give Me Back My Man,” and their uber-hit, “Rock Lobster.”
As for DEVO, that is another band that has become brothers of the cosmic evolution. The two Mothersbaugh brothers (Mark and Bob) grew up in Akron, Ohio. They too become new wave favorites of MTV and have not looked back.
Their quirky onstage persona and the top sound had them come out originally as a punk rock band, and as the tide shifted, so did their music. Sporting their energy domes, their catalog includes music that made them legends,
Their hits catalog include, “Girl U Want, “Shout,” “Beautiful World,” “Satisfaction (Stones cover),” “Mongoloid,” “Jerkin’ Back and Forth,” “Uncontrollable Urge,” “Peek-A-Boo,” “Gates of Steel,” “Freedom of Choice,” “Secret Agent Man, (Johnny Rivers cover),” and the uber-hit that launched them into the new wave punkosphere, “Whip It.”
You get the idea, but these bands have a multitude of other songs that mean so much to their fans for so many different reasons. Luckily, we get to see them together one more time!
You can catch them in Southern California October 30th in Chula Vista at North Island Credit Union Amp, and on Halloween night in Palm Desert at Acrisure Stadium.
General on sale on Friday, June 26th. If you want to see living history, don’t miss this tour when it comes to a city near you!
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June 22, 2026UncategorizedCelebrates 20 Years with an Unplugged Tour
June 22nd, 2026 by Joey Clark
Daughtry will not be taking a break anytime soon as they have just announced a special unplugged tour immediately following their summer run. To commemorate 20 years as a band, the rock outfit will be stopping in 22 cities across the country for this momentous celebration.
Daughtry formed shortly after lead singer Chris Daughtry placed fourth on the fifth season of “American Idol” in 2006. Later that year, the group released their self-titled debut, which became an instant success, spawning multiple high-charting singles, and selling more than seven million records worldwide.
Since then, Daughtry has remained a staple in the rock scene, frequently touring alongside other notable rock acts like Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, Sevendust, Staind, Bon Jovi, and Nickelback, and has consistently crafted incredible rock records. In support of those releases their stage performance has been one of the strongest in the scene to date. This unplugged tour will be no exception.
In support of the tour, Daughtry have recruited Ryan Perdz, a singer songwriter based out of Buffalo. Perdz has a love of ‘90s grunge and rock, while clearly influenced by the sound of the era, he manages to make it all his own, which is why he will make the perfect opener.
Daughtry’s 20 Years Unplugged Acoustic Tour kicks off October 12th in Troy, makes a stop in Anaheim on November 10th at Grove of Anaheim, and closes out November 14th in Dallas.
Tickets for this tour are on sale now.
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June 21, 2026Uncategorized LADIES ‘80s NIGHT
Missing Persons & Tiffany
Live at Garden Amp
June 21st, 2026 Review by Bruce R Kilgour
A nostalgic and fun throwback to the ‘80s MTV era hit Garden Grove on a recent warm Sunday night. The promise of full sets by the iconic pop star Tiffany and new wave legends Missing Persons brought out a lively crowd of devoted fans of both acts. This reviewer spotted dozens of Tiffany shirts present in what at times looked like a big “girls’ night out” party.
Orange County based tribute band Pretty in Pink kicked things off with a set of Psychedelic Furs hits that pumped up the crowd for the main acts. Vocalist Andy Singer is well known for his amazing sonic resemblance to the Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler.
Shortly after 8 p.m., MC Julian Douglas – AKA “Mr. ‘80s” – introduced Tiffany with an enthusiastic recap of her nearly four decades of multi-platinum success. A brief video intro played behind her band before she launched into “Hey Baby” from her 2022 album “Shadows.” Tiffany explained to the crowd that this was close to a hometown show for her – being born and raised in nearby Norwalk – before proudly announcing that she had added cookbook author to her resume. Her new book “Pop Life” hit the stores last month.
Next up was “Shadows”, the title track from her latest album. After engaging her fans (and pointing at those Tiffany shirts), she said was going to “take us retro” and performed her 1988 top ten single “All This Time.”
From here on out, it was all 1987 again with five songs in a row from her self-titled debut album. For “I Saw Him Standing There” (the Beatles cover), guitarist / collaborator Mark Alberici grabbed an acoustic guitar, and he and Tiffany joined the fans in the pit for a singalong.
Back on stage, “Danny” and “Feelings of Forever” followed, preceded by a sincere story about her fond childhood memories of warm summer nights in Southern California.
Next up was “Could’ve Been,” featuring beautiful piano work from her only other band member on this evening, Steve Ferlazzo, longtime musical director and keyboardist for Avril Lavigne.
Wrapping things up with “I Think We’re Alone Now,” her massive chart-topping version of the Tommy James & The Shondells hit, Tiffany showed that her voice – and star power – have not diminished over a 39-year career.
Los Angeles based band Missing Persons made quite an impression in 1980, releasing an independent four-song EP containing the song “Mental Hopscotch” which hit number one on the legendary KROQ-FM.
Two years later, their debut LP “Spring Session M” was released, and these days, virtually their entire live set draws from that gold-certified album. Founder and vocalist Dale Bozzio may be the sole original member, but the band continues to tour every year to the delight of their loyal fanbase.
Kicking off their set with “Mental Hopscotch,” Missing Persons played six straight songs from their 1982 debut album. Bozzio was in excellent voice condition and expressed her gratitude for the continued support over the years. Following “Noticeable One,” she introduced the band – Karl D’Amico on guitar, Fred Bensi on keyboards, and Andy Sanesi on drums – and then launched into their huge MTV-era hit, “Words.” “It Ain’t None of Your Business,” “Here and Now,” and “Bad Streets” followed.
The rarely performed “Face to Face” from their third album was next, then their slinky cover of The Doors “Hello, I Love You” (from their first EP).
Bozzio took a few minutes to shake hands with the fans against the pit rail and asked us all to “have strength and courage in these trying times.”
The crowd sensed what was next, which were arguably Missing Persons two biggest hits, “Destination Unknown” and “Walking in L.A.” The latter highlighted Bozzio’s still impressive range and quirky falsetto vocal styling.
Missing Persons are certainly icons of the ‘80s and still deliver an energetic and fun evening of hits. Catch them on August 30th at the Greek Theatre as part of the Lost ‘80s Live show if you can!
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Todd Markel Rock Images
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June 21, 2026Uncategorizedroyel otis
Meeting us at The Greek
June 21st, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
Whether you’re looking for an authentic coastal road trip vibe soundtrack, enjoying a nice day at the beach, or maybe things aren’t going so well – perhaps you’re going through a tough breakup but don’t want to talk about it just yet – there’s no better band to match that energy than the Australian duo, viral sensation Royel Otis.
After appearing on the music scene in 2021 when they released their first EP, “Campus,” Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic gained attention with their first album, “Sofa Kings.” The 2023 release of surfer/skater rock immediately grabbed the attention of mainstream media outlets. Their provocative yet relatable lyricism paired with their enthusiastic showmanship truly takes you back to a time of importance – a relationship, a place you want to visit again, a struggle in your life – effortlessly causing raves of emotion with their sound.
If you’ve ever had TikTok, been to a mall recently, or turned on any rock-radio station, you have already heard one of their undeniably catchy tunes: their cover of The Cranberries’ “Linger,” “Oysters In My Pocket,” “Murder on the Dancefloor,” “Say Something,” “Going Kokomo,” or “Heading For The Door.”
But their fame has taken them to much farther places than that – from performing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” to Lollapolooza, to accumulating almost nine million monthly listeners and multiple tracks with over 200 million plays – and counting! Their biggest song to-date, “Who’s Your Boyfriend” is now being played everywhere!
Royel Otis will take over the Greek Theatre on July 8th with support from Ax and the Hatchetmen. The band’s show will not only be ideal for a dark, yet warm Los Angeles summer backdrop, it will prove why their popularity has grown so greatly in such a short time.
If you have never heard of them, you’re a new fan or just a skeptic, now is a good time to give their work a listen and check them out in a city near you. Superfans already know of the band’s semiotic index of “show-hunting-hints” through Instagram posts, visually describing the location of their upcoming performances by posing in pictures of the inferred city.
If you want to get tickets, do so now! Knowing the excitement that comes with every performance is the absolute unpredictability of their setlist; you can expect nothing less than a wonderful evening led by highly-talented artists.
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June 18, 2026UncategorizedROCK FOR CHOC
A Fund Raiser for Rady Children’s Health
June 19th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
It is often said that music scenes, no matter where you call home are like family. Depending on which band is coming to any big city or small town, it can be like a high school reunion. Here’s such a story from Orange County, California.
The OC has been the birthplace of scores of bigtime musical artists and bands. The one thing that is true about the OC music scene is you know if a crowd loves you. If they do, there is no better place to be than the OC.
A few years ago I came across a show that changed that dynamic. It was less about the bands and more about the fans: One in particular, Carter Ankeny and his family.
Carter was a very young boy, and he loved the loved the bands from the OC ska scene. The family became regulars at show after show after show. They became friends with all the local bands, and they, in turn, became fans of the Ankeny family.
Sadly, Carter was stricken by a disease that has plagued mankind since the beginning of time. He was diagnosed with cancer, and despite a valiant effort, Carter eventually passed from that dreaded disease: His passing left the scene devastated.
Over the years the community has expressed their love for Carter by supporting anything Carter related. CARTER STRONG FOREVER came to life and has been a champion for causes to help children with cancer and their families.
Fast forward to 2026 and the Ankeny’s have been appointed as The Ambassador Family for the 2026 CHOC Walk in the Park, held at Disneyland Resort on August 2nd. Walking as Team #Carterstrongforever.
The Ankeny family has also announced a fundraiser that the OC music community will support. Knowing how this dreaded disease can impact anyone, we are all sensitive to the plight of any person: and their loved ones who suffer from the affliction in whatever form it takes or impacts them.
With local bands ready to perform, a venue secured, Rock for CHOC is coming. This benefit show will raise money for kids’ hospital care. It will be hosted by #Carterstrongforever. Also notable: CHOC is now called Rady Children’s Health Orange County.
As for Carter, he inspired people of all ages with his kindness, fearlessness, and he moved all who knew him in the manner he embraced life despite his affliction.
It is that energy and passion for life that is Carter’s legacy. This event will be a continuation of his kindness. Truth is the strongest people are children who fight silent battles. Their courage often comes in voices you can barely hear, but their strength can move hearts and souls.
Rock for CHOC will take place July 19th at Radiant Beer Co. in Anaheim. Bands scheduled to perform include Hooray For Our Side, Odd Robot, Chase Long Beach, and Sailors Songbook. Tickets are $ 20 and on sale now.
If you have room in your heart and your wallet, please help this worthy cause. Supporting this event, CHOC Walk in the Park, organizations like Rady Children’s Health Orange County, and CARTERSRONG FOREVER will help put some light in the darkness for those afflicted with cancer.
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