Publication Date August 16, 2026
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August 14, 2026UncategorizedMAKE A SPLASH
at ALT 98.7’s Summer Pool Party
August 14th, 2026 Review by Joey Clark
ALT 98.7 closed out the summer with the ultimate pool party! Longtime listeners and devoted fans battled the nearly 100-degree heat poolside at Yaamava’ Casino and Resort to experience an intimate performance by The All-American Rejects.
With the performance set two hours after doors, most radio aficionados in attendance took full advantage of the pools near the stage to cool off. Then there were the barricade warriors who decided to take on the heat with pure dedication by standing their ground from the time of doors. When asked how long these passionate fans had been waiting, many stated they had lined up hours ahead of doors to have a shot at landing a coveted spot in the front.
Whether you were a fan soaking in the pool or roughing it against the barricade, everyone was collectively enjoying the pre-show.
DJ Regul8 was enthusiastically bumping the alt hits we all love and the fun antics of ALT 98.7’s afternoon dynamic duo, Booker and Stryker, were hyping up the crowd for the stars of the night,
The All-American Rejects. The crowd sang along to songs being blasted over the speakers as a flurry of ALT 98.7 beach balls danced around the onslaught of AAR fans reliving the glory days of the mid-2000s.
Anticipation was building as the clock struck 8 p.m. Fans were darting their heads around attempting to locate the pop punk act. I noticed a door on the left of the stage had opened up, and then, out poured The All-American Rejects, hungry and ready to pounce on the stage. Before the boys took command, Booker and Stryker reemerged to give the band a proper introduction.
The band seemed like an absolute no-brainer to center the evening around for a variety of reasons. Not only did they release their first record in over a decade with “Sandbox,” but their cultural impact on the music industry as of late has been incredible.
Their outspokenness and commentary about the industry when it comes to ticket pricing, tour logistics for budding new artists, and corporate greed has been eye-opening.
In the past year, the band has stood by their words and taken it upon themselves to travel across the United States on their own dime and play a multitude of third spaces on the recommendation of their manager, Megan Kraemer.
On top of that, frontman Tyson Ritter and startup veteran Brian Battjer have developed PlayHouse, a platform to connect musicians with alternative venues. If there were any doubts of why The Rejects were the band selected for this truly special evening, they were squashed immediately.
The band kicked off their set with the sonic punch of “Easy Come, Easy Go” from “Sandbox.” Everyone was instantly hooked and sang the song back as if they had it engrained in them for the last decade. It was easy to recognize why the track had been the band’s first song to make the Alternative Airplay chart since 2009 – it was absolutely infectious.
The night proceeded with a variety of songs from their entire catalog which might be an advantage of having five studio albums. They’re able to dial in solid offerings off each record and gift that to each era of their fanbase, which is not something every band is capable of doing. “Sandbox” cuts like “Get This” and “King Kong” wove seamlessly into the framework of the set.
You can audibly hear an evolution of The Rejects’ sound from “Swing, Swing” off the self-titled debut, to “It Ends Tonight” from “Move Along,” jumping ahead towards a song like “Fast and Slow” from “Kids in the Street” to the latest material, but they all co-exist beautifully.
There was never a dull moment, especially when you have Ritter as a frontman with devilish, yet charming sense of humor. About midway through the set, Ritter had addressed the pool closest to the stage and had said their sound tech said to be careful of splashing, hilariously mocking the very notion to keep down the splashing and egged them on to keep doing it. They did as the barefooted singer requested.
Following a few more songs, Ritter took a moment to joke, “See if waterproof cameras didn’t exist you would all be like oh, oh, oh shit. Fucking iPhones.” Everyone cackled at the antics, but it was also pleasant to observe those who read between the lines and stowed away their phones to just simply take in the rest of the show as it was meant to be – a communal end to the summer.
What impressed me the most about the show, outside of hilarious antics, was the pure musicality of the band. While The Rejects may come off as scrappy and unpolished, their delivery is as solid as any another longstanding act amongst their peers.
Ritter has continued to reach new heights as a vocalist not only in the studio but live as well. In an instant you recognize his vocals and they command attention like no other, all the while providing a sweet low end thump when armed with a Serek Lincoln or Epiphone Thunderbird bass.
Co-founder, guitarist and backing vocalist, Nick Wheeler is an absolute joy to watch perform, his energy is prolific and it’s amazing to witness him and Ritter bounce off one another knowing they’ve been building this band together since they were in high school.
Guitarist Mike Kennerty is like Crash Bandicoot with a guitar in his hands; he absolutely doesn’t let off the gas when he’s lost in his performance and gives the audience a spectacle to take in and is a blur of hair and a guitar. With Chris Gaylor, you get more than a drummer; you get a true marksmen of tactical precision truly enjoying every moment behind his drum kit.
The evening came to a close with the anthem “Gives You Hell.” It felt like a stadium-sized moment being lived out on the pool deck at Yaamava’. Audience members sang along in unison throughout the duration of the song and the concertgoers in the pool splashed vigorously to their heart’s content, giving it all they had left before the night was over.
The All-American Rejects are one of the best acts out there today and I cannot recommend it enough to catch a performance of theirs next time they’re in town. You will absolutely be blown away!
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Highway One Photography
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August 12, 2026UncategorizedI BUILT YOU A TOWER TOUR
Live at The Greek
August 12th, 2026 Review by Stuart Karpel
To capture the essence of a Death Cab for Cutie concert, try to think back to the first time you truly felt free of responsibility. Whether that brings you back to memories of an unforgettable vacation or the innocence of childhood, that feeling of pure freedom is the perfect way to describe seeing the band live.
Last Sunday, more than 5,500 people from every corner of Los Angeles gathered at the Greek Theatre to experience Death Cab live and it was unlike any other that this venue has seen before. From the incredibly unique sound of Ben Gibbard’s singing voice, to the hum of instruments that climbed miles up Mount Hollywood, every song from their 24-track setlist sounded incredible.
The large stadium and stage – and the hills behind it – have seen countless artists since its opening in the ‘30s. Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra, and so many historical performances have taken place here, and it remains a desired location even now. In other words, it’s not a shock to see a band as big as Death Cab featured on the marquee, marking the 17th show of their summer tour.
Opening the show for the capacity crowd was Brooklyn’s own, Nation of Language. This Indie Synth-Pop trio took the stage by storm. The band consists of Ian Richard Devaney (guitar and lead vocals), Aidan Noell (backing vocals and keys), and then there’s Alex MacKay (bass). It is simply amazing how much noise three people can make without a drummer.
Their sound and vocals were sharp, and the early birds appreciated their energy. Apparently, there were New Yorkers in the crowd that knew their set. Opening with “A New Goodbye,” “September Again,” and “In Your Head.” Devaney and Noell had great chemistry and MacKay could really slap the bass.
The crowd sang along to “Weak in Your Light,” “Inept Apollo,” “The Wall and I,” and before you knew it – they were walking off to “Across That Fine Line,” The crowd was very happy with their performance, there were chants of “Gouge Away,” a Pixies cover that their fans wanted them to play. Perhaps the next time we see them they will play a longer set.
After a brief intermission, the crowd was ready to see Death Cab. The band’s 2026 summer tour is in support of their new project, “I Built You a Tower.” Just like in a music video, the lights dimmed, the crowd roared and out came the band.
The band was ready to go. They opened with a couple of chart-toppers, “Full of Stars” and “Riptides,”
It was not surprising to see so many fans sing along as the group played their hearts out.
The setlist featured seven songs from the new album, five songs came from the 2005 album “Plans,” and the remainder were from various time periods of their discography. The new album is their most technically-sound project yet, and fans seem to agree as some tracks have reached more than three million plays.
Once the sun fully set and the band reached the middle of their setlist – performing “Black Sun,” “Photobooth,” and “Summer Skin” – they slowed down the mood to allow Gibbard to play everyone’s favorite acoustic solo, “I Will Follow You Into the Dark.”
The fans and band alike swayed and cheered every melody throughout the night, like palm trees whistling in the wind in unison. Although the Los Angeles city life that surrounds the Greek is known to be bustling and full of hustlers, it felt like the entirety of the city stopped to listen to Death Cab, as people passing by the stadium rolled their car windows down rather than listen to the radio.
By playing more fan-favorited tracks, like “Cath…” and “Crooked Teeth,” the group knew that it was time to bring out the big-guns for the upcoming finale. This was not the time of the night to hit the merch line or bathroom!
With the band’s amazing performance almost reaching the two-hour mark, they decided to end the set with “No Sunlight,” “Here to Forever,” and “Soul Meets Body.”
This seemingly did not feel like the end of the show though as the eager energy of the fans itched for more anthems, clapping and cheering loudly to give the band the flowers they deserve.
As the band walked off stage, the stage crew began to wrap up the auxiliary cables, but the cheering felt endless. Only two minutes after they had bowed and thanked everyone for coming to see them perform, they felt compelled by the fans’ roar of enjoyment and appeared back on stage to everyone’s surprise.
Their encore consisted of “Title Track,” “Transatlanticism,” “Marching Bands of Manhattan,” and ironically, “A Movie Script Ending” to truly end the movie-like concert.
Not only did it fulfill the wishes of super fans and everyday concertgoers to see the band back onstage, it greatly represented the ideals of why the band decided to go on tour in the first place: Connection with their fans.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Highway One Photography
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August 11, 2026UncategorizedINDUSTRY REPORT # 70
OC’s NEXT BIG HIT!
August 12th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez & Clara Amaris Becker
For decades, Southern California has been a destination place for people worldwide. For Orange County, Disney, and OC sports teams – such as the Ducks and Angels, along with NCAA basketball tourneys – have brought people here for more than fun in the sun.
Equally, the OC’s vibrant music scene has been a big part of its colorful entertainment legacy. Places like Irvine Meadows, House of Blues, Honda Center, Five Point Amphitheatre have delivered unforgettable moments. Now, Great Park Live is ready to take center stage as part of the new entertainment hub that is about to explode.
Earlier this week we had the opportunity to chat with Cory Hilderbrand, Deputy Director of Community & Library Services at the City of Irvine, and Melissa Haley, Director of Communications & Engagement also at the City of Irvine. Both have been instrumental in bringing the vision of the Daisy Chain Fields to reality. It is clear that the entire city team put a lot of blood and sweat into it to not only make this event happen, but to create an atmosphere at this facility that is nothing short of top notch.
In putting this story together, we had to go back in time and address what led us to where we are today. The legacy of Irvine Meadows and Five Point Amp had great successes; but it also provided lots of learning experiences. As a result, delivering a venue that put consumer experience at the top of the list while being a good neighbor to the locals turned out to be equally important. I was impressed how each of these city executives were on the same page when describing the journey to where the venue is today. Lots of preparation, listening, learning, and evolving were and continue to be important to the City of Irvine.
GPL is laid over a sprawling 500 acres with unbelievable community and music venue amenities. The layout allows for multiple stages and an open floor format that can be converted to open and festival seating. Most impressive, the festival floor plan can be adjusted to accommodate up to 45,000 crazed concertgoers.
The care they put into GPL is evident. I asked how important it was to them to keep the OC feel top the venue while taking into consideration what concertgoers want and keeping the look appealing to the locals. Hilderbrand was honest and sincere – he said, “I think it was very important. I think that’s one of the things that we hear probably the most that compliments that we get of that facility is that it still feels like a park-like setting. It’s not. An industrial type of amphitheater. Irvine Meadows was great, but it all the seats and it felt like an amphitheater where Great Park Live really has that open air feel and the natural grass, the views of the balloon, which is obviously an iconic feature of Great Park.”
With a new venue in place, the first mega event coming to GPL is Daisy Chain Fields on August 29th, and tickets blew out like wildfire once they went up. The festival comes to us from the heart and soul of Olivia Rodrigo. She too went through a journey that inspired this sonic vision. Truth be told, a vision is one thing, making it reality is another. I asked Hilderbrand what it was like to work with Rodrigo’s team. He said, “They have been absolutely fantastic to work with.”
August 29th, 2026
I asked if it was fair to compare this festival to the ‘96 super-fest, Lilith Fair. Given today’s hyperbolic political environment, it is difficult at best to promote any topic that doesn’t draw the ire of somebody. So far that hasn’t been an issue. It was expressed that all people’s rights to express themselves is always recognized and respected. This event will respect all, and security will be provided to ensure that all parties attending will enjoy a non-confrontational festival. For that,
I applaud their effort to keep the peace no matter what. For those with inquiring minds, there will be plenty of security inside the venue and outside of it. That said, the festival will provide a platform for charities and organizations that provide services to women – including reproductive rights. In the Philanthropy Village there will be booths that will provide education, dialogue and community engagement for women. Proceeds from the show will go towards these charities – which translates to the ticket you purchased matters.
As for the show itself, there are some definite heavy hitters. The aforementioned Olivia Rodrigo will be showcasing her larger-than-life musical spectacular.
Artists that are “IT” right now, including Chappell Roan, Doechii, KATSEYE, and Santigold.
Also on the bill will be Shirley Manson and her uber-alt rocker mates known as Garbage.
Another female fronted band will include the legend Kim Deal and her mates The Breeders.
Concertgoers will also experience the sights and sounds of The Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ lead crooner, Karen O, the legendary Fleetwood Mac vocalist, Stevie Nicks, and if that’s not enough, Lilith Fair founder, Sarah McLachlan will also take the stage.
Other bands to look out for include punk rockers, Bikini Kill. There’s the electrifying sound of Die Spitz, and Mitski will definitely bring the boom.
There are a number of other bands playing that will entertain you from beginning to end. For those attending, here are the set times:
A few things a concertgoer may notice immediately is the aesthetic look of the venue and how it is uniquely Orange County. The look, feel and vibe it gives is like no other venue you have ever been to.
Because the City of Irvine has considered every angle to make it the best experience possible, they have worked out details with OC Vibe and UC Irvine to provide additional parking and shuttle services. Here’s a link if you want to take advantage of the offsite services.
PARKING | SHUTTLE
As for what to expect, a full day of great music, lots of information that women can take in to help them navigate life in 2026. I asked Hilderbrand and Haley if this is just the inaugural event with more to come down the road. They said they will see how this one plays out, but they also seemed very optimistic that this one will not only be a festival to remember, but a festival that matters beyond the music. Women standing up for things that matter to them, just like their Lilith Fair sisters did.
The music landscape for Orange County looks very bright. With the launch of OC Vibe, other established venues, and GPL taking off, the OC will definitely be an entertainment juggernaut we can all benefit from.
For those not familiar with the area, here is the site map:
Bottom line, Great Park Live is a class act from top to bottom – Daisy Chain Fields will showcase what the world of music in Irvine will look like for years to come
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August 10, 2026UncategorizedNorth American Tour Comes to Anaheim
August 10th, 2026 by Kaitlin Pinell
It’s time to break out the beaten-up Converse, emo eyeliner, and hair straightener because Sleeping with Sirens is bringing their An Ending in Itself Tour to Orange County.
The tour follows the June release of the band’s eighth studio album, “An Ending in Itself.”
Fans have already shown the love for “Forever/Always,” “House of Matches,” and “Paralyzed.” The album features the band’s signature post-hardcore sound with strong vocals from Kellin Quinn and easily digestible melodies.
Will Yip, the album’s producer, is known for work with iconic alternative bands including Turnstile, Circa Survive, Panic! at the Disco, and Title Fight. Yip delivers with the bands’ signature sound.
You must be thinking, “Did I just wake up in 2010? Sleeping with Sirens is touring?” and the answer is, “Yes!” The past five years have been a big deal for the rock scene, with iconic 2000s bands – including My Chemical Romance, Pierce the Veil, Fall Out Boy, and Sleeping with Sirens – being incredibly active.
With the band fresh from playing with Pierce the Veil on their 2025 I Can’t Hear You world tour, and in Long Beach for this year’s Vans Warped Tour, fans can expect a set pulling heavily from their newest album while still sprinkling in some classics from “Let’s Cheers to This,” “Madness,” and “With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear.”
The Florida rockers have stops throughout Canada and the United States, including our very own House of Blues Anaheim, and ending on their hometown stop in Orlando for an appearance at Warped Tour.
International dates roll around early 2027 in France, Switzerland, Germany, and the UK.
Lending support is openers Rain City Drive, Shyeye, and Hate It Here. Tickets for the tour are on sale now. Go out and get them for this one, especially if you like your music loud and electrifying.
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August 9, 2026UncategorizedReplaces Joan Jett with All Washed Up Tour
August 9th, 2026 by Traci Turner
Fans hoping to see the Queen of Rock, Joan Jett, will unfortunately miss their chance this summer, but can catch some other rock idols.
Jett’s team announced: “Following a recent injury, Joan Jett has undergone orthopedic surgery on a fractured vertebrae and will begin the necessary healing process. In close consultation with her doctors, Joan will not be able to perform at her forthcoming September scheduled shows, including a Sept. 5 concert at Pacific Amphitheatre.
While Joan hates to disappoint fans, she will be taking this time to focus on physical therapy and healing. She’s looking forward to delivering tremendous concerts for many years to come.”
Pacific Amphitheatre has announced that Cheap Trick, and special guest X, will replace Joan Jett & The Blackhearts for the September 5th show.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, Cheap Trick will bring their classics along, such as “Surrender,” “Dream Police,” “Ain’t That a Shane,” “She’s Tight,” “The Flame,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and the mega hit, “I Want You to Want Me.”
The Illinois rockers formed in 1973 and still contain original members Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson, and Robin Zander.
The band has become a family affair with sons Daxx Nielsen and Robin Taylor Zander jumping into the gang on tours.
X is as LA as they come and no stranger to the OC. Another band still full of originals, John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Billy Zoom, and D.J. Bonebrake will provide the soundtrack we love thanks to “Los Angeles,” “The New World,” “Hungry Wolf,” “4th of July,” “Breathless,” “White Girl,” “New Life,” “Wild Thing,” “Devil Doll,” and “Johnny Hit and Run Paulene.”
Considered punk rock royalty, X is not only punk rock legends, but they are also walking, living and singing punk rock history. This is a band you want to see while you still can.
Tickets are still available, so do not miss your chance to see two true original bands in your backyard.
We wish Jett the best for a speedy recovery!
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August 6, 2026UncategorizedReturn to Pacific Amphitheatre
August 6th, 2026 by Clara Amaris Becker
On September 6th, Boy George and Culture Club will take the stage at Costa Mesa’s Pacific Amphitheatre, the outdoor venue tucked inside the OC Fair & Event Center. The 7,850-seat venue will host their final show played in the U.S. before they head overseas.
Nearly 45 years after becoming one of the biggest names to emerge from London’s new romantic and new wave scene, Culture Club has become one of the most iconic staples of ‘80s music.
Boy George still brings all the stage presence and theatrics of his youth. He’s joined onstage by original Culture Club members Roy Hay on guitar and keyboards, and Mikey Craig on bass.
The band broke through with the 1982 album “Kissing to Be Clever,” then exploded into global superstardom with their quadruple platinum status album “Colour by Numbers.”
They’re best known for the multi-platinum smash singles such as “Karma Chameleon,” “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me,” “I’ll Tumble 4 Ya,” “It’s a Miracle,” “Miss Me Blind,” and “Church of the Poison Mind.” if we’re lucky. maybe even some of his later solo work, “Bow Down Mister,” or “Everything I Own.”
Although they’ve weathered a few breakups and reunions, their songs have never left the public’s mind. They’ve graced every playlist dedicated to the ‘80s since the band’s conception.
The Pacific Amphitheatre show lands midway through a packed 2026 for the band. They performed across the United States in February and March and will continue on to Canada and France before finally heading back to the band’s origins with UK dates in December titled The Singles Tour.
For many, it’s a chance to hear a band perform the songs that helped define a generation.
For one night in Orange County in early September, the ‘80s aren’t going to be a throwback or a themed party; they’re just my Sunday night plans.
We can all see firsthand why everyone says the ‘80s had the best dance music ever. Tickets for this show are available now!
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August 5, 2026UncategorizedLive at The Belasco
August 5th, 2026 Review by Bruce R Kilgour
When it comes to new wave / modern rock bands from what is affectionately described as the “MTV era,” a few things are often true. First, said bands rarely have all their classic period members and second, rarely can they boast having eight major hit songs. The Fixx, after 43 years can say both. All five of the band members from their 1983 hit album “Reach the Beach” are still in the band today: vocalist Cy Curnin, guitarist Jamie West-Oram, keyboardist Rupert Greenall, drummer Adam Woods, and bassist Dan K. Brown.
Just over halfway through their U.S. summer tour, The Fixx brought their career-spanning show to The Belasco on July 30th, with special guests Ozomatli supporting them on this evening.
Los Angeles natives Ozomatli opened the night with an exciting 60-minute set featuring their most well-known material.
The six core members of the band (together since their debut album in 1998) were joined by former member Kanetic Source on rap vocals for almost half of their 14-song set.
Kanetic only joins Ozomatli occasionally, so this was quite a treat for both him and long-time fans.
Ozomatli has always been impossible to categorize, as their music is a blend of salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, hip hop and rock, and all these genres were represented in their set.
Although they are known for their outspoken social and political activism, such banter was noticeably kept to a minimum on this evening. As they have frequently done for several years, the band ended their set with “Como Ves” (from their debut album) and marched through the audience with their horns and percussion.
This show had originally been advertised as having beloved New Jersey rockers The Smithereens as the opener, and there were several fans in attendance unaware of the revised bill. However, Ozomatli certainly won over the crowd, as this reviewer has seen them do at many shows over the past few years.
Hitting the stage with a cool intro loop, The Fixx opened with the title track from their 2012 LP “Beautiful Friction.” The ageless Curnin moved hypnotically in his casual white suit, immediately engaging the packed Belasco. Introducing the next song “How Much Is Enough?” he stated that, “How much more can we take is really the question!”
The first big hit of the night was next, their 1982 debut single “Stand or Fall,” followed by the deep cut “Are You Satisfied?” I should note that a “career-spanning” set by The Fixx means performing at least one song from all 10 of their studio albums, not a common occurrence from legacy modern rock bands these days!
The chart-topping “Secret Separation” from 1986 provided a huge singalong from the crowd, as did the first track performed from “Reach the Beach” a few songs later, “Opinions.” For “Driven Out,” Curnin played some sharp rhythm guitar, and made his first politically charged comment of the night regarding government spending and musing, “Crisis? What crisis?”
Following a few deeper tracks, “Built for the Future” and “Shaman,” it was time for their best-known and highest charting single, “One Thing Leads to Another.” Following a brief introduction from Curnin in which he stated that, “Even more elections are coming up… blah blah blah,” West-Oram stepped forward and played the familiar slashing guitar chords that lit up MTV back in 1983.
Next up was the coolest song from the 1984 film “Streets of Fire” soundtrack, the hit “Deeper and Deeper,” which featured a blazing solo from West-Oram. Ending the main set was another great audience participation track, the enormous modern rock hit “Red Skies” featuring the catchy “oh-oh-oh” chorus and Greenall’s snaky synthesizer riffs.
After a group bow and a brief exit, The Fixx returned with “Are We Ourselves?” and the introspective “Happy Landings,” which Curnin dedicated to “my late mother, and all mothers past, present, and future.”
Ending the 90-minute set was their very first hit from 1982, “Saved by Zero,” featuring great interplay from the rhythm section of Woods and Brown.
The Fixx continue to thrill audiences with thoughtful (and still timely) lyrics and the tight musicianship that can only come with more than four decades of constant touring. Next up for the band is an East Coast tour encompassing the entire month of September.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Highway One Photography
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August 5, 2026UncategorizedAt the Pacific Amphitheatre
August 5th, 2026 Review by Kaitlin Pinell
When the heat of the summer is in full swing, some people have no choice but to make the trek out to the OC fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. They can ride attractions with names like Devil’s Boneshaker or Panky’s Revenge, gobble down some over-the-top deep-fried food, and enjoy the people watching. But the OC Fair also has amazing concerts throughout the summer, making for excellent entertainment any night of the week. On this day, it was Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, and Tonic providing the soundtrack to the summer night.
Tonic was a band I had never even heard of, but as their set progressed, songs like “You Wanted More” and “If You Could Only See” captured me.
To start things off, Tonic frontman Emerson Hart said, “Let’s go back to 1996.” Tonic is celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Lemon Parade,” the album that gave us “If You Could Only See” and “Open Up Your Eyes,” two of their biggest hits.
With the strum of their opening riff to “Open Up Your Eyes,” the crowd quickly started to fill in. People with facepaint and jumbo-sized kettle corn migrated from the fairgrounds and found their seats, while others who were just at the Amphitheatre for the show purchased their last beers and tacos to settle in for the night.
The band’s strong but melodic sound grabbed everyone’s attention and warmed up the crowd as the sun started to set. “It’s a beautiful night for rock and roll,” Hart said.
Tonic paid homage to Queen and Fleetwood Mac by covering “Fat Bottomed Girls” and “Go Your Own Way.” These surprise covers became a theme as the night progressed.
“It’s like a family reunion backstage,” Hart mentioned. This wasn’t the first time these bands have played together; Tonic played with Sugar Ray and Better Than Ezra in 2024 while Smash Mouth and Sugar Ray have been sharing the stage for decades, including 2013-2014’s Under the Sun tour that celebrated ‘90s alternative pop-rock.
Of course, anywhere that Smash Mouth is, the Shrek fans will materialize. People with Shrek ear headbands and shirts with “Do you know the muffin man?” printed on them were plentiful, walking around the stadium and showing their dedication.
Smash Mouth’s set was funky, fun and brought the energy with “Pacific Coast Party,” “The Crawl,” “I’m a Believer,” and a firework finish with “All Star.” Even from the very beginning of the set, lead singer Zach Goode was a whirlwind onstage. (Goode took over after original frontman Steve Harwell retired in 2021, before Harwell passed away in September 2023.)
Keyboardist Michael Klooster was going crazy throughout the set. I feel like it’s difficult to have much movement behind a stationary instrument, but he was absolutely killing it, dancing and playing the keys in a big way. Although Goode was running around from each side of the stage, Klooster often drew my attention away from the lead vocalist, which is a hard thing to do.
Smash Mouth played fan favorites like “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “Ride On.” The crowd went crazy for “Why Can’t We Be Friends” by War, and seemed to really enjoy the various Shrek clips, which had everyone up and dancing on their feet. Their set ended with drummer Randy Cooke throwing his sticks out into the crowd and leaving everyone buzzing and ready for Sugar Ray.
Once Sugar Ray appeared on stage, the crowd went nuts. “It’s good to be home,” frontman Mark McGrath said with a proud smile. He was met with loud cheers and people on their feet immediately, ready for the band’s feel-good vibes.
They played a long list of hits including “Words to Me,” “Every Morning,” and “Answer the Phone.”
McGrath referred to the atmosphere as a “’90’s nest of trust,” playing short bits of “No Scrubs” by TLC, “How Bizarre” by OMC, and “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys to celebrate the night’s overarching theme of covers and summer nostalgia.
My favorite part of the show was when they played my two favorite songs back-to-back: “Someday” and “Into Yesterday.” Sugar Ray wrote “Into Yesterday” for the 2007 animated penguin surfing movie, “Surf’s Up.” That movie was a big part of my childhood and is one of the main reasons I started listening to Sugar Ray.
They sounded incredible and McGrath still sounds just as he did 30 years ago. The acoustic guitar intro for “Someday” pulled at my heartstrings, and the crowd sang along the entire time.
During “When It’s Over,” McGrath walked out and did a lap around the amphitheater, giving high fives, hugs, and taking selfies with fans. After his return to the stage, he mentioned how cool it was to see people wearing shirts from other Orange County bands – T.S.O.L., Social Distortion, and No Doubt – showcasing how many different types of music lovers bond over Sugar Ray’s summer feel good jams.
It was a cool summer night in Costa Mesa with some of the 2000s most popular bands, and a hell of a time to celebrate 30 years of Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth, and Tonic.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Shane Pase Photography
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August 4, 2026UncategorizedHeaded to Yaamava’ Theater
August 4th, 2026 by Traci Turner
The Offspring will blow the desert away in October when they invade Yaamava’ Theater in Highland. Over the past few months, Garden Grove’s favorite sons have been traversing the UK in support of their latest release, “Supercharged.”
The last time we saw The Offspring they were playing with The Who at The Hollywood Bowl. Life has been busy for them, now on October 2nd, Noodles and Dexter will bring the boys to town for an epic performance at one of the most impressive venues around.
The guys from Garden Grove are sure to “Come Out and Play” with “Why Don’t You Get a Job?,” “Self Esteem,” “Bad Habit,” “Original Prankster,” “Gone Away,” “(Can’t Get My) Head Around You,” “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid,” and “Want You Bad.”
As luck would have it, the band is still on the high of 2024’s “Supercharged,” but they will “Make It All Right” by playing us all the “oldies” too.
The band is spending August in Canada, then will hit some festivals before the Yaamava’ stop.
The last we heard, The Offspring was working on yet another new album, so we hope to hear new tracks soon.
Until then, check them out wherever you can – they are definitely a must-see band. If you are in SoCal, see them at Yaamava’ but get tickets quick, this should sell out!
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August 4, 2026UncategorizedOnce Upon a Time in Costa Mesa
August 4th, 2026 Review by Stuart Karpel
Before the Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair became packed with thousands of life-long Cypress Hill fans this past Wednesday, concertgoers explored the incredible atmosphere of the fairgrounds.
From food vendors selling warm funnel cakes, fresh lemonade and giant turkey legs, to a variety of fair-worthy events like pig-racing, the day was tailor-made for an energy-filled evening.
Once the sun began to set, people from every corner of California raced to their seats to catch the opening act, Ozomatli, who absolutely brought the vibes.
Their songs, which represent the eclectic blend of cultures in Los Angeles with a beautiful fusion of hip-hop, salsa, reggae and merengue, have shared the same stage as many other infamous artists including Santana, Maná, and of course the legendary rap group, Cypress Hill.
The entire audience appeared impressed by the high-energy band as they played their talented trumpet and flute solos, their brief performance ending in a symphony of claps and whistling from the crowd.
Their encore consisted of walking up the amphitheater aisles, playing the tune known everywhere around the world, “O Le Le,” along with every fan on their feet, hoping to get a closer glimpse of the bandmembers who had definitely set the tone for an amazing night.
If you’re knowledgeable of Cypress Hill’s music catalogue, the air in OC wasn’t just taken over by an itch to dance. A “loud,” yet aromatic, smell lingered through every inch of the stadium, creating a relaxing yet uplifting mood that a concert with this band wouldn’t make sense without.
The scent wafting through the venue also fit perfectly with the set up of the rap group’s turntable set which featured a gigantic skull with a weed leaf across its head and red flashing eyes that peeked through the scented smoke.
After a brief intermission, DJ Lord popped up on stage and warmed up the turntable, as well as the crowd with some wicked reverbs. The feeling that crossed through everybody’s mind at this point was exactly what Lord shouted out next, “Are y’all ready for Cypress Hill?!”
Just minutes later the headliners walked onto stage, asked the crowd, “When this shit goes down, you better be ready!” and next thing we heard was “How I Could Just Kill a Man,” “We Ain’t Going Out Like That,” and “Tequila Sunrise.”
No matter if you are new to their music with a youthful curiosity or you’ve been rocking with the group since they first appeared in the music scene in ‘88, it’s undebatable just how great they sounded live. Every drumbeat, bar, and reverb made by B-Real, Sen-Dog, Eric Bobo, and DJ Lord could be heard from as far as the opposite end of the fairground.
As the group continued to kill it onstage to the foundational beats of hip-hop, it caused fans that had unconsciously kept a stank-face for so long, that it began to hurt, to sing along to familiar choruses all throughout the night. But most notably – not one fan sat down the entire time, which should be telling just how excited people were to see them perform.
Another couple tracks that stood out were “Hits From the Bong” and “I Wanna Get High.” They not only brought the enticing feeling of wanting to join in with a joint of your own, but as soon as B-Real lit up his own joint, the crowd had only one idea on their minds… unified peace.
Their genuine attitude with the fans also stood out, most notably when B-Real emphasized his performance on an individual level and made unforgettable memories by interacting with fan’s phones pointed at him in the front row.
A bit more than halfway through their set, B-Real and Sen-Dog walked off stage, which then allowed the drummer and DJ, Eric Bobo and Lord to have their own brief duet. This combination of 808s and drumstick strokes complimented each other perfectly, representing the growth of hip-hop culture over the past decades, along with the ever-changing pace of musical engineering.
Once the frontmen came back onto the stage, the group did a couple more songs leading up to the finale in “Lowrider,” “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That,” and “When the Shit Goes Down.” But before their send-off, they thanked everyone for coming out to see them perform and for enjoying their music, which I’m sure for them felt more like a hometown reunion rather than just an ordinary concert.
With their last song, B-Real wanted to do a track that wasn’t made by Cypress, yet ideally would get the fans to unify once more. He asked the crowd to sit down until they heard the beat drop, which people willingly did, but hadn’t wanted to do so since they first got to their seats. But as soon as fans heard that unmistakably infamous horn from “Jump Around,” excitement roared through the air and seconds later, thousands of people were unironically jumping up and down, having the time of their lives.
By the end of the evening, fairgoers and concert attendees alike had witnessed the end to a phenomenal performance, as well as another excellent chapter in Southern California concert history. The night was full of nostalgia and mind-boggling beats, reminding fans why Cypress deserves their notoriety, and to be seen as icons of West Coast hip-hop.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Todd Markel Rock Images
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August 3, 2026UncategorizedReturn to Garden Amp
August 3rd, 2026 by Kevin Gomez
Solvang’s favorite sons the Mad Caddies have announced a short East Coast and West Coast run of shows later this year. The band has always been pros at melding together elements of punk, ska, reggae and even jazz and ragdoll.
A career spanning three decades, next year will be the 30th anniversary of their debut album, “Quality Soft Core.” Mad Caddies are still touring in support of their 2024 album, “Arrows Room 117.”
They were a part of the legendary Vans Warped Tour in Long Beach last weekend, and had the distinct honor of playing not one, but two sets on Sunday. First, they played an afternoon stripped-down set on the Unplugged stage, squeezing as many of them as they could on the tiny stage.
This was nothing new for lead singer/guitarist Chuck Robertson, who released a stripped down, melodic solo album under the moniker Chuck Robertson and Friends. The Caddies then played regular set on the Octopus stage as the evening took over.
At the end of August, they will begin the Northeast Quick Rip 2026 hitting stops in New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey among other East Coast states. They will be supported by Florida’s Supervillains, “a Swamp-Punk Reggae Ska” band.
They will also be doing a Quick Rip West trip in September. The West Coast tour will kick off at the Garden Amp in Garden Grove on September 3rd and conclude in Denver on September 13th.
Fellow NorCal punk rockers Diesel Boy will be support act for these shows. Tickets for the Garden Amp are on sale now.
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August 3, 2026UncategorizedComing to Pacific Amphitheatre
August 3rd, 2026 By Clara Amaris Becker
The Head and the Heart lands in Costa Mesa on August 14th, as part of their 15th Anniversary Tour. The tour is a celebration of their certified platinum, self-titled debut, an album that helped define the indie folk revival in the 2010s.
The band got its start in 2009, when Jonathan Russell and Josiah Johnson met at an open mic night in Seattle and started writing together. Four others soon joined – Charity Rose Thielen on violin and vocals, Chris Zasche on bass, Kenny Hensley on piano, and Tyler Williams on drums – rounding out the lineup that would go on to record that debut. Johnson has since stepped away from the group, and guitarist Matt Gervais now fills out the current live lineup alongside Russell, Thielen, Zasche, Hensley, and Williams.
Most anniversary tours are an excuse to run through the hits and call it a day. This one’s different: The Head and the Heart are playing their 2011 debut front-to-back. The whole thing.
The album that gave us “Rivers and Roads,” “Down in the Valley,” and “Lost in My Mind.” Songs that have soundtracked road trips, weekends spent camping, and breakups for over a decade now.
This isn’t a band coasting on 2011 nostalgia, or media content to get filed under “millennial hopecore” and left there. They’re currently touring behind “Aperture,” their sixth album and first self-produced record since that debut, and it’s become one of their biggest commercial moments in years.
The song “Arrow” spent over 20 weeks on the Adult Top 40 chart and hit number one at both AAA and Alternative radio.
While the band promises to play the debut in full, expect the rest of the set to bounce between eras, allowing for the stomp-and-clap, sing along harmonies that built their reputation, and the newer, more polished songs pulling in a fresh audience entirely.
Wilderado is back opening this leg, having already played several dates with the band earlier in the tour. The Tulsa indie/alt-rock group has been steadily building its own following with songs like “Surefire,” “Take Some Time,” “Rubble to Rubble,” and a personal favorite of mine, “Morning Light.”
When I found out The Head and the Heart would be closing out summer with a stop at Pacific Amphitheatre, I thought back to every summer I’ve spent with this band in the background.
They heavily influenced the playlist I made in my teens and have been the soundtrack for a lifetime of beach trips, camping, and long drives with the windows down.
That’s the thing I’ve always found about The Head and the Heart – their songs don’t really belong indoors.
Fifteen years later, hearing that debut album live, outside, under the actual sky it was probably written for, feels less like a concert and more like the way it was always meant to be experienced.
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SID 260805 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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