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Brings Down the House at
F&M Bank Amphitheatre
June 11th, 2026 Review by Jimmy Alvarez
Southern California has always been a place for fun, sun and entertainment. For many, Long Beach has been a place where memories have been made. On the inaugural show at F&M Bank Amphitheatre, Long Beach was ripe to be one of those moments in time fans will never forget.
It’s been a minute since the announcement was made of the new venue, and the day was finally here. As the masses gathered, the staff at OC Music News was set to walk over to check out the show for the hometown hero.
As we started our walk in, we ran into a family that was visiting from Brookings, Oregon. We ran into Heather, Ginger and her two boys, Jace and Bryant. They mentioned they are originally from SoCal, and this show was definitely a bucket list moment for them. They grew up listening to the music of one, Calvin Broadus, Jr. who is most affectionately known as Snoop Dogg. When they heard the news that he would open the Long Beach Amp, they got tickets and couldn’t wait for this day. Like most, his music was the backdrop to the soundtrack of their youth.
I also ran into Jerod Brown, he said when he was younger, he was getting in trouble all the time, and Snoop made him think about life and what he wanted to do with his life. Because of his music, he turned things around and has a family he loves and credits his luck to being positive, like Snoop. I also met Mirna Echevarría, she too told me how much this show meant to her. She said his life has been inspiring for her. She said that she realized a long time ago that it doesn’t matter where you come from, or what your past was, be positive and believe in yourself and good things will happen. Her admiration was not due to his music; it was about how he lives his life and for that… he became a role model to her.
June 6th, 2026
As doors opened we all got to see for the first time the harbor and the city skyline, wow. Then, as we cleared security, we saw the seating, and then there it was, in the backdrop was her Majesty, the Queen Mary. That was a sight you just don’t see anywhere else, so yeah… what a sight! The press release described the $21 million F&M Bank Amphitheater as a venue that sits right on the waterfront with the Queen Mary in the background. This venue does right by the city and adds significant value to its musical legacy.
Once in, the Amp filled up quickly – the crowd was diverse, all nationalities and ages were represented; teens, 20 and 30 something year olds rolled in: there were fans in their 50s, 60s up to a 99-year-old were all in the house.
Photo by Marvin Roca
As we took our seats, I noticed some serious looking security around. Turns out that the city of Long Beach had just hosted the U.S. Conference of Mayors. It had leaders from Atlanta, Sacramento, Richmond, Santa Monica, Fresno, Oklahoma City and San Diego. I’ll circle back to that.
The show was hosted by comic, Gary “G Thang” Johnson. He lived up to the hype; he was funny and kept things rolling. First up was Snoop’s nephew, Rey Vaughn. He did a very good job as the opener. He provided a great sound and had dynamic delivery of his music.
Because he was an opener, his set was abbreviated, fans appreciated his set. Vaughn delivered on “XXXL Tee,” “3PM,” “Klown Dance,” “Suburban Kidz,” and a very funny and entertaining offering of “Dollar Meal.” He could’ve have stayed out a little longer, but he too like his uncle is a showman and he gave the capacity crowd what they wanted, a short and good opening set then, a handoff to the headliner.
Photo by Marvin Roca
The show was billed as Snoop Dogg & Friends back in the LBC, the “friends” portion was kept under the vest until the proverbial curtains were to go up. The moment finally arrived that fans were waiting for – it was show time! Featuring two dynamic dancers, the enormous video screen was a great addition to the stage which took us on a virtual journey through the history of West Coast rap and the culture it created.
The show started with “Deep Cover,” which fans lost their minds over. Snoop was Snoop, cool as an ice cube with his stylish dance moves in tow.
Who knew he would deliver a 49-song opus; some full-length songs and others were abbreviated versions: minuets so-to-speak.
The hit parade made the crowd nostalgic as they sang along to “Lil’ Ghetto Boy,” and “Nuthin’ but a “G” Thang.” Both songs made that place shake. Other show highlights included “Rat-Tat-Tat-Tat,” “Stranded on Death Row,” and “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)”
Fans loved, loved, loved “Tha Shiznit,” “Serial Killa,” “Lodi Dodi,” then the crowd got real as they erupted to “Gin and Juice.” Everybody was on their feet, singing along and having the time of their lives!
Another highlight was the 2Pac cover of “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” “Snoop’s Upside Ya Head,” “G’d Up,” “P.I.M.P.,” and a cover of Katy Perry’s “California Gurls.” All I can say is them cats can dance – it was a show!
Photo by Erin Nola
“Push It,” “Yaya,” and another kick-ass cover followed: House of Pain’s “Jump Around.” It was incredible how much the crowd loved the performance. In addition to the great tunes, Snoop was joined throughout the night by a drove of great artists, The Lady of Rage, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, Big Tray Deee, Tha Eastsidaz and N’Matez.
As unreal as the show was, all good things eventually come to an end as Snoop Double O-G closed out with “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” and “Young, Wild & Free.” Needless to say, the show got a standing ovation that was moving. You could feel the emotion and love from the crowd for not just that night of music, but what this music has meant to the crow over their lifetime.
Photo by Erin Bola
Now that the show was technically over – there was that thing with the city representatives being in the crowd. Turns out Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson was there to honor Snoop with a key to the city.
In the delivery, Richardson said, “Long Beach created the culture, and Snoop Dogg shared it with the world. “Tonight’s sold-out opening of the F&M Bank Amphitheater was more than a concert; it was a historic cultural moment decades in the making. Presenting Snoop Dogg with the Key to the City recognizes not only his extraordinary achievements in music, entertainment, and business, but also the authenticity, creativity, and pride with which he has represented Long Beach on the global stage for decades.”
Photo by Marvin Roca
In the end, it was the positive influence Snoop has had on Long Beach and its residents who consider him part of their family. This was more than an opening night of a new venue; it was a homecoming and recognition of one of its favorite sons. Turns out Heather, Ginger, Jerod and Mirna all capsulized what Snoop means to so many people for so many reasons.
Photo by Alex Dobi
The amphitheater’s 2026 lineup is set with more memory making bands and artists, including Ice Cube, Lil Wayne, Les Claypool & Primus, Toto, Luke Bryan, Five Finger Death Punch, Dirty Heads with 311, Stick Figure, and Mötley Crüe, with many more on deck.
For Long Beach and Snoop fans worldwide, this was a night to remember. And for the staff at Long Beach Amp, a job well done!
TO FOLLOW
SID 260612 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
