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Coming 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!
TO FOLLOW
SID 260630 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR
