Author Archives: ocmusicnews

Turns the Kia Forum into a Sanctuary July 30th, 2026 Review by Joey Clark Every year the Kia Forum plays host to dozens of concerts from a wide array of artists, but it can be argued that after their July 18th performance, Evanescence is amongst the greatest to grace the legendary venue. They gave usContinue reading “EVANESCENSE TURNS KIA FORUM INTO A SANCTUARY”

Brings Tour Home July 30th, 2026 by Traci Turner Los Angeles-based alt rock band, Dogstar has expanded their upcoming North American tour, and SoCal will be blessed with multiple shows. The trio of Keanu Reeves (bass), Robert Mailhouse (drums), and Bret Domrose (guitar, vocals) will kick off the tour August 1st in Austin, all inContinue reading “DOGSTAR IS COMING TO HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM”

Live at Gallagher Square at Petco Park July 29th, 2026 by Clara Amaris Becker When I told my boss I needed to leave early because I was going to report on a band in San Diego, he asked me what band. When I replied with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, he gave me a look of pityContinue reading “RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE LIVE AT GALLAGHER SQUARE AT PETCO PARK”

EMO Comes to Kia Forum July 28th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez We are barely halfway through the year and Joyce Manor is already having a career-defining 2026. Late last year/early this year the band started going viral in a comical way as the lyrics “sunken city by the ocean” from “Catalina Fight Song” was beingContinue reading “EMO COMES TO THE KIA FORUM: JOYCE MANOR TOUR IS COMING”

NEW MUSIC FROM July 28th, 2026 by Kevin Gomez Premiere cover superband Spike & the Gimme Gimmes have a brand new track for us – and it will also do some good in the world. Fresh off a four-night residency at the Kilowatt Bar in San Francisco – a hometown show for the Bay AreaContinue reading “NEW MUSIC FROM SPIKE & THE GIMME GIMMES”

Ready for Spring 2027 Launch July 26th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez It’s been a minute since we last updated you about the biggest makeover coming to Orange County in recent memory. In all fairness, Disney is always working on remarkable updates to the happiest place on earth, but this story is not about that, it’sContinue reading “OC VIBE IS SET TO LAUNCH IN SPRING 2027”

Live at Kia Forum July 26th, 2026 by Joey Clark On July 17th, the Kia Forum in Inglewood became a celebration of SoCal-based alternative music as Young the Giant and Cold War Kids paired up for a powerful, deeply moving billing. What could have easily felt like an average arena stop on the Victory GardenContinue reading “YOUNG THE GIANT | VICTORY GARDEN TOUR LIVE AT KIA FORUM”

Live at North Island Credit Union Amp July 24th, 2026 Review by Greg Vitalich Female-fronted rock was on full display as Evanescence brought one of the year’s most exciting tour packages to Chula Vista.  From the hard rock hip hop vibe of Nova Twins to the modern metal of Spiritbox, and finally the gothic andContinue reading “EVANESCENCE LIVE AT NORTH ISLAND CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATER”

INDUSTRY REPORT # 69 CATCHING UP WITH Glenn Tilbrook July 23rd, 2026 by Traci Turner Earlier this year, English rockers Squeeze delivered a 50-year-old album. Well, sort of. “Trixies,” a previously shelved concept album from Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford’s teenage years – before they were known to us as Squeeze – was “a lifetimeContinue reading “INDUSTRY REPORT # 69 | CATCHING UP WITH SQUEEZE”

Beastie Boys’ Mike D Brings Solo Project to The OC July 24th, 2026 by Kaitlin Pinell Beastie Boys co-founder Michael Diamond and his band, Mike D 5D, are set to play The Observatory in Santa Ana on September 20th, kicking off a worldwide tour with an expanded run in North America, UK, and Europe. TheContinue reading “BEASTIE BOYS’ MIKE D IS COMING TO THE OBSERVATORY SANTA ANA”