Don't forget to check our constantly updated OC Concert Calendar
Friday, July 4
July 4th with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Skip the neighborhood barbecues and overcrowded beaches and instead head over to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater for a 4th of July holiday event of a different scale. The Pacific Symphony, Orange County's premiere symphony orchestra, presents a live concert featuring '90s kings of swing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. It's a little rock, a little swing and a whole lot of classical–clearly not your typical night at the symphony. Enjoy songs like “Go Daddy-O” and “Mr. Pinstripe Suit” plus American patriotic songs to sing along to, a special tribute to our armed forces, and to top it all off, a dazzling fireworks spectacle. Tickets start at just $25 ($17 for kids)–and it sure as hell beats cheap hot dogs and a sunburn. (Erin DeWitt)
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Juicy J
The Observatory
No plans on 4th of July? Don't trip, get trippy. If you dropped the ball and missed out on Juicy last time he came to OC for a bass bumping performance at Powerhouse, don't fret. There's another chance to witness the antics of King Trippy in a much more intimate setting, which also happens to be Independence Day. Pump your arms and chug the theme drink of your choice in a very American fashion (get obliterated) while you sway to classics like “Slob on my Knob” and fight the urge to stripper-dance when it comes to “Bounce It” and his “Dark Horse” verse. The living legend is sure to tear down the rafters or burn them down with the surefire billow of smoke that'll constrict breathing while riding the second Kahuna wave of his two-decade career. (Nick Nuk'em)
Saturday, July 5
KISS and Def Leppard
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Two of the biggest spandex-wearing, pyro-loving classic rock bands in existence? Yeah, you're goin'. (Nate Jackson)
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Nekromantix
The Observatory
No one does psychobilly quite like Nekromantix–and few other bands have managed to make a standup bass, or any other instrument, nearly as famous as the group themselves. And though Kim Nekroman remains the only steadfast member in this, his namesake band, last month saw another change in the lineup. Lux, the group's first female member and one hell of a crazy drummer, announced her departure from Nekromantix. Taking her place is Adam Guerrero of LA-based psychobilly band Rezurex–but Lux fans, fear not, Nekromantix promise that she'll stay on the play all upcoming shows. Hurry up and grab tickets to tonight's show at the Observatory–it's your last chance to catch them in this formation. (Erin DeWitt)
Spina Bifida Fundraiser for Josh
Alex's Bar
Right now there's a good guy named Josh with way too much medical debt messing with his life, but this Sunday is your chance to strap on some heavy boots and help kick a hole in a $70,000 bill. Besides the bands–punky ska act the Originalites, punky punk band Hardship Anchors, rockers Eddie and the Reckless with Eddie Nichols of Royal Crown Revue and more–there's some truly inspiring community cooperation on display here, with dozens of sponsors and helper-outers pitching in for a raffle. (And the prizes from an army of notable local bars, businesses and brands give winners a chance to eat, drink, skate and play guitar at never-before-explored levels of Long Beach luxury.) It's a welcome chance to have a good time while doing a good thing. (Chris Ziegler) (Chris Ziegler)
See also
10 Punk Albums to Listen to Before You Die
10 Goriest Album Covers
10 Most Satanic Metal Bands
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