The Five Must-See Shows in OC This Week

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Tuesday, December 3

KRS-One
The Observatory
From North to South, East to West, hip-hop has managed to produce a lengthy canon of venerable MCs. But even among the kings of the genre, the passionate, lyrical wisdom of KRS-ONE puts him in a class by himself. His transition from artist to icon spans over two decades, a slue of albums and published works that represent his complex perspective on every element of hip hop's anatomy. Tonight, “The Techa” returns to OC for a lengthy rhyme session at a mere $5 a head! It's nice to know that a legend is never too busy to stop by and get cerebral on your ass for an affordable price. (Nate Jackson)

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The Three O'Clock
The Constellation Room
Leave it to Burger Records to resurrect long-forgotten (but damn good) bands the rest of us looked over. This time the Burger babes are presenting The Three O'Clock, one of LA's better underground bands from the 1980s. With their psychedelic glow permeating over that '80s alternative rock sound, you could fool anyone by saying they actually existed during the 1960s. These guys don't get back together often, but when they do, it's always an experience. Tonight they're performing at the Constellation Room with The Cosmonauts as a stellar opener. (Aimee Murillo)

Wednesday, December 4

Fiesta Navidad featuring Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
One of our favorite annual holiday concerts comes back to the Segerstrom Center this week–so gather the family and celebrate in a truly festive style with Fiesta Navidad featuring Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. The Grammy-winning band plays a series of holiday classics live (including the fundamental “Feliz Navidad” and “Noche de Paz”), honoring the rich culture of Mexico's various regions, culminating in a sing-along holiday extravaganza–mariachi-style! And, lest we stray from the real reason for the season, the show also includes La Posada, the traditional reenactment of Joseph and Mary's pilgrimage to Bethlehem. (Erin DeWitt)

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The Silent Comedy
The Constellation Room
For those who have the deep soul of American folk music in their hearts, this band is for you. Brimming with a melodic folk beat with numerous string instruments over an indie rock sound, The Silent Comedy are a family act formed by brothers Joshua and Jeremiah Zimmerman and cousin Chad Lee, along with friend Justin Buchanan. Inspired by tent revivals and the brothers' father, a preacher, The Silent Comedy seek to translate the spiritual experience they grew up on through their music. Here's a shot of whiskey to you guys; tonight The Silent Comedy play The Constellation Room. (Aimee Murillo)

Friday, December 6

Jay-Z
Honda Center
Still hanging on and dominating after two decades in the rough-and-tumble rap game, Mr. Shawn Carter did it by becoming one of the best performers in all of music. It's still up for debate if Hova is really a modern-day Pablo Picasso, as he claims on “Picasso Baby,” but with his breath control, his hits, and his mere presence he can take command of a stage sans hype man for hours.The 34-date trek, including a Honda Center date on Friday, is in support of this summer's Magna Carta Holy Grail — a blockbuster album featuring collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean, Rick Ross, and his wife, Beyonce. (Reed Fischer)

See also:
10 Jazz Albums to Listen to Before You Die
25 Greatest Orange County Bands of All Time
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