The Five Must-See Shows in OC This Weekend

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Friday, August 2nd

311
Verizon Amphitheater
Since their first live show in 1990 opening for Fugazi, a lot of things have changed for 311. Today, Ian MacKaye is playing soft acoustic indie rock in his band The Evans, and 311 has put out 11 albums and became one of the most famous names in reggae rock. In the early 2000's when rap-rock peaked, 311 fully embraced the sound as their own. Today's musical landscape has completely changed, but 311's most famous songs, “Down,” “Beautiful Disaster,” and “Amber” are still making radio and MTV appearances. With over 8.5 million albums sold in the US alone, 311's eclectic and unique sound profile still brings people from different genres to enjoy their music together.

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Owen
Constellation Room
In celebration of all things twinkly, Mike Kinsella brings his project Owen to the Observatory. Owen's new album L'Ami du Peuple is a far more expressive and eclectic series of songs than any other of Kinsella's work. In the same fashion as other Owen albums, the new one has personal songs looking back on Kinsella's life in an emo/acoustic landscape, layered with piano, electric guitars, and low, pounding tom drums. Kinsella's musical legacy is always going to be aligned with the 1990's emo revival, which he played in bands American Football, Cap'n Jazz, Owls, and Joan of Arc.

Saturday, August 3rd

Bob Dylan
Verizon Amphitheater
Nobody likes to see one of their hero's fade away, and it's definitely no question with Bob Dylan that's what his shows have been like for a while now. If you've seen him in concert in the past couple of years you are not being treated to the same level of performance Dylan once gave. After virtually being on tour since the 80's nonstop, it would be hard for any artist to put on a great show. But when the greatest American songwriter comes to your town, how could you miss it? It's hard to tell if Dylan is on the last leg of his musical career, or if it will continue for years to come. Either way, you've never seen Dylan on a tour like this one. Opening up the show at Irvine's Verizon Amphitheatre is Indie legends Wilco and My Morning Jacket.
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The Gromble
Detroit Bar
Orange County indie rock group The Gromble are playing one of their beloved Costa Mesa stomping grounds. As the group keeps gaining and gaining popularity they are sure to be playing bigger venues in no time. The band's only single “Don't Stand a Chance” has been popularized by many indie music blogs including, Indieshuffle, Goldenmixtape, and Stereofox. The song showcases the band at it's poppiest with a single that could be played right alongside last year's indie radio golden child Foster the People. Opening up the show there is other local Indie artists, Warships and Glorious Wondour.

Sunday, August 4th

Panteon Rococo
Observatory
One of Mexico's biggest ska acts, Panteo Rococo is coming to America to spread their political laden songs across the border. First gaining popularity in the 90's, Panteon Rococo started crafting their Latin-influenced rock sound, infused with reggae. Although many of their most popular songs are love songs sung in Spanish, they have grown in popularity all over the world. Panteo Rococo is based in Mexico City, the band's label is stuck in Germany, and their fans lie everywhere in-between. In one of Orange County's cultural capitals, Santa Ana, Panteo Rococo is certainly welcomed and embraced.

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