Shirley JuIf your favorite artist announces a tour, chances are they are coming through The Observatory in Santa Ana. Proudly standing as the premiere music venue in Orange County, this venue hosts a wide array of musical talent from up-and-coming to top-tier to legends.
Often times, there will be two shows happening simultaneously, one in the intimate Constellation Room which holds 300, and one in the spacious main room of The Observatory. Whether you’re on the floor, the balcony or the VIP tables, the combination of live music and the venue is a guaranteed evening for success.
As for the shows, there’s no worse feeling than finding out your favorite act performed the night prior, and you knew nothing about it. Irvine Weekly compiled a list of upcoming shows in the new year, ones that are in your best interest not to miss!
January 16 – Chief Keef
The Observatory
“These bitches Love Sosa!” Chief Keef needs no introduction. One of the most legendary rappers to come out of Chicago (and proceed to be banned from Chi-Town), the “Faneto” rapper has found a new home in Los Angeles, recording and continuing to release bangers for his extremely loyal fan-base.
Most recently, Keef unleashed his new project titled Mansion Musick, which was celebrated at the Hills Penthouse in West Hollywood. Concert-goers can expect nostalgia as he performs singles “Love Sosa,” “Hate Bein’ Sober,” and “I Don’t Like” with his Glo Gang clan.
January 17 – Jacquees
The Observatory
If you know good R&B, you know Jacquees. While new fans may recognize him as the one who almost covered Ella Mai’s “Trip” better than the singer herself, old fans stay loyal to the R&B veteran. Hailing from Georgia and signed to Birdman’s Cash Money Records, the singer-songwriter has collaborated with all the elites in music, including Chris Brown, Trey Songz, T.I., Jermaine Dupri, Young Thug and many more.
As evidenced by his “B.E.D.” visual, which has attracted over 74 million views on YouTube alone, Jacquees creates all the tunes for the bedroom and beyond. Ending the year on a high note, he teams up with Birdman to unleash another full album titled “Lost At Sea 2.“
January 26 – Cash Cash
The Observatory
Cash Cash brings new meaning to the world of electronic music, blending the genres of EDM, pop and R&B alike. Hailing from New Jersey, the DJ trio is comprised of three brothers: Jean Paul Makhlouf, Alex Makhlouf and Samuel Frisch. Chances are, you’ve heard their 2013 hit single “Take Me Home” featuring Bebe Rexha. Since then, the group has unleashed more standout records while shutting down stages around the world.
Cash Cash has also remade songs by Krewella, Capital Cities, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, Icona Pop and more. Currently signed to Big Beat/Atlantic Records, the group recently unleashed “Call You,” featuring Nasri of MAGIC!
January 28 – J.I.D.
The Observatory
J.I.D. is coming for the throne. Known as one of the most slept-on spitters in the rap game, the Atlanta native came up as a member of Spillage Village, created by EarthGang. Joining the Dreamville under the wings of J. Cole, the “Never” rapper unleashed his critically acclaimed debut album, “The Never Story,” last year.
To close off the fourth quarter, he dropped off “DiCaprio 2,” the follow-up to his 2015 project. The 14-track album features all-star appearances from A$AP Ferg, J. Cole, BJ The Chicago Kid, Ella Mai, Method Man, Joey Badass, 6lack and more.
February 4 – DaniLeigh
Constellation Room
DaniLeigh is having the year of her life. Exploding onto the scene with her standout single “Lil Bebe,” which recently got the Lil Baby remix, the singer, songwriter, dancer and all-around entertainer is ready to take the stage on her own headlining tour.
After a successful run opening for Teyana Taylor on the #KTSE Tour, the Miami native holds nothing back when it comes to taking the spotlight. To close out 2018 with a bang, she unleashes her highly-anticipated Def Jam debut titled “The Plan,” with guest appearances from YG, YBN Nahmir and Lil Yachty.
PS: She might have had one of the best #InMyFeelings challenges of the year.
February 9 – The Pharcyde – $5 Show!
The Observatory
If you like old school hip-hop, you like The Pharcyde. While the world may recognize them from their standout hit “Passin’ Me By,” their catalog runs over three decades deep. Coming into fruition in 1989, the South Central alternative rap collective is comprised of four members: Imani, Slimkid3, Bootie Brown and Fatlip.
Over the years, each member has went on to pursue their own solo projects, occasionally reuniting to tour across the world. While only two members remain to this current day, The Pharcyde’s most recent project, “Humboldt Beginnings,” was released in 2014.
February 23 – Comethazine
The Observatory
From flipping pizzas to touring the world, Comethazine is the definition of a kid who came from the ground up and found music to be his calling. Hailing from St. Louis, the 19-year-old is known for his dark trap bangers, as seen on SoundCloud. With the release of “Bands” earlier this year, he racked up millions of views across all streaming platforms.
Currently signed to Alamo Records, Cometh went on to release his project “Bawskee” at the end of the summer, with features from Lil Yachty and Ugly God. Clocking in at 18 tracks deep, he takes you through his headspace, chock full of energy, ad libs and hard-hitting production.
March 1 – Bryce Vine
Constellation Room
Bryce Vine is here to unite the coasts. Born and raised in New York City, the singer-songwriter brings his chill, laid-back vibes to the world of R&B and hip-hop. Developing a sound that is best described as a hybrid of Kid Cudi, Outkast and Gym Class Heroes, the rising star has countless records in the vault.
Last year, he released his breakout single “Drew Barrymore,” which reached #19 on the Global Viral 50 chart and #12 on the U.S. Viral 50. Since then, he’s toured the states with some of music’s greatest including G-Eazy, Big Sean, Ludacris and more.
March 3 – UnoTheActivist
The Observatory
UnoTheActivist is here to represent SoundCloud rappers and bring them into the mainstream light. Hailing from Atlanta, the rapper blew up on scene with his 2015 single, “Parkin’ Lot Pimpin,” creating a buzz that extended beyond his city.
Last year, Uno released his highly anticipated project titled “Live.Shyne.Die,” which garnered over 2.1 million streams on SoundCloud in less than 48 hours. In addition, all 16 of those records landed in the Top 50 on Apple Music. Now, he embarks on his own headlining Shyne Tour, bringing the same energy that fans fell in love with in the first place.
March 15 – Yung Gravy
Constellation Room
Yung Gravy is here to bring his charming personality and unique sense of humor to the rap game. Hailing from Minnesota, the social media and YouTube star is excited to bring that same online enthusiasm into the studio. Earlier this year, he unleashed the official music video for “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot,” which currently has over 17 million views on YouTube.
Earlier this year, he dropped off his “Snow Cougar” EP, with features from Ugly God and DRAM. His Instagram bio reads, “Music for your dad, mother, & sister,” with 476,000 followers to entertain daily.
Full Calendar and Ticket Info: http://www.observatoryoc.com/calendar/
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