Live music is looking better than ever in 2012 and we want to show off what might be one of the better venues to invest in this year. After spending too much money driving to LA and paying for parking, drinks, and food, maybe it’s time to switch to Orange County for a place to check out music. In between Santa Ana and Costa Mesa, what once was Galaxy Theater is now The Observatory and what was once musky and clunky is now born again.
Sightly better-than-average Yelp reviews and low ticket prices might lead you to think that The Observatory is less of a perfect storm and more of a “good enough” storm, but ragging on a concert venue about their food and service is like ragging on a restaurant for its acoustics. It is the bands that matter. Jon Reiser, part operator of The Observatory, used to book at Detroit Bar before taking over at his new residence and it looks like he hasn't lost a step. Just looking at the level of talent should be enough to make you grab a bite before the show if you are that worried.
The club finished last year strong, with performances by highly controversial white female rapper Kreayshawn, a sold-out Young The Giant show at the height of their popularity, as well as a blockbuster New Year’s Eve with a bill of both wunderkind Porter Robinson and living legend Tiesto. Looking to the future, bands like Ra Ra Riot, Dr. Dog, Dillon Francis, White Buffalo, TSOL, and Cults will stop in over the next 12 weeks. Oh, and don’t forget that all of those shows are under $20.
Reiser's other addition includes the Constellation Room: a 300-person mini-venue within the larger building. Most importantly, a brand new sound system might make this the most modern venue in the area, something this area badly needs. I have a feeling that the future is very bright for this Santa Ana club and keep an eye on Yelp to see if people start reviewing the experience and not the onion rings.
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