Get ready for a wild ride as One Strange Night in Orange County returns to The Observatory in Santa Ana for its second edition on July 19th. This outdoor concert transforms a simple parking lot into a musical playground where genre boundaries are meant to be broken.
Headlining the event are hometown heroes The Garden, the twin brother duo who’ve carved out their own unique space in music. Wyatt and Fletcher Shears refuse to be pinned down by traditional genre labels, instead creating what they’ve dubbed “Vada Vada” – their own musical universe that pulls from punk, electronic, hardcore and hip-hop influences.
Armed with just bass, drums, and an arsenal of electronic elements, The Garden produces a surprisingly full sound that hits with the force of a much larger band.
Their minimalist setup belies the complexity of their compositions, which can shift from driving punk rhythms to experimental electronic soundscapes in the blink of an eye.
Music runs deep in the Shears family. Sons of Steve Shears from OC punk legends Shattered Faith, the twins grew up immersed in the local scene. Since forming in 2011, they’ve built a devoted following drawn to their unpredictable performances and genre-defying sound.
The supporting lineup for this year’s edition reads like a wish list of boundary-pushing acts. Dance-electronic outfit Snow Strippers will bring infectious beats to get the crowd moving, while legendary feminist punk rockers L7 are sure to deliver a raw, high-energy set that reminds everyone why they’ve been influential for decades.
[embedded content]
Hardcore veterans Fear, another band with deep Orange County roots, will bring their intense, fast-paced sound to the stage.
Known for their confrontational performances and uncompromising approach, they’re living proof that punk’s spirit is ageless.
Bay Area hardcore band Ceremony, known for their evolution from powerviolence to post-punk experimentation, adds another layer of diversity to the bill. Their willingness to explore new sonic territory makes them a perfect fit for an event celebrating musical innovation.
Perhaps the most intriguing supporting act is Hong Kong Fuck You, who describe themselves as a blend of “anti-music, punk, metal & industrial.” With their unusual lineup featuring drummer/vocalist Christian Hell and three bassists, they promise a wall of sound unlike anything else you’ll hear that night.
[embedded content]
This musical mash-up of styles follows the successful formula established by the inaugural event in 2023. By bringing together acts from across the alternative music spectrum, One Strange Night in Orange County creates a festival experience that feels both carefully curated and thrillingly unpredictable.
The Observatory’s outdoor space provides the perfect backdrop for this sonic adventure – a blank canvas transformed by sound and energy. As the summer night falls over Santa Ana, expect a crowd as diverse as the music itself, filled with painted faces, united by an appreciation for artists who refuse to play by the rules.
[embedded content]
Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Garden’s “Vada Vada” philosophy or simply looking to discover something new, this night promises to be exactly what its name suggests – strange in all the best ways.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this distinctive celebration of musical boundary-pushing in the heart of Orange County.
