“I was excited, obviously,” said Aubriana Stover of Jurupa Valley of the announcement several weeks ago that all seven members of BTS have now finished their mandatory South Korean military service, which took members of the group out of circulation from December 2022 to June 2025, and are planning a reunion for early 2026.

She’d just met Jazmine Adams and Zaidee Sanchez, best friends from San Diego, and in the way members of the BTS fandom known as Army often do, they had already bonded over their love for the band.

“I felt like I was becoming a fan all over again,” Adams said of the news. “Just the excitement and knowing that there was going to be a community coming back together again.”

Were there tears and overwhelming joy at the news of BTS’s return? Oh yeah, Sanchez and the others said.

“Think of Michael Jackson at his prime – that times 10,” Stover said.

“Or how everyone was passing out (at Jackson shows then),” Adams said. “That’s the feeling I got.”

Valeria Altamirano of Tucson joined the group of young women. She and Sanchez met through online BTS fandom and met in real life on Thursday for Jin’s first of two shows at Honda Center.

“I’d say it felt like I was 12 years old again,” Altamirano said. “Like I was just a little kid, discovering them all over again.”

We lost track of our new BTS pals as showtime neared, but it’s the safest of bets to say their delight continued throughout the hour and 55 minutes of Jin’s performance, the third solo tour after Suga in 2023 and J-Hope earlier this year.

The #RunSeokJin_Ep.Tour takes its name from Jin’s full name, Kim Seok-jin, and “Run Jin,” the web variety series that Jin debuted a year ago after concluding his military service. Over 36 episodes, Jin and friends played games, did challenges, and had as much fun as possible. The tour seeks to recreate much of that playful attitude.

“Running Wild” kicked off the show with Jin dressed in a sparkling denim-colored jacket and pants by Gucci, for which he is a global brand ambassador, singing the soaring pop anthem as he skipped and danced through confetti and blasts of pyrotechnics.

“I’ll Be There” followed as the packed arena glowed with the synchronized flashing lights of “bombs,” the name given to the orb-like light sticks fans bring to BTS-affiliated shows.

Most of the songs featured a mix of Korean and English lyrics, though the tilt toward English now seems slightly more than it was on earlier BTS records. Musically, Jin’s solo records, including the EP “Echo,” released in May, and the EP “Happy,” released in November, shift from pop ballads to synth-pop, dance rock to rock anthems.

After “Falling,” a romantic ballad, a close-up of Jin’s face filled the video screens on stage as he slowly raised his fingers to his full lips and blew the crowd a kiss, eliciting screams so loud the decibel-checking app on my Apple Watch handed in its resignation.

Telepathy Game, the first of several audience-participation challenges, featured Jin trying to guess a secret word or phrase acted out by audience members, with the number of correct answers determining what outfit he’d change into for his next song. The word “happy” was easy enough – broad smiles, hands angled upwards around beaming faces.

Somehow, he also guessed “flying chair,” a reference to a stunt in an episode of “Run Jin,” though the fan in the floor seats who waved their chair overhead might have been what did it.

“Super Tuna” followed with Jin in a broad straw hat and what looked like rubber boots – a fisherman’s outfit, perhaps? – as fans sang and danced wildly to the upbeat dance pop song, which, judging by the number of fish-themed T-shirts, hats and accessories in the crowd, is a fan favorite.

After spinning a wheel to pick a song for the audience to sing, which Jin rigged to give them “Anpanman” based on their cheers, he ducked off stage to change as the sing-along unfolded.

He returned to the stage in a slim black suit with silver buttons on the seams of his pants, sitting alone at a piano to accompany himself solo first on “I Will Come to You,” which ended with a lovely falsetto run, and next “Abyss,” which started solo before the band joined in halfway through.

In addition to the light-changing bombs that most in the crowd waved throughout the night, the crowd also, well, barked at him often between songs. Apparently, this has become a tradition for K-pop fans of certain acts.

After the big rock anthem “Another Level,” which saw guitarist Park Shin-won step out to solo as Jin sang, he led the audience in the Sing-Along Game, which gave 30 seconds to guess the song that fans were singing from lyrics unseen by him on the screen or get bonked on the head by silver tray suspended over him. (It’s another bit from the “Run Jin” series.)

“Don’t Say You Love Me,” which he’d sung on stage earlier in the show, was easy. “No More Dream,” which drew laughter from the crowd when the lyrics on screen shifted to Korean and suddenly a whole lot of mumbling ensued, he missed. Bonk!

The latter run of the show included mostly high-energy numbers such as “Loser,” a terrific number off “Echo,” the seven-song EP he released in May, and whose seven tracks all showed up in the set. “Rope It,” a country dance number, saw Jin in cowboy garb doing a bit of boot-scooting shimmies down the ramp out from the stage.

BTS songs showed up here as well, with a medley that opened with “Dynamite” and “Butter,” a pair of that band’s best bangers, and ended with “Mikrokosmos” and “Spring Day.”

“The Astronaut” ended with Jin on his back amid the confetti streamers that blasted off midway through the number before “Nothing Without You” closed out the main set with Jin sinking through a stage trapdoor.

Two more BTS numbers, “Epiphany” and “Moon,” opened the encore, with Jin going down to the floor to get fans to sing the wordless melody that’s featured in “Moon.”

Then with “To Me, Today,” a peppy number with a crowd chant at points in the chorus, he wrapped up the night, and with it, edged one step closer to the return of BTS in spring 2025.

Coachella perhaps? They’ve never played it, though their K-pop peers Blackpink have. Or a new stadium tour like their last tour, which played multiple nights at SoFi Stadium.

One way or another, it is coming.

On July 26-27, the Vans Warped Tour will take over Long Beach’s Shoreline Waterfront, bringing back its classic fusion of punk, hardcore, emo, and alt-rock energy for a two-day blowout. The 2025 edition, celebrating Warped’s 30th anniversary, is one of three limited dates across the U.S., joining events in Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida. Long Beach will host the largest crowd of them all, with an expected 80,000 fans.

For Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, bringing the event back to Southern California was more than symbolic — it was a full-circle moment. “OC was always this place for action sports and music,” Lyman once said, reflecting on the festival’s early roots in “Tearing Down the Orange Curtain,” a book by Daniel Kohn and Nate Jackson, chronicling the region’s punk rock legacy.

In March 1995, Lyman envisioned Warped as a hybrid of punk shows, skate culture, and surf community — a portable carnival of chaos where bands like Sublime, No Doubt, and Quicksand played alongside skateboarders flying off half-pipes and bikers jumping across ramps.

Warped Tour became the launching pad for countless Orange County artists and a rite of passage for young fans discovering music beyond the mainstream. Its early years were raw, rowdy, and often unpredictable — like the time Sublime’s notorious Dalmatian, Lou Dog, bit one too many skaters on the tour bus and got temporarily banned, as noted in the book “Tearing Down the Orange Curtain.”  But that messy authenticity was exactly what made Warped so beloved.

Now, three decades later, Sublime returns to the Warped Tour stage — not just as a headliner, but as a cornerstone of its legacy. Hailing from Long Beach, the band played a pivotal role in defining the tour’s earliest sound and attitude. Their raw sets in the ‘90s helped set the tone for what Warped would become, fusing punk, reggae, and skate culture into something entirely their own. Their 2025 set marks both a homecoming and a reminder of the chaos and creativity that started it all.

And with support from Insomniac Events, the Southern California-based mega team behind EDC and Nocturnal Wonderland, the tour is in full swing. Lyman’s vision remains intact: keep tickets affordable, bring the next generation out to shows, and return Warped to the millennial emo and alternative fans who made it matter.

Here’s what fans need to know before heading out to the two-day music festival.

1. The lineup is stacked with newcomers and nostalgia

Warped Tour is back with a vengeance, with the Long Beach edition lineup reading like a who’s who of scene legends and fresh faces. Headliners include 311, A Day to Remember, Atmosphere, Asking Alexandria, Black Veil Brides, Ice Nine Kills, The Interrupters, and Rise Against — and that’s just scratching the surface.

The poster also teases more surprises the week of the show, which leaves the door open for some potential jaw-dropping guests.

Fans of mid-2000s punk, emo, ska, metalcore, and pop-punk will feel right at home with acts like Bowling for Soup, Hawthorne Heights, Motion City Soundtrack, The Vandals, and The Aquabats alongside newer artists like Beauty School Dropout, Honey Revenge, and TX2.

Throw in nostalgic scene favorites like From First to Last, Cobra Starship, and Cartel, and you’ve got a truly multigenerational mix.

2. Don’t miss Warped Unplugged

Warped Unplugged offers fans a more intimate space to experience the heart of the festival. With stripped-down acoustic sets, immersive art installations, and a communal vibe, it taps into the early DIY spirit of Warped Tour. The area also features nonprofit booths, a mental health awareness zone, and a massive graffiti wall where fans can leave messages, memories, or just tag their name. It’s where music meets meaning — and a chance to connect on a deeper level.

3. Explore the Warped Tour Museum & Record Label Row

Celebrating 30 years of music, sweat, and scene history, the on-site Warped Tour Museum will feature archival photos, original flyers, video footage, and fan-submitted memorabilia. It’s a nostalgic deep dive into the bands, fans, and moments that helped define an entire generation of alternative music lovers. Just steps away, Record Label Row brings out the OG labels that helped launch many of Warped’s biggest acts. Stop by to score exclusive merch, check out surprise signings, and maybe catch your favorite band hanging by their booth.

4. Skate, BMX & High-Flying Demos All Weekend

Keeping true to its action sports roots, Warped Tour will host daily skateboarding and BMX demos featuring pro riders throwing down on half-pipes and custom ramps. Expect flips, tricks, and adrenaline-heavy showcases that channel the tour’s original energy. Whether you’re reliving the era of punk or catching it for the first time, this part of the festival brings the noise, even without the amps.

5. Snag your free Sticker Pack + Patch

In celebration, the festival is giving back to fans with a free sticker pack and commemorative patch, while supplies last. To claim yours, just download the Warped Tour app, fill out your info, and show your confirmation at the sticker pick-up booth on-site. More information can be found on their social media for the promo.

6. Info on bag policies, check-in, and times

Warped Tour box office and will call will be open from 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. on show days, and doors will open at 11 a.m. Attendees should be prepared for thorough TSA-style security checks, including bag and pocket searches, pat-downs, and possibly shoe removal.

The festival has a strict no-re-entry policy for safety reasons. Only clear bags measuring no larger than 12″x6″x12″, one-gallon clear freezer bags, small clutches up to 6″x9″, and empty hydration packs with limited compartments are allowed; large non-clear backpacks or purses are not permitted.

Warped Tour – Long Beach

When: July 26-27

Where: Shoreline Waterfront, 386 East Shoreline Drive, Long Beach

Tickets: Tickets start at $153 for two-day passes and are available at warpedtourlongbeach.com.

The worldwide listening party will take place 5-8 p.m. on Thursday July 17. Chipotle calls it the first of its kind.

Warren’s single “Ordinary” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks earlier this year.

His new album is called “You’ll Be Alright, Kid,” and will be released Friday, July 18. Chipotle will play it for three hours straight on loop, Warren said in an Instagram video that includes a snatch of the music.

Warren is a San Diego County native. He’s also a Chipotle fan, the news release said, and has a bowl named after him featuring Chipotle Honey Chicken.

Fans who order it on Chipotle’s app or online during the listening party will be entered to win an autographed copy of the album. Use the promo code “ALEX.”

Warren is touring in Europe, according to his website, but will perform in San Diego on Aug. 9.

Information: chipotle.com

The performance marks the opening date on a brief tour that includes stops at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and Central Park SummerStage in New York City.

The announcement follows the release of their newest single, “The Hudson,” a romantic, piano-driven track set to appear on their forthcoming debut album “The Dream,” which arrives Sept. 19 via Darkroom Records.

Tickets for the Hollywood Forever show go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, July 18 at wearethefavors.com.

FINNEAS and Ashe have a long-standing musical relationship, dating back to their 2019 breakout collaboration “Moral of the Story.” The Favors is their first official project as a band. Their previous single, “The Little Mess You Made,” introduced the project in June.

Though only a few dates have been announced so far, The Favors’ decision to launch the tour in Los Angeles—a city closely tied to their musical roots—adds a sense of homecoming to the performance. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, known for its intimate and historic setting, offers a unique backdrop for the band’s harmony-heavy, emotionally rich sound.

FINNEAS, best known as the Grammy-winning producer, co-writer, and creative partner of his sister Billie Eilish, has also built a solo career as a singer-songwriter and film composer. Ashe is a multi-platinum pop artist known for her emotive songwriting and vocal-driven singles like “Moral of the Story,” which gained mainstream traction after appearing in the Netflix film To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.

They are also slated to appear at both weekends of the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October.

After hosting the Rodeo in Nashville last year, the multi-day music event returns to the High Desert, where it last took place two years ago. Once again, Peck curates a lineup that reflects his expansive musical world—melding country, soul, indie rock, and Americana—with three days of performances, drag shows, and late-night festivities. Peck himself will perform a set each night, including a headline performance on Saturday, Nov. 15.

This year’s lineup features Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Joy Oladokun, Allison Russell, The Deslondes, and Hurray for the Riff Raff, alongside emerging artists like Palmyra, Uwade, and Valley James. Drag performer Meatball returns to curate the vibrant late-night drag showcases and afterparties that have become a signature part of the Rodeo experience.

A limited number of VIP packages will also be available, with offerings like a meet-and-greet and Q&A with Peck, exclusive merch, drag brunch access, priority entry, and lodging at the nearby Pioneertown Motel for Diamond tier holders.

Fans can sign up now for early access to 3-day passes and VIP tickets through the official presale now live at orvillepecksrodeo.com. Tickets for the general public go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18.

Peck has had a standout year, currently starring as the Emcee in Broadway’s Cabaret through July 20. He also released his duets album Stampede, collaborating with artists like Beck, Kylie Minogue, Willie Nelson, and Elton John.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Connie Francis, the wholesome pop star of the 1950s and ‘60s whose hits included “Pretty Little Baby” and “Who’s Sorry Now?” — the latter would serve as an ironic title for a personal life filled with heartbreak and tragedy — has died at age 87.

Her death was announced Thursday by her friend and publicist, Ron Roberts, who did not immediately provide additional details. Earlier this month, Francis posted that she had been hospitalized with “extreme pain.” Francis had gained renewed attention in recent months after “Pretty Little Baby” became a sensation on TikTok, with Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner among the many celebrities citing it.

“I’m flabbergasted and excited about the huge buzz my 1962 recording of ‘Pretty Little Baby’ is making all over the world,” she said in a video on TikTok, which she had joined in response to the song’s unexpected revival. “To think that a song I recorded 63 years ago is captivating new generations of audiences is truly overwhelming for me.”

Francis was a top performer of the pre-Beatles era, rarely out of the charts from 1957-64. Able to appeal to both young people and adults, she had more than a dozen Top 20 hits, starting with “Who’s Sorry Now?” and including the No. 1 songs “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” and “The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own.” Like other teen favorites of her time, she also starred in several films, including “Where the Boys Are” and “Follow the Boys.”

The dark-haired singer was just 17 when she signed a contract with MGM Records following appearances on several TV variety shows. Her earliest recordings attracted little attention, but then she released her version of “Who’s Sorry Now?” an old ballad by Ted Snyder, Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby.

It, too, had little success initially until Dick Clark played it on his “American Bandstand” show in 1958. Clark featured her repeatedly on “American Bandstand,” and she said in later years that without his support, she would have abandoned her music career.

Francis followed with such teen hits as “Stupid Cupid,” “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” and “Lipstick on Your Collar.” Her records became hits worldwide as she re-recorded versions of her original songs in Italian and Spanish, among other languages. Her concerts around the country quickly sold out.

Meanwhile, a romance bloomed with fellow teen idol Bobby Darin, who had volunteered to write songs for her. But when her father heard rumors that the pair was planning a wedding, he stormed into a rehearsal and pulled a gun on Darin, ending their relationship and seeming to set Francis on a pained and traumatic path.

She chronicled some of it in her autobiography, “Who’s Sorry Now?”

“My personal life is a regret from A to Z,” she told The Associated Press in 1984, the year the book came out. “I realized I had allowed my father to exert too much influence over me.”

Her father, George Franconero, was a roofing contractor from New Jersey who played the accordion. She was just 3 when her father presented her with a child-size accordion, as soon as she began to show an aptitude for music. When she was 4, he began booking singing dates for her, going on to become her manager.

Although her acting career had faded by the mid-1960s, Francis was still popular on the concert circuit when she appeared at the Westbury Music Center in Westbury, New York, in 1974. She had returned to her hotel room and was asleep when a man broke in and raped her at knifepoint. He was never captured.

Francis sued the hotel, alleging its security was faulty, and a jury awarded her $2.5 million in 1976. The two sides then settled out of court for $1,475,000 as an appeal was pending. She said the attack destroyed her marriage and put her through years of emotional turmoil.

She suffered tragedy in 1981 when her brother George was shot to death as he was leaving his New Jersey home. Later that decade, her father had her committed to a psychiatric hospital, where she was diagnosed as manic-depressive. At one point, she tried to kill herself by swallowing dozens of sleeping tablets. After three days in a coma, she recovered.

Around that time, she wrote to President Ronald Reagan and volunteered to help others, calling herself ″America’s most famous crime victim.″ Reagan appointed her to a task force on violent crime.

″I don’t want people to feel sorry for me,″ she told The New York Times in 1981. ″I have my voice, a gift from God I took for granted before. He gave it back to me.″

She was married four times and would say that only her third husband, Joseph Garzilli, was worth the trouble. The other marriages each lasted less than a year.

Concetta Rosemarie Franconero was born on Dec. 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey. At age 9 she began appearing on television programs, including “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts” and “The Perry Como Show.” It was Godfrey who suggested she shorten her last name.

National Writer Hillel Italie contributed reporting from New York. Bob Thomas, a longtime Hollywood reporter for The Associated Press, was the principal writer of this obituary and died in 2014.

With this additional show, the Guadalajara-formed band will make history, becoming the artist with the most arena concerts ever performed in Los Angeles — a total of 45 — surpassing Bruce Springsteen’s previous record of 42.

The Vivir Sin Aire Tour, produced by Live Nation, kicks off in early September and will make its way to more than 30 venues across the U.S. and Canada. In Southern California, MANÁ will headline five nights at the Kia Forum, Nov. 14-15, 21-22 and now 29, each show expected to deliver the kind of high-energy performances and anthemic sing-alongs that have defined their decades-long career. In addition to the Forum run, the band will stop in Fresno and San Jose.

Tickets for the newly added Nov. 29 show go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, July 18 at Ticketmaster.com.

MANÁ’s latest tour follows a summer run in Spain and recent recognition as the first Latin group nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Known for their blend of Latin classic rock and socially conscious lyrics, MANÁ has sold more than 45 million records and earned four Grammy Awards and nine Latin Grammys. Their 1992 record Dónde Jugarán los Niños remains the best-selling Latin rock album of all time.

Alongside their musical milestones, the band has long championed environmental causes through their Selva Negra Ecological Foundation. As part of the upcoming tour, a portion of the proceeds from their San Antonio dates will support local flood relief efforts.

Running from July 18 to August 17, the concert series features a diverse lineup, including ’80s icons, country superstars, hard rock tributes, and Latin sensations.

All concert and reserved seats include free same-day admission to the OC Fair.

For more info, visit ocfair.com.

Here’s the full list of concerts coming to the Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar this summer.

Pacific Amphitheatre

George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Foghat

The blues-rock legends are teaming up for a high-octane show of classic hits like “Bad to the Bone” and “Slow Ride.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 18

Tickets: $35–$75 at pacamp.com

The Psychedelic Furs, The Romantics, Rooney

The Psychedelic Furs will bring their post-punk classics, The Romantics offer power-pop nostalgia, and Rooney adds indie rock flair to the night.

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20

Tickets: $39.50–$79.50 at pacamp.com

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, The Grass Roots, The Buckinghams

A trip back to the ‘60s with Herman’s Hermits and fellow hitmakers The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams.

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23

Tickets: $25–$65 at pacamp.com

Fitz and The Tantrums, Aloe Blacc

Fitz and The Tantrums return with infectious indie-pop, while soul singer Aloe Blacc joins with hits like “I Need a Dollar.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 25

Tickets: $45–$85 at pacamp.com

Dispatch, John Butler, G. Love & Special Sauce, Donavon Frankenreiter

This folk-rock lineup brings Dispatch’s uplifting anthems, John Butler’s signature guitar work, and the soulful vibes of G. Love and Donavon Frankenreiter.

When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26

Tickets: $49.50–$99.50 at pacamp.com

Beck with Pacific Symphony, Molly Lewis

Beck joins the Pacific Symphony for a one-night orchestral performance, with support from musical saw player Molly Lewis.

When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30

Tickets: $65–$155 at pacamp.com

KC and The Sunshine Band, Village People

A disco double bill with KC and The Sunshine Band’s timeless grooves and the Village People’s party-starting hits.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 31

Tickets: $39.50–$89.50 at pacamp.com

Oliver Anthony

Viral sensation Oliver Anthony brings his acoustic country sound to Costa Mesa, following the success of “Rich Men North of Richmond.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1

Tickets: $37.50–$77.50 at pacamp.com

The Fab Four

The Fab Four return with a note-for-note tribute to the Beatles, showcasing hits from the “Magical Mystery Tour” era.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2

Tickets: $25–$35 at pacamp.com

-X-, Los Lobos, Ozomatli

Los Angeles legends unite as punk pioneers X, Grammy-winning rockers Los Lobos, and genre-blending Ozomatli share the stage.

When: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3

Tickets: $35–$75 at pacamp.com

Jeff Dunham

The famed ventriloquist and comedian brings his cast of characters and stand-up to the OC Fair stage.

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6

Tickets: $47.50–$87.50 at pacamp.com

Ludacris, Ying Yang Twins

The Atlanta hip-hop star headlines a night of 2000s rap with help from crunk duo Ying Yang Twins.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7

Tickets: $55–$125 at pacamp.com

Brett Young, Conner Smith

Country-pop artist Brett Young returns to his home county for a headlining set, joined by up-and-comer Conner Smith.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8

Tickets: $50–$125 at pacamp.com

Melissa Etheridge, Indigo Girls

Two powerful voices of Americana and folk-rock share the bill for a night of introspective storytelling and soaring melodies.

When: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9

Tickets: $55–$95 at pacamp.com

Tribal Seeds, The Expendables, Mike Love, Simpkin Project

A stacked reggae lineup featuring the rootsy sounds of Tribal Seeds, ska-punk band The Expendables, and singer-songwriter Mike Love.

When: 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10

Tickets: $29.50–$69.50 at pacamp.com

T-Pain, DJ Montay

Grammy-winning artist T-Pain will bring hits like “Buy U a Drank” to the stage with support from longtime collaborator DJ Montay.

When: 8:15 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13

Tickets: $67.50–$152.50 at pacamp.com

Carly Pearce, Restless Road

Carly Pearce, known for hits like “What He Didn’t Do,” headlines with support from country trio Restless Road.

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14

Tickets: $39.50–$77.50 at pacamp.com

Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors

Three ‘90s alternative rock staples come together for a night of harmonica solos, sing-alongs, and jam band nostalgia.

When: 6:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15

Tickets: $39.50–$85 at pacamp.com

Swift Nation, Bad Guy Billie

Tribute acts Swift Nation and Bad Guy Billie bring the music of Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish to life with full costumes and choreography.

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16

Tickets: $22.50–$32.50 at pacamp.com

Grupo Marca Registrada

Regional Mexican band Grupo Marca Registrada headlines with their unique blend of corridos and banda.

When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17

Tickets: $55–$95 at pacamp.com

The Hangar

Tickets for all shows start at $20-$50. Tickets are available at ocfair.com/thehangar.

Friday, July 18

24K Magic: A tribute to Bruno Mars. The funk group will dive into Mars’ catalog of hits like “Uptown Funk” and “That’s What I Like.”

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $30 / $25 / $22.50

Saturday, July 19

Start Making Sense: The Talking Heads tribute. The 10-piece tribute band will play hits like “Psycho Killer,” “This Must Be The Place” and “Burning Down The House.”

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $32.50 / $25 / $22.50

Sunday, July 20

Jimmy’s Buffet: A Tribute to Jimmy Buffett. The performance pays homage to the late tropical rock icon with crowd favorites like “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday” and more.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $27.50 / $25 / $22.50

Wednesday, July 23

Devotional: The Depeche Mode Experience. Covering songs from the band’s 15-record repertoire, such as “Enjoy The Silence” and “Personal Jesus.”

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $32.50 / $25 / $22.50

Thursday, July 24

The Monkee Men: The #1 Monkees Tribute. The band performs a fun and nostalgic set of Monkees classics including “Last Train To Clarksville,” “Daydream Believer” and more.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $27.50 / $25 / $22.50

Friday, July 25

Led Zepplica: The International Led Zeppelin Tribute Band. A high-energy tribute that recreates the thunderous sound and stage presence of Led Zeppelin in their prime.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $27.50 / $25 / $22.50

Saturday, July 26

It’s Britney Beep: A Live Tribute to Britney Spears. This tribute covers Spears’ biggest pop moments, from her ‘90s breakout to her 2000s chart-toppers.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $25 / $22.50 / $20

Sunday, July 27

Yachty By Nature: The Smoothest Yacht Rock Band. The group performs breezy hits from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s with faithful recreations of artists like Hall & Oates, Toto and Steely Dan.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $27.50 / $25 / $22.50

Wednesday, July 30

Elton: The Early Years. Kenny Metcalf recreates Elton John’s eccentric fits and dynamic stage presence while performing all the early hits.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $35 / $27.50 / $20

Thursday, July 31

Green Today: A tribute to Green Day. The group channels the spirit of Green Day’s explosive punk-pop hits with fan favorites like “Basket Case” and “Holiday.”

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $30 / $25 / $20

Friday, Aug. 1

DSB: The World’s Greatest Journey Tribute Band. DSB returns to perform faithful renditions of Journey’s biggest stadium rock anthems, including “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $35 / $27.50 / $20

Saturday, Aug. 2

Which One’s Pink?: A tribute to Pink Floyd. A celebration of the 51st anniversary of “Dark Side of the Moon,” featuring a full light show and sonic recreations of Floyd’s greatest hits.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $40 / $27.50 / $22.50

Sunday, Aug. 3

Embajadores del Mariachi: Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez. The mariachi band will serenade fans for the night with iconic mariachi tunes performed with rich harmonies and tradition.

When: 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35 / $30 / $25

Wednesday & Thursday, Aug. 6–7

Queen Nation: A tribute to the music of Queen. Vocalist Gregory Finsley channels his best Freddie Mercury while singing his way through Queen’s biggest hits from the ’70s and ’80s.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $50 / $27.50 / $25 / $22.50

Friday, Aug. 8

Dead Man’s Party: An Oingo Boingo and Danny Elfman tribute playing hits like “Only a Lad,” “Weird Science” and more.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $37.50 / $27.50 / $22.50

Saturday, Aug. 9

Run the World / Rihanna Replay. This high-energy tribute show features back-to-back performances of Beyoncé’s powerhouse anthems and Rihanna’s pop-reggae hits.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $25 / $22.50 / $20

Sunday, Aug. 10

One More Night: Phil Collins and Genesis Tribute. One More Night’s performances are a heartfelt homage to the songs of Phil Collins and Genesis. The band brings hybrid versions that capture the essence of the studio releases along with the magic of live renditions, creating an experience that is both familiar and fresh.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $30 / $25 / $20

Thursday, Aug. 14

Red Corvette: A tribute to the music icon Prince as they play almost four decades worth of music.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $30 / $25 / $20

Friday, Aug. 15

Twisted Gypsy: A tribute to the music of rock band Fleetwood Mac that’ll take fans back to the heyday of ’70s rock ‘n roll.

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $30 / $25 / $20

Saturday, Aug. 16

Blink 180True: A Tribute to Blink-182. The band performs a fast-paced set of Blink’s most beloved pop-punk anthems, including “All the Small Things” and “What’s My Age Again?”

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $27.50 / $22.50 / $17.50

Sunday, Aug. 17

Hot Lava: The Ultimate B-52’s Revue. Expect an electric tribute performance celebrating the fun and flamboyance of the B-52s with hits like “Love Shack” and “Rock Lobster.”

When: 8:15 p.m.

Tickets: $30 / $25 / $20

“Made of Rain” was officially 29 years in the making as the follow-up to the Psychedelic Furs’ seventh studio album, 1991’s “World Outside,” when it arrived in 2020. During that time, grunge, rap-rock and a number of other music scenes arose and petered out, five American presidents served and the internet turned the music industry—and the world—inside out.

And while Furs founding members/siblings singer Richard and bassist Tim Butler spent most of the ‘90s on hiatus and making music as Love Spit Love, they resurrected their original group in 2001. When asked why it took so long for the band to record its eighth studio effort, younger sibling Tim offered a rather straightforward answer.

“When we got back together, we were talking about doing a new album, but we were a bit gun-shy about coming up with an album that could stand up alongside ‘Forever Now’ or ‘Talk Talk Talk’,” Butler said, referencing the group’s 1982 and 1981 albums, respectively.

“We had what we considered good songs and had a band that was really playing well together. We figured the time was right—and it was.”

SEE ALSO: Paul McCartney brings ‘Got Back’ tour to Acrisure Arena

The two-week recording session ran from after Christmas 2019 into February 2020. And then the pandemic hit, forcing the Furs to shut down like the rest of the world. For the bass-playing British expat, it meant heading home to his family in Kentucky instead of a planned extended touring jaunt.

“When the new album came out, we’d planned to do a big tour with new material and everyone was gearing up for that,” Butler said.

“And then the whole world shut down and it was a big disappointment. [The album] was supposed to be released early (in 2020) because we thought COVID-19 was going to be under control, which of course it wasn’t. It was a day-to-day sort of thing. You weren’t sure what was going to be shut down next. It was pretty nerve-wracking to watch the news and see how many people got [COVID-19] that day. It was probably a bad thing to watch the news every day, glued to the governor’s four o’clock news conference. So the tour came down to [being launched] in 2022.”

SEE ALSO: OC Fair summer concert series for Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar

The waiting paid off.

Produced by Richard Fortus, formerly of Love Spit Love and currently part of Guns N’ Roses, “Made of Rain” seamlessly slides in alongside the likes of “Forever Now” (1982) and “Mirror Moves” (1984). Richard Butler’s measured baritone sets the tone in nuggets ranging from the irresistible baroque new wave earworm “Hide the Medicine” and the melancholy swooning of “Stars” to hypnotically surreal opener “The Boy That Invented Rock & Roll” and the sinewy “Come All Ye Faithful,” both paced by longtime saxophonist Mars Williams.

It’s a long way from when the Butler brothers formed a band after seeing the Sex Pistols play London’s famed 100 Club on Oxford Street.

“We were so blown away by that Sex Pistols show that Richard and I were talking one night about if we had a band, what it would be like,” Butler recalled.

“So then he said we should form a band and I told him I couldn’t play anything. He asked what I wanted to play and since I had recently been blown away seeing John Burnel play with The Stranglers, I said bass. So he said I should save up for a bass and we would form a band. And the psychedelic part of it was because at that time, there were bands with names like the Sex Pistols, Venus and the Razor Blades and The Clash. They were all putting down the psychedelic bands and we wanted a name that showed more of our influences. Also, people would see our name on a marquee and wonder what the hell a psychedelic fur was and would want to check it out.”

After the Psychedelic Furs released their self-titled debut in 1980, it wouldn’t be long before their art rock sensibilities found them at the forefront of the emerging new wave movement alongside peers like Echo and The Bunnymen, The Cure and Siouxsie and The Banshees. A healthy presence on MTV and filmmaker John Hughes’ decision to use the band’s 1981 UK hit “Pretty In Pink” for his 1986 film of the same name helped bolster the band’s popularity as they continued achieving mainstream success in their British homeland with hits like “The Ghost In You,” “Heaven” and “Love My Way.”

Fast forward to the present, and with former David Bowie/Bruce Springsteen drummer Zach Alford on board to keep time for the Furs, Butler the bassist is eager to continue bringing his band’s more recent material to the masses.

“We’re all very excited to play for people, so expect a very excited band,” he said with a laugh. “With the final release of an album that sounds current, despite not having done a record since 1991’s ‘World Outside,’ shows we still have something to say musically. It’s really exciting to finally be getting out there playing new songs—not just for us, but for the audience, who have loyally been coming out to see us since we got back together. Now we’ve got a new album to play for them.”

The Psychedelic Furs will hit The Pacific Amphitheatre at the OC Fair alongside The Romantics and Rooney on Sunday, July 20.

When: 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20

Tickets: $39.50–$79.50 at pacamp.com

Where: 100 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa

Tickets went on sale this month for the upcoming season at the Center, which recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary in April.

Among the approximately two dozens acts this season, which as usual are divided into categories like dance, cabaret, concerts and other series, is Grammy-winning innovator Bilal, who has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Common, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé. The singer and producer blends jazz, soul, and hip-hop and kicks off the season with Sept. 12-13 shows.

Venue regular Sandra Bernhard returns for a Sept. 27 performance in the “Wit & Wisdom” series, while another regular performer, David Benoit, brings his “Tribute to Charlie Brown Christmas,” show on Dec. 6. Fans can stay in the holiday spirit with “A Broadway Holiday with David Burnham.” The show is scheduled for Dec 17–18.

People should also get ready to be wowed when the Peking Acrobats, flip, jump and perform seemingly impossible moves during the ensemble’s Jan. 17 show and the Cirque Kalabanté: Afrique en Cirque do their own feats of acrobatics on March 21.

The season closes on May 6 with Emmy-nominated trumpeter and vocalist Benny Benack III.

For tickets go to carpenterarts.org