My first show at The Observatory in Santa Ana was Young the Giant, in December 2011. I went with my crush at the time, and I was completely nervous while trying to make an impression on him, and catching one of my favorite bands at the time. That would be the first of many concerts I would see at The Observatory.
Settled into a business complex off the 405 freeway on Harbor Blvd, The Observatory became a hot spot for Orange County entertainment. The first show I heard about and was dying to go see was a sold out Foster the People concert. My friend from art class told me about it and by the time I knew, there was no getting in. This was when I knew the venue was going to book amazing shows, and I had to watch out for my favorite artists coming by. 2012 was a big year at the Santa Ana venue for me. I saw shows in the main room such as Grouplove, Walk the Moon, and Matt and Kim. The Observatory also has a smaller venue called the Constellation Room, where I saw Youngblood Hawke, White Arrows, and Breach the Summit. I was discovering that I had a real interest in music, and that music would be a career I would be interested in joining; The Observatory became a huge factor in that. The Observatory’s ability to book fresh and popular talent contributed to their boundary pushing and independent company culture. With no one to report to and a free mind to create anything they wanted, the Observatory influenced my passion for working in a small business. I became highly interested in the idea of working for an indie record label or music venue with big minds, as I loved and was excited about the company culture. That’s why I was surprised and saddened to hear the recent purchase of the Observatory venues in Orange Country and San Diego from Live Nation.
Late last year, the owner of The Observatory announced the ending of booking with Goldenvoice, and hired Live Nation to book the venue. Now, Live Nation has full control over both venues, after a purchase in early April. Though I appreciate Live Nation as a company and enjoy their shows, purchasing the Observatory venues sparks a concern with a concert goer who appreciates and loves the independent scene. I might still catch a show at the venue, but am concerned for the culture to change into a corporate atmosphere. The venue will always hold a spot in my heart for providing the best shows I’ve been to-date. I am anxious to see the effects of the venue after the purchase, and I hope to continue going there to witness unforgettable shows.
Liner Notes 