The Observatory: A Local Musical Goldmine

Hidden in the middle of an industrial complex in the OC, a musical gold mine can be found.  The Observatory has housed many different talented musical guests along with their adoring fans.

Previously known as The Galaxy Concert Theater, the doors opened on December 4, 1994 bringing famous performers such as Beck and Little Richard under the spotlight.  After shutting its doors and reopening back up on September 12, 2010 under new ownership The Observatory is nothing short of a concert hotspot.

Performers include Irvine native band Young the Giant, GroupLove, Dr. Dog, and LA native band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros performing 40 Day Dream at the Observatory in 2012.

GroupLove performing Tongue Tied at the Observatory.  

The venue also has a smaller and more personal room, The Constellation Room, for local bands to perform in front of audiences.  The venue itself is standing room only, and allows for a fun atmosphere to performers and concert goers alike.

The Observatory is a personal and fun experience for performers and their fans.  After experiencing my favorite band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at The Observatory, this venue is my favorite and I look forward to seeing my next concert there.    

   

Long Beach Art Museum: An Enriching Experience

Overlooking the ocean with the world famous Queen Mary in the distance, the Long Beach Museum of Art is a unique experience for the young and old alike.  The museum currently has 4 different art exhibits that showcase art pieces from ceramics to paintings.

One exhibit entitled, Enriching and Engaging, showcases art work created or donated by Southern California residents.  The work includes painting, sculptures, and lithographs.  The exhibit runs through June 15, 2014.

For more information on this particular exhibit visit the Long Beach Museum of Art website.  

Along with bringing art to the Long Beach community the Long Beach Museum of Art also strives to educate the public about the arts.  The museum offers an extensive list of educational opportunities about different art mediums for adults, families, and children alike.

After experiencing the art within the museum, you are then able to experience the beautiful view of the ocean while enjoying a meal at the museum's very own restaurant, Claire's.  The restaurant has an extensive happy hour, breakfast, and lunch menu.  

The Long Beach Museum of Art offers a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.       

  

Los Angeles Native Band: Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

 Musician Alex Ebert met fellow singer and band member Jade Castrinos at an LA cafe.  A new band was born, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. The 12 member band then released their debut album Up from Below on July 7, 2009.

American Indie band Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros first came onto the music scene in July 2007 after their debut performance at The Troubadour in West Hollywood, California.

Since their debut back in 2007 this Los Angeles band performs to sold out shows and has released two sophomore albums.  One titled Here and their most recent self titled album.  

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros are most known for their top hit Home from their debut album Up from Below.  

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros Official Music Video: Home 

More recently Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros toured with other well known folk bands Mumford & Sons and Old Crow Medicine Show.  During this tour the three bands allowed a documentary, Big Easy Express, to be created regarding their unique means of transportation (a train), performances, friendships, and creating/writing music.

Final Scene from Big Easy Express Documentary.

Mumford & Sons, Old Crow Medicine Show, and ES&TMZ

This unique Los Angeles band creates a new yet nostalgic sound.  The band is free spirited, and does not like to put labels on their style of music.  They create art and are truly talented individuals.  For more information on Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros research their music label Community Music or the Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros band website.