Energy floods over a dimly-lit room like an electric wave, colored lasers paint the atmosphere like a canvas and sounds of cheering, anticipating voices fill the night. At the Observatory, a live music venue located in Santa Ana, this is a typical experience as you walk through the front doors.

The Observatory was ranked among the “Top 30 Southern California Concert Spots,” according to the Los Angeles Times in May 2015.

“I really like the atmosphere of the venue,” junior Noelle McHenry said. “It’s just an open room, but it has an intimate feel…there is such high energy.”

McHenry said she loves to go to the Observatory to see bands play alternative rock and has attended five different concerts in 2016.

“Recently, I just saw Dr. Dog there; before that, I saw Cage the Elephant, Chet Faker and the Griswolds,” McHenry said.

Sophomore Gergana Georgieva similarly has enjoyed her experience at the Observatory because of the vibe that she felt there.

“I went to see Bryson Tiller…the Observatory is smaller, so you just have a closer, more intimate feeling. The space isn’t as big, so it feels like it is just you, the music and the artist who created it,” Georgieva said.

The Observatory was ranked among the “Top 30 Southern California Concert Spots,” according to the Los Angeles Times in May 2015.

“Even though it’s tiny compared to some other places, since you’re so close to the artist, it’s a much more fun experience than any other stadium. It was a really fun time,” Georgieva said.

Overall, the Observatory makes up for its smaller size by offering a unique approach to a personal concert experience. Georgieva also said that since concerts at the Observatory focus solely on one opening act, and the main act, it gives the audience more time to appreciate the music.
Upcoming shows at the Observatory include popular artists Kid Cudi on Feb. 24, Tyga on Feb. 29 and Fetty Wap on Mar. 2.