Concert series OC Live shines a spotlight on artists, local businesses hit by the pandemic

Dick Church’s restaurant in Costa Mesa pulled double duty Tuesday night, serving up hot meals and musical hits during a kickoff celebration for a new concert series, OC Live, running now through Sunday at several local venues.

More than 20 Southern California artists — including Flashback Heart Attack, Matt Costa, Rebel ShakeDown, Hot Rod Trio, David Rosales, Fabulous Nomads, Rocket Talk and Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse — have been booked for the six-day event.

Zach Churchill, with producer and drummer Tom Rasulo, at the first OC Live concert at Dick Church’s Restaurant in Costa Mesa Tuesday.

(Raul Roa )

Nightly shows will continue at Dick Church’s through Saturday and at Costa Mesa’s STRUT Bar & Club on Thursday (with proceeds there supporting LGBTQ Center Orange County). The series will culminate with performances at the Newport Dunes on Friday through Sunday and at Cafe Sevilla in Costa Mesa Sunday night.

OC Live is presented by Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who used $150,000 from a countywide arts-related grant relief program to offer grants for local musicians, venues and small businesses.

David Rosales, left, with Supervisor Katrina Foley, at the first OC Live concert series in Costa Mesa Tuesday.

(Raul Roa)

“We want to offer a fun social experience where families and friends can gather and get back to living our best O.C. lives,” Foley said of the series in a statement. “Our arts grants help fund musicians, drive business to small business venues, and support local nonprofits that lost fundraising opportunities and support during the pandemic.”

Proceeds raised from ticket sales will be used to create grants for musicians through a second concert series and support arts and culture programming administered by the nonprofit Arts Orange County.

All ages are welcome. Admission is $5, and children under 10 are admitted free. For times and details and to purchase tickets in advance, visit travelcostamesa.com/oc-live-concert-series. Follow the action on Instagram at @OCLiveGram.

Attendees at the first OC Live concert series at Dick Church’s Restaurant in Costa Mesa on Tuesday. The inaugural OC Live Concert Series features performances from more than 20 local artists through Sunday.

(Raul Roa)

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