Travelers flying through John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, are in for a musical treat. An exhibition dubbed "That OC Sound" opened its doors yesterday, paying homage to the iconic musicians and bands from Orange County. From the punk pioneers to the headbangers that have defined a generation's playlist, the display has it all.
Orange County's own Fender and Rickenbacker, renowned musical instrument manufacturers, provide the backbone to the area's audio history. The exhibition promises to be an auditory trip down memory lane with historical pieces straight from Rickenbacker's nearby factory, complemented by a lineup of shiny new instruments. This exhibit aims to firmly capture and to cast a spotlight on the county's influential music scene.
A two-case display showcases forty-eight musical acts with roots in Orange County's soil, including the likes of James Taylor, Cold War Kids, and the illustrious No Doubt. Detailed in a bold statement obtained by ocgov.com, the exhibit not only celebrates these musicians but extols the region as a "genuine hub for punk and metal." Featured faux album covers add a creative touch, evoking the aesthetic of the genre's quintessential studded belt.
For those looking to dive deeper into OC's musical heritage, the Fullerton Museum Center's Fender Gallery is a must-see. Visitors can expect to learn and to experience the legacy of Leo Fender at the "Leo Fender: Fullerton to the World" exhibit until March 17, 2024. And the melody continues with the "Strumming Through the Decades: Thirty Years with Fender" exhibition, held through to the winter of 2025.
The "That OC Sound" exhibition is conveniently located pre-security on the upper Departures Level between Terminals B & C, and will continue to serenade airport-goers until May 1, 2024. For those keen on learning more about how Orange County has left its mark on the music industry, head on over to the John Wayne Airport Arts Program's website at ocair.com for further details.
