The Summer Set
February 27th, 2026 | The Observatory, Santa Ana, CA
Walking into The Observatory in Santa Ana, you could immediately feel that this wasn't just another tour kickoff, it felt like a long-overdue reunion. There’s a specific kind of electricity in the air when a band like The Summer Set returns with a new record, and being the first stop in Santa Ana, CA of the Meet Me at the Record Store tour, the crowd was already vibrating before the lights even dimmed. Good Boy Daisy opened the night with a pop-duo energy that was impossible not to like! They had this effortless stage presence that made the room feel smaller and more intimate right away. Then Senses took over, shifting gears into a heavier, guitar-driven pop-rock sound that really cranked up the adrenaline. They’re the kind of band that makes you want to immediately look up their discography the second they walk off stage and that’s exactly what I did.
When Brian, John, Stephen, and Jess finally stepped out, the roar from the Santa Ana crowd was honestly deafening. You could tell the band felt it, too. This tour marks their big comeback since their last record, and seeing them on stage together again felt right. They’ve always been masters of that sun-drenched, nostalgic sound, but there was a new layer of grit and confidence tonight. Watching Brian command the stage while Jess absolutely crushed it on the drums reminded me why this band has such a dedicated following. They moved seamlessly between the new tracks and the absolute classics, and hearing the entire room belt out every single word to the older hits felt like a collective time-travel experience for everyone who grew up with them, just like me.
What struck me most wasn't just the high energy, but how rejuvenated they sounded. It didn't feel like a band just going through the motions of a comeback; it felt like a band that had finally found their footing and was genuinely having the time of their lives. From John’s soaring guitar leads to the tight, polished cohesion of the whole group, the performance felt stadium-ready but stayed grounded in that raw club atmosphere. If this first night is any indication of what’s to come, The Summer Set isn't just back, they’re better than they’ve ever been. It was one of those shows that leaves you buzzing long after the house lights come up, proving that some stories are definitely worth the wait. If you have the chance to catch them on this run, don’t hesitate!