On Nov. 22, 2025, American reggae-rock band The Expendables took the stage at The Observatory in Santa Ana. The openers, Chad Tepper and Veni Sun, had an amazing opening set which fit The Expendables sound perfectly, making for a show with hours of good music and good vibes.
Not only was the music captivating, but so was the unique connection between the performers and the audience. The crowd felt like one big group of reggae lovers who all knew each other, and the constant flow of music put everyone in a great mood.
Reggae is a genre of music known for its slower pace and emphasis on downbeats and baselines. This genre emerged from Jamaica in the 1960s, largely influenced by American rhythm & blues and jazz. The Expendables started in 1997, taking influence from other reggae-rock bands like Slightly Stoopid and Pepper.
The Show
The first opener was a small, bedroom-music band called Veni Sun. It was started by Jared Henry in San Diego, soon growing into a six-person band. Their music was upbeat and light, the singer’s voice brightened up the venue. They played a mix of reggae and ska, music filled with guitar riffs and solos. They’ve played with the Expendables numerous times this year, traveling with them for their 25-year anniversary tour. They also have two drummers playing on stage, a unique twist on a traditional band.
Afterwards, reggae music artist, Chad Teppers, brought a fresh energy to the stage. He captivated the audience with a giant inflatable crocodile, which he danced with for his first few songs. Call it random, but the audience found it quite amusing. He expressed gratitude to The Expendables, as he’s been traveling on tour with them which has helped propel his career. He even has a song featuring The Expendables, called “Blow Me Away,” which he performed on stage with them.
Although The Expendables have been around since 1997, they continue to produce music that reforms the new wave of reggae.
Lizzie Rodriguez, a senior at HBHS and an Expendables fan, said, “I like when people can take old classic things and make something new out of it. People are doing something new with the old style of reggae, and it’s experimental.”
Finally, The Expendables hit the stage with an upbeat performance, starting with “Drift Away” and “Positive Mind.” The rhythm brought people together; no matter their age, audience members enjoyed the music the same.
The Expendables had a riveting performance, switching between punk and soft reggae. One observer claimed it was the most eclectic range of music genres in a single performance he had ever seen.
They played a couple songs off their newest album, Pleasure Point, released in 2023, enchanting the audience with songs like “Wicked Game” and “You’re Right Here.” The lead singer and guitarist, Geoff Weers, sang throughout most of the concert with help from the drummer, Adam Patterson, who sang throughout the set. It was a remarkable display of coordination and skill, as he never missed a beat.
An Expendables fan of three years who was watching in the crowd, said, “This is my first concert of theirs, but I’m sure it will be really good.” He’s a fan of the Expendables because of their production quality and musicality. “Their songwriting is great and they just make good music.”
The young fan was there with his father, the two of them sharing a beautiful experience watching the concert.
As the show came to a close, they still hadn’t played their biggest song, but they couldn’t leave the audience without it. An encore brought the crowd a high-energy performance of “Bowl for Two,” a great ending to an amazing show.
Connection Through Reggae
Rodriguez was first introduced to the band when she went to the Cali Vibes Festival with a friend in Feb. 2022. “We definitely bonded over [their music],” she said.
Their music brought audience members together and created an atmosphere of love and appreciation. The crowd felt like a tight-knit group of friends, amplifying the connection between the people and the music.
Reggae is a special genre because of the emotional ties people have to it. Fans agree that listening to it feels like being on vacation, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
Emma Concepcion, an HBHS sophomore and Expendables fan, said, “When I listen to reggae, I feel more at ease and it helps me calm down compared to other genres.”
Music forms connections that transcend societal norms. By sharing musical tastes with others, individuals can reinforce their sense of belonging and strengthen social bonds, meaning friendships formed on shared music have stronger ties to each other.
The observatory is a small venue, enough to feel like a VIP at a secret concert. Being close to the stage and integrated with the audience completely changes the concert experience, and any musician performing there is sure to have a good time among the crowd.
