Since coming together as teenagers (and later recruiting saxophonist Mike Belk after an impromptu jam session at a local gig), The Originalites have risen high in the ranks of Orange County's local music scene in the span of only five years. The Fountain Valley four-piece may remind you of mid-'90s ska groups like Sublime, however their mellow lyrics are more upbeat and family-friendly. After winning several battle of the band competitions at various high schools, they've moved up to venues like the Coach House, House of Blues and DiPiazza's, even winning the OC Music Award for Best Surf this year. Don't mistake their long hair for the laid-back surfer image—The Originalites also love to have fun through their high energy music, mixing ska with punk, dub and Latin music influences. As of late, they've held a residency at Gallagher's Pub in Huntington Beach every Monday night; You can see them lay down their groove tonight with The Jetties.
Mondays, 9 p.m. Starts: March 11. Continues through April 29, 2013
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.