Book Release & Panel Event for "Tearing Down the Orange Curtain: How Punk Rock Brought Orange County to the World"
Tuesday May 20th, 2025
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
On Tuesday, May 20th from 5pm-9pm the Fullerton Museum Center will be hosting the release of "Tearing Down the Orange Curtain: How Punk Rock Brought Orange County to the World" with authors Nate Jackson and Daniel Kohn. Tickets are $60 and includes a book, one beer garden drink ticket, access to the panel discussion with Nate Jackson and Daniel Kohn with special guest appearances, and admission to the gallery. Noodles from The Offspring will be joining as a special guest. Beer Garden opens at 5:00pm Panel Discussion opens at 6:00pm Book Signing at 8:00pm Seating is limited, so purchase your ticket today. About the Book The untold story of OC punk—the loud, rebellious force behind the ‘90s explosion of the Orange County music scene, featuring stories about legendary bands. When it comes to punk communities across the world, the Orange County punk scene stands out as an undeniable trendsetter that helped define the sound and style of the rapidly evolving genre. From hard luck storytellers Social Distortion and multi-platinum sellers like The Offspring to cult heroes like The Adolescents and T.S.O.L., there’s much insight to gain from the story of this popular though often misunderstood music scene. In Tearing Down the Orange Curtain, journalists Nate Jackson and Daniel Kohn explore the trajectory of punk and ska from their humble beginnings to their peak popularity years, where their cultural impact could be felt in music around the world. Delving deep into the personal and professional lives of bands like Social Distortion, The Adolescents, The Offspring, and their ska counterparts No Doubt, Sublime, Reel Big Fish, Save Ferris, and more, this book gives readers a deeper look into the very human stories of these musicians, many of whom struggled with acceptance, addiction, and brutal teenage years in suburbia. Through exclusive first-hand interviews, Tearing Down the Orange Curtain brings the 20-year period of OC punk and third-wave ska (1978-2000) to life, focusing specifically on the historical and musical roots of this creative explosion. Thought-provoking, meticulously researched, and refreshingly candid, this book presents a compelling narrative of how a suburban wasteland turned into a hub for rock-n roll culture, just over 30 miles away from the bright lights of LA. About Nate Jackson Nate Jackson was born in Orange County and came up in the local punk scene, playing in bands and rumbling through the mosh pit in warehouses, DIY venues, and clubs across SoCal. He is currently the Deputy Editor of entertainment at the L.A. Times. He served as Music Editor for OC Weekly and was also a staff writer for the L.A. Times. His work has also been featured in the Village Voice, LA Weekly, VICE/Noisey, Dope Magazine, and others. He currently lives in Long Beach with his wife. About Daniel Kohn Daniel Kohn was born in New York City and grew up in Long Island but has long been mesmerized by Orange County punk rock. He lived in Southern California for nearly two decades, covering many of the artists featured in this book. Kohn’s work has been featured in SPIN, OC Weekly, Rolling Stone, Billboard, VICE, Noisey, SF Weekly, MLB, LA Weekly, and Village Voice. He currently lives in Nashville with his wife and son. About Noodles From The Offspring "Noodles" Wasserman is the lead guitarist and a founding member of the punk rock band The Offspring, known for his energetic performances and signature guitar style. He earned his nickname for frequently improvising—or “noodling”—on the guitar during rehearsals. A longtime California resident, Noodles remains an active force in the band while enjoying hobbies like surfing and collecting guitars.
