arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

Jeff Terich’s Live Music Faves

Where to Go for Your Next Show

Ready to see what all the buzz is about? Let San Diego Music Expert Jeff Terich show you the way. The San Diego live music scene is packed with awesomeness and Jeff is sharing his favorite places to catch a show.

By: Jeff Terich; San Diego Music Expert

Jeff’s Favorite ...

place to discover an up-and-coming band: Soda Bar or SPACE

  • These two hole-in-the-wall venues both have intimate shows with artists of all types. Jeff has found some great bands by showing up early and catching the openers, and recommends you do the same. Can’t decide between the two spots? Don’t worry, they’re only two blocks apart on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park.
big-time concert venue: The Observatory North Park
  • Located in San Diego’s trendy North Park neighborhood, this reimagined 1939 theater is Jeff’s favorite place to catch a national headliner. It’s a big venue that manages to still feel intimate; it always brings big names that put on amazing shows.
dive bar venue: SPACE
  • Also one of his picks for discovering up-and-coming talent, Jeff loves the local-hangout vibe at SPACE. It’s a place where even on a random weeknight night you can find someone great playing on stage.
historic venue: The Balboa Theater
  • Jeff loves the architecture and design of this circa-1924 downtown venue, but more than that he loves how great the acoustics are and how high quality each show is. The Balboa Theater is listed on the Register of National Historic Places.
“hidden gem” venue: Til-Two Club
  • A lot of locals don’t even know about this spot in City Heights, but Jeff has seen some great shows there—including touring bands! Now, promise you’ll keep this a secret.
show he’s seen in San Diego: Drive Like Jehu with Dr. Carol Williams at The Spreckels Organ Pavilion
  • Obviously, this was a tough one for Jeff. However, when long-dormant punk band Drive Like Jehu reunited, and added the powerful sounds of Dr. Carol Williams on the organ, that was something that can’t be replicated. The much-anticipated reunion of the San Diego band took place on the epic stage of Balboa Park’s Spreckels Organ Pavilion, adding to the magic of the entire experience.
venue to play at: The Casbah
  • Jeff’s knowledge of the San Diego music scene isn’t limited to his job as an editor. He knows the other side, too, as the guitarist and lead singer of his band, Blood Ponies. His favorite venue to play is The Casbah, by far. Jeff appreciates how this iconic and historic Little Italy venue takes great care of its artists, and he loves the way it sounds inside. Jeff says he’s never had a bad night at The Casbah.
ENCORE!
  • Jeff’s Favorite… place to see a hip-hop show: Kava Lounge (Little Italy)
  • Jeff’s Favorite… place to see a punk show: Tower Bar (City Heights)
  • Jeff’s Favorite… place to see a metal show: Brick by Brick (Morena)

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Activity

75-minute Naval History Bay Tour Only $15***

Maritime Museum of San Diego
Valid: Aug 19 - ongoing

Join us at the Maritime Museum of San Diego for a high-speed 75-minute narrated Naval History Tour! The US Naval Vietnam-era PCF 816 Swift Boat Listed In National Register Of Historic Places is...

Wineries

FREE Gift-Book the Chauffeured Vineyards Adventure

San Diego Beer, Wine & Spirits Tours
Valid: Oct 11, 2024 - ongoing

BOOK A CHAUFFEURED WINERY TOUR for the New Year and celebrate with the experts.  AND get a Special FREE GIFT! Now through end of January. TOURS RUN DAILY, Year round. Visit ...

Restaurants

Weekday Lunch Deals

Bronze Bird - The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Jan 5 - ongoing

Level up your lunch with weekday deals that include our special of the day + your choice of a soda, lemonade or iced tea.  Monday- Grilled Sirloin Burger and fries ($14). Tuesday- 3 Short Rib...

Events to check out

Event

Fleet Week San Diego 2024

Nov 1 - Nov 11, 2024

Experience one of San Diego’s largest Military events featuring Military Displays, High Tech equipment in the Innovation Zone, Active Navy & Coast Guard Ship Tours, Live Music, Food, and Fun...

Event

Blind Pilot

Belly Up
Nov 17, 2024

Ticket Price: $28 advanced / $32 day of show / $49 reserved loft seating (available over the phone or in person at out box office)  

Event

Live Music with Tricialynn

Quigley Fine Wines
Nov 13, 2024

Live Music: Tricialynn Join us for a fun-filled evening of live music with the immensely talented Tricialynn! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to relax, have a drink, and enjoy great...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish