San
Diego Battle of the Band Venues
Article
written by Kristel Boe
The three hottest venues in San Diego duke it out for maximum
attendance and the biggest bands in the business. But when
it all boils down to it, which one really is worth visiting?
Soma:
***
Soma
in San Diego |
3350
Sports Arena Blvd.
www.somasandiego.com
Scene: Pre-pubescent punk kids
Age Group: Average 16
Sound: Good. Offering both a large room for
big bands and a side stage for smaller acts, Soma accommodates
sound well. The venue is equipped with absorbing material
along the walls that keeps the sound where it should be.
Size: Large, Soma accommodates approximately
1200 - 2300 attendees in the main hall, 900 in the side stage.
Alcohol: Nope, and don’t even think
about wearing your spiked wrist band, security will take that
too.
High Note: Soma is an all age’s venue
and brings in some of the biggest punk and alternative bands
to San Diego. It also offers up and coming bands a chance
to make a name for themselves by opening for big attractions.
Low Note: Soma tends to pack a dangerous
amount of people into their large shows. The place has horrible
ventilation and little to no air conditioning. If you make
it through the mosh pits, you probably won’t survive
heat stroke.
San
Diego House of Blues: ****
House
of Blues in San Diego |
1055
5th Ave
www.hob.com
Scene: The House of Blues caters to all types
of music fans, young and old.
Age Group: 21 and up, no exceptions.
Sound: Excellent.
Size: Large, The House of Blues has a lower
level, two side balconies, and a sitting area with a perfect
view looking down on the stage.
Alcohol: Absolutely, but prepare to shell
out some big bucks for ordinary drinks. The bar is ironically
called Salvation Alley.
High Note: The venue has an amazing feel
and look. It is stylish and chic. If you can’t see the
stage, no worries, monitors are located throughout the venue
for your viewing pleasure.
Low Note: The bathroom is located on the
lower level. After you’ve done your business, you have
to wait in line to re-enter the bar area on the top floor,
this can be tedious and slow.
Canes
Bar and Grill: ***
Canes
Bar and Grill in Mission Beach |
3105
Ocean Front Walk
www.canesbarandgrill.com
Scene: Laid back beach combers
Age Group: Average 24
Sound: Good, as long as the sound guy is paying
attention, vocals and guitar are usually in check. Be prepared
for some after music ear buzzing though, for whatever reason
this never fails when I attend Canes.
Size: Medium, Canes has a floor in front of
the stage, tables in the back, and a balcony on top for viewing.
It occupies approximated 900.
Alcohol: Yes, Canes recently became a 21 and
up venue only. Occasionally they host an event that is 18+ but
it is required you have a wrist band and a valid ID to enter
the bar area. Smoking is also allowed on top, outside.
High Note: Lot’s of seating room, great
vibe and moderately priced drinks. The food isn’t half
bad either and they often serve throughout the evening.
Low Note: It’s difficult to think of
a bad thing about Canes that stands out in my mind, over all
it is a great venue, but like always, be prepared for a bathroom
line!
Check back soon as San Diego Super Guide puts more venues
to the test! |
