SOLANA BEACH (CelebrityAccess) – Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Belly Up in Solana Beach is a testament to live music’s enduring power and the independent live entertainment community. The iconic venue will mark its anniversary this September while continuing its celebration of 50 Years and 50 Shows into the fall.
Two-time Grammy Award winner Jason Mraz will perform on September 28, the day the venue opened in 1974. The sold-out show will open with official recognitions presented by local, state and federal elected officials, including Mayor Lesa Heebner, County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, State Senator Catherine Blakespear and US Congressman Mike Levin.
The venue continues its summer-long celebration featuring performances by artists who have played the legendary venue since its inception in 1974, including Shakey Graves, WAR, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Alejandro Escovedo, Cracker and X culminating in September and October, with shows featuring The Wallflowers, Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, Hayes Carll and more.
Established in September of 1974 in a modest beach town outside of San Diego, the Belly Up is a musical landmark akin to legendary venues like the Troubadour, The Bottom Line, and The Stone Pony. From its humble beginnings, hosting prominent acts such as John Lee Hooker, BB King and Etta James, to its evolution into a must-stop venue for global superstars like the Rolling Stones, Jimmy Buffet, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Green Day, the Belly Up has remained at the forefront of the music scene. It has become an integral part of the touring artist landscape.
Under the leadership of owners Steve Goldberg and Phil Berkovitz, who acquired the club in 2003, the Belly Up has expanded its influence beyond its walls. Operating as a full-fledged booker and promoter of concerts and events nationwide, the club has also launched its record label, Belly Up Live, and a popular television broadcast, Live at the Belly Up. President Chris Goldsmith, a multiple Grammy-winning producer, has been instrumental in guiding the club to national acclaim. “San Diego is not known as a big music town,” says Goldsmith, “but there is a surprisingly engaged audience here, and we’re doing our best to bring in great live music and provide a high-quality experience for both the artists and the fans.”
Reflecting on the club’s rich history, founder Dave Hodges emphasizes its role as a labor of love and a hub for community and family. “For me, it’s always been about family and community that Belly Up created all those years ago. Seeing its evolution and being a part of so many people’s lives for so many years has been one of the high points of my life and legacy,” says Hodges.
From its early days as a haven for blues legends to its eclectic lineup spanning genres from folk to hip-hop, the Belly Up has remained a beacon for music lovers worldwide. As the club looks ahead to the next 50 years, its mission remains steadfast: to uphold its legacy of presenting exceptional live music in a laid-back, professional atmosphere.
Join the celebration of Belly Up’s 50th anniversary with a series of special concerts and events throughout the summer, culminating with Ben Harper for three sold-out shows on October 22, 23 and 25.
Belly Up Celebrates 50 Years and 50 Shows, remaining itinerary:
• August 28 & 29: Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne
• August 30: Pato Banton and Common Sense
• August 31: Steel Pulse
• September 2: Thievery Corporation
• September 3: Aaron Frazer
• September 5: Black Uhuru
• September 7: Lucy’s Fur Coat
• September 8: The Paladins
• September 10 & 11: Soul Coughing
• September 14: Beats Antique
• September 17: Kishi Bashi
• September 19: Kevin Nealon
• September 20: GoldFish
• September 21: The Reunion and Resurrection Jam
• September 25: Built To Spill
• September 26: Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens
• September 27: Roger Clyne and The PeaceMakers
• September 28: Jason Mraz
• September 30: The Wallflowers
• October 4: The Wallflowers
• October 22, 23 & 25: Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals
