LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) Live Nation Entertainment has announced it will take over exclusive booking for San Diego’s Soma music venue.
Soma joins Live Nation’s portfolio of more than 1,700 clubs and theaters.
“The critical mass of our booking reach in the region and beyond enables us to attract performers who might not normally perform in these areas,” said Ben Weeden, COO of Live Nation Clubs & Theaters division.
“Soma’s 2,300 capacity is a perfect fit for us in San Diego. The city is a vibrant music market with a population base that we think is underserved at this size. Many of the shows playing similar-sized venues in SoCal, such as the Palladium, Wiltern and House of Blues Anaheim, currently skip San Diego; so the fans there are missing out on amazing shows. Soma’s team has done a great job with this music venue, and we’re excited to be working with them to help grow that venue’s audience.
“Live Nation brings the equity and experience to continue Soma’s growth,” said Len Paul, owner. “We are excited to enter this partnership with Live Nation as it will enhance concertgoers musical entertainment choices at Soma.”
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Soma originally opened in 1986 in an old warehouse in downtown San Diego. At that time the venue was mostly known as a dance club but eventually made the transition to hosting live music with seminal artists such as blink-182, Green Day, Rage Against the Machine and Tool. In 1994 Soma moved to a former warehouse on Metro Street, just south of the University of San Diego. Artists such as Faith No More, Fugazi, Sublime, Radiohead, The Ramones, The Smashing Pumpkins and No Doubt performed there as well as many local bands. The venue closed in 1999.
After Soma reopened in 2002, Switchfoot performed a sold-out show that was later released as a DVD titled “Live in San Diego.” Dave Matthews Band’s performance at Soma in 1995, broadcasted live on radio, was later released as part of their “Live Trax” series. Kendrick Lamar, Nine Inch Nails, The White Stripes, Deadmau5 and Chance the Rapper have also graced the stage.
