The Casbah (US music venue)

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The Casbah is a 21+ music venue located near downtown San Diego, California.

The Casbah was first opened in 1989 by Tim Mays, Bob Bennett and Peter English at the site of a former Irish pub at 2812 Kettner Blvd. English later left the venture. Although initially a side project for the three men (who also owned the popular but now defunct Pink Panther Club), the Casbah quickly became a breeding ground for up-and-coming San Diego bands such as Rocket from the Crypt, Lucy's Fur Coat, The Rugburns, Deadbolt, and others. It also played host to bands who would later become major stars, including Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins.

With only a maximum occupancy of 75 people, and a fast growing local music scene, the Casbah relocated down the street in 1994 to a larger facility at 2501 Kettner Blvd. The new location has a maximum occupancy of more than 200. The new building features three different areas: the main music room with a full bar, an outdoor smoking patio, and the "Atari Lounge" which features two pool tables, a bar, and various retro arcade games dating back to the 1980s.

Some of the bands that have played at the current location include: Boss Hog, Alanis Morissette, Morphine, the Amps, The Breeders, Elastica, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Royal Crown Revue, Supersuckers, Ben Harper, Liz Phair, G Love & Special Sauce, El Vez, Social Distortion, The Cult, and local acts such as fluf, blink 182, Drive Like Jehu, Three Mile Pilot, Creedle, Tanner and Blackheart Procession.

The club usually features live music six to seven nights each week. The majority of bands and artists that play at the Casbah are involved with various underground music scenes that are centered on the DIY ethic.

The Casbah is held in high regard as a staple in the San Diego music scene, [1] [2] [3], and has featured bands from many countries.