If you enjoy modern rock and live performances, purchasing real estate in Little Italy San Diego could be one of the smartest lifestyle decisions you make. There are more than a dozen live music venues for you to explore in downtown San Diego alone, but the first one you should check out is the legendary Casbah on Kettner Boulevard.
Located on the northern end of Little Italy and west of Balboa Park, The Casbah has been rocking San Diego since the late 1980s. Since then, hundreds of influential rock bands have left their mark in this cozy club that features the right ambiance for the enjoyment of loud, edgy rock that deserves to be heard live. From Nirvana to The Smashing Pumpkins and White Zombie to the White Stripes, The Casbah has been known to book some of the best live music entertainment on the West Coast.
From Irish Pub to Alternative Rock
Just before the first Gulf War, the founders of The Casbah were involved in the burgeoning San Diego music scene, which was similar to that of nearby Orange County in the sense that it was mostly punk and hardcore. However, the grunge scene was maturing in Seattle and alternative rock radio format was starting to take hold across the United States.
Tired of organizing all-ages punk rock shows at banquet halls and warehouses, The Casbah’s founders took over the space of a former Irish bar to book local bands like Rocket from the Crypt. In the beginning, plans for The Casbah were more along the lines of turning it into a British pub that could double as a coffeehouse. Such plans had to be changed once the owners realized shows were selling out and the 75-person capacity was clearly not enough.
Eddie Vedder Rumors
A few years later, The Casbah moved into a larger place just down the road from the original spot to accommodate 200 music fans. At some point, Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam stopped by to catch a performance by the influential Jonathan Richman. The Casbah was reportedly put up as a wager in a game of pool between Vedder and Tim Mays, one of the owners, and the grunge singer won. However, he never claimed his prize.
The Crazy Casbah Jive
What helped The Casbah the most was the musical acumen of the owners who were attuned to the music scene. Once they learned bands such as The Jesus Lizard, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and The Melvins were touring Southern California, they promptly booked them. This helped cement the reputation of the club, which welcomed Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins just as they were breaking out in the early 1990s.
These days, the hottest bands continue to rock The Casbah because playing this legendary San Diego venue is like a badge of honor. Aside from great music, you can also enjoy reasonably priced drinks and play pool on the same table where Eddie Vedder won the ownership rights to the place years ago. There is also a nice outdoor seating area for cooling off and relaxing.
Even if live music isn’t your thing, there are many great reasons to start looking at lofts, penthouses, and condos in Little Italy San Diego and become a resident of the area. Make sure you connect with trusted local real estate agents who can help you with your search. Call 92101 Urban Living today at 619-649-0368.
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