Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Belly Up in Solana Beach stands as a testament to the enduring power of live music and the independent live entertainment community. The iconic venue will mark its anniversary this summer with 50 Years and 50 Shows starting July 3 running through September 30 featuring artists that have played the legendary venue since its inception including Shakey Graves, WAR, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Alejandro Escovedo, Cracker and The Wallflowers. For a full list of shows and tickets go HERE.
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 and 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 festivals 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 seven-time Grammy winner, 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 the Belly Up's 50th anniversary with a series of special concerts and events throughout the summer, culminating with the Wallflowers on September 30.
For more information and tickets, visit bellyup.com.
Belly Up Celebrates 50 Years and 50 Shows:
July 3: 80’s Heat w/Bella Lux (50th Anniversary Kick Off Party)
July 11 & 12: WAR
July 13: The Beat Farmers 13th Annual The Beat Farmers Hootenanny
July 14: Alejandro Escovedo
July 16 & 17: Donavon Frankenreiter and John Craige
July 19: Lettuce
July 22: Paul Thorn
July 23: Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore with The Guilty Ones
July 24: Michael Franti & Spearhead
July 26: Ozomatli with Special Guest B-Side Players
July 27: Cracker
July 30: X
August 3: Super Diamond
August 6: Pokey LaFarge
August 7: Shakey Graves
August 10: Tainted Love
August 14: Galactic with Special Guest Karl Denson
August 15: Landon McNamara & Cisco Adler
August 17: The Pine Mountain Logs and Venice
August 22: Charlie Musselwhite with Special Guest Kid Ramos
August 23: Ghostland Observatory
August 28 & 29: Tab Benoit & Anders Osborne
August 30: Pato Banton and Common Sense
August 31: Steel Pulse
September 3: Aaron Frazer
September 5: Black Uhuru
September 14: Beats Antique
September 17: Kishi Bashi
September 19: Kevin Nealon
September: Built To Spill
September 26: Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens
September 27: Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
September 30: The Wallflowers
