Soma

Can you hear the echoes of music legends? Here at Soma, the walls pulse with the energy of countless performances. Soma San Diego isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to San Diego’s vibrant music scene. A place where punk rock anthems and alternative melodies collide. Soma stands proudly in the Midway neighborhood, right next to Pechanga Arena. Did you know Soma’s story began in the early 1990s? A man named Len Paul transformed an old slaughterhouse, south of Market Street, into a pulsating dance club. The name? SOMA, short for “South of Market”. The club had a unique feature: “The Dungeon”. This basement area, the original freezer room of the slaughterhouse, became the birthplace of many local San Diego bands. Bands like Rocket from the Crypt, Blink-182, Unwritten Law, Stone Temple Pilots, and Buck-O-Nine honed their skills in “The Dungeon,” building a loyal following before hitting the national stage. Soma relocated in 1994 to a former warehouse near the University of San Diego. The stage hosted iconic bands like Faith No More, Fugazi, Pavement, Radiohead, The Ramones, The Smashing Pumpkins, Marilyn Manson, Weezer, and Oasis. Local bands continued to flourish there as well. However, this chapter closed in 1999. But the story doesn’t end there. In 2002, Len Paul resurrected Soma in its current location. A former multiplex movie theater underwent a transformation, becoming the concert venue we know today. Walls were torn down, creating a vast space for the main stage. The old production offices were converted into dressing rooms, offering bands a unique view of the audience. Soma can now hold up to 2,300 people in the main hall and another 500 in the side stage. On September 22, 2016, Soma made history. For the first time, beer was served at a show by the band Descendents. Lead singer Mikey Carnevale of The Frights had the honor of ordering the first beer. Soma has hosted some unforgettable performances. Switchfoot’s sold-out 2004 show was immortalized in their DVD, “Live in San Diego.” A live radio broadcast of the Dave Matthews Band’s 1995 performance at Soma later became part of their Live Trax series. And in 2018, As I Lay Dying made a triumphant return to the stage after lead singer Tim Lambesis’s release from prison. Their performance resonated with gratitude, both for the opportunity to play again and for the unwavering support of their fans. Soma isn’t just about the big names. It’s a launchpad for emerging artists, a community hub, and a testament to the power of music. So next time you’re at Soma, take a moment to appreciate the echoes of the past and the promise of the future. The music lives on.