All Along the Avenue

Wowsa! Adams Avenue was jam-packed with stage after stage of phenomenal talent during this year’s annual Adams Avenue Street Festival, held in late September. But what about all the great music going on in the clubs that line Adams Avenue from end to end? And what about a bit of info about the clubs themselves?

A recent small sampling (don’t judge me, I was wearing heels!) started with a dip in at the Ould Sod, a landmark venue and an Irish cultural touchstone. Within spitting distance and on the same side of the street, we found the Rabbit Hole and the Sycamore Den. A quick toddle across the street led me to Rosie O’Grady’s before my liver called a halt to the night’s “research.”

As always, this column serves up vital info from someone who knows, including how to contact bookers or the club, do they own a sound system (or not), and what kinds of music bookers are looking for.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, get booked, and kick up some noise!

THE OULD SOD

The Ould Sod.

Located in the heart of one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Normal Heights, the Ould Sod has the authentic feel of a local pub that you would find anywhere in the Emerald Isle. The bar itself is actually the third oldest licensed establishment in San Diego, first opening its doors to patrons away back in 1940 as Ryan’s Bar. In 1943, it became the Elbo Club, and so it remained for 46 years. Then on New Year’s Eve, in 1989, it was transformed into The Ould Sod by current proprietors and lovers of all things Irish: Tommy Quinn, Ron Stout, and Mick Ward.

The stereotype of a bar is a place where people just go to drink, but a quick glance at what the Ould Sod is all about for almost 20 years certainly paints a much different picture—with a tiny stage upfront and a larger one in the back garden room. Bonus points if you glimpse the beauteous and talented San Diego Music Award-winner Sara Petite either performing, just back from Nashville, or taking a turn behind the bar.

Address: 3373 Adams Avenue, San Diego.
Sound system: Yes
Preferred music: Monday night singer/songwriters circle called Writers’ Round and occasional special performances (check the schedule).
Website: the ouldsod.com
Phone: (619) 284-6594

THE RABBIT HOLE

The Rabbit Hole

Known for their upscale pub food and trendy setting, the Rabbit Hole features a raised stage in the open-walled main room, a rock wall and an open-air game area in the back (Open? Open? Open?) The crowd is there to party, so bring your best beats! BTW, check out the awesome Ahi Poke Nachos or the gut-busting Abnormal Tot-Chos (Looking at you, Craig Fischer. I double dog dare you!)

Address: 3377 Adams Ave., San Diego
Sound system: Dedicated sound system/soundman: I believe so but call for info.
Music: Up and coming bands
Website: Rabbitholesd.com
Phone: (619) 255-4653
Pay: Yes

SYCAMORE DEN

Sycamore Den

An easily over-looked Adams Avenue treasure, the Sycamore Den features music every Thursday, plus monthly special events (Body Language, a burlesque show hosted by Ginger N Whiskey every last Thursday of the month, with more live entertainment after!).

An intimate rock and wood-clad venue with luscious copper leather-lined communal booths and a stage up front, close to the street, the Sycamore Den had me from my first eyeful of instrument (fiddles, banjos, guitars) draped walls and the occasional shotgun (don’t ask). My favorite type of hole in the wall! Especially for a one-band act or duet tops.

Address: 3391 Adams Ave., San Diego
Music: Thursdays
Website: sycamoreden.com
Email: contact@sycamoreden.com
Phone: (858) 598-4118
Pay: Yes

ROSIE O’GRADY’S

Rosie O’Grady’s

Established in 1983, Rosie O’Grady’s is a local go-to watering hole in Normal Heights, one of San Diego’s most historic neighborhoods. Although not as bright and shiny as some of its wine bar or craft beer neighbors, Rosie’s offers a warm welcome to new bands. You’ll need to bring your own sound system to this gig, but the Irish hospitality will tide you over the bumps. Mind you, parking is at a premium in this neighborhood so be warned.

Address: 3402 Adams Ave., San Diego
Music: Random
Email: rosieogrady’slive@gmail or bigjon@socialsyndicate.comn
Phone: (619) 284-7666
Pay: Yes