The Casbah, Soda Bar have closed due to coronavirus concerns
Both live music venues will stop operations indefinitely.
On Sunday afternoon, the Casbah in midtown and Soda Bar in Normal Heights both announced the live music venues have shut their doors for the time being.
“We want to help bring about a quick end to the pandemic and keep our employees, artists and patrons safe and healthy. We look forward to rocking again as soon as it is safe to do so,” Casbah co-owner Tim Mays said in a statement.
He added that in an effort to help the venue’s employees negatively impacted by the closure, The Casbah will run an online merchandise sale, with all proceeds benefiting the workers.
Shows that were scheduled to take place include The Mattson 2, Algiers, Baby Bushka and Mighty Oakes.
In an email to The San Diego Union-Tribune, Soda Bar’s co-owner, Cory Stier, said the venue will remain closed until told it is safe to resume operations.
“With that said, we’re all in this crazy thing together. So many of us are facing real struggles in the days ahead,” Stier said in a statement, adding that Soda Bar will also be donating merchandise proceeds to staff members who are out of work. “If you’re able to help we’d love you for it. If not, we love you all the same.”
Donations to Soda Bar (without merchandise) will also be accepted via Paypal to cory@sodabarpresents.com.
Check the Casbah and Soda Bar’s websites for information about upcoming event cancellations or postponements.
Updates
7:31 p.m. March 17, 2020: This article has been updated to include information received in a statement from Soda Bar, sent on Friday afternoon.
Sign up for the Pacific Insider newsletter
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Pacific San Diego.
