20th anniversary casbah show.
thursday, january 15th, i hosted the “Casbah 20th anniversary” radio special on KPBS, 89.5.
an amazing experience, here is the opening script from the (two hour) special:
That was John Reis of Rocket from the Crypt at the legendary San Diego venue The Casbah.
I’m Chris Cantore, your host of the Casbah 20th Anniversary Special on KPBS.
Personally, I’ve been going to the Casbah since 1991, the year I turned 21. In fact, I anticipated my 21st birthday, not to (legally) consume adult beverages, but to attend Casbah shows. In the early 90’s, I was blown away by the thriving local scene that included bands such as Drive like Jehu, Rocket from the Crypt, Three Mile Pilot, fluf, Creedle, Fishwife, Inch, and the Rugburns.
How did this intimate, non-corporate club become the heart of the San Diego music scene for over 20 years? And, become a place for national and international acts to showcase? We’re going to find out by talking with the key players, musicians and patrons who have kept the Casbah alive.
One of our guides tonight is the man who started it all, Tim Mays. In 1989, Mays opened the Casbah at its original location on 2812 Kettner Blvd. After 5 years, a larger venue opened up down the street on the corner of Kettner and Laurel. Despite the low flying planes and the apartments above, it became the perfect location to play really loud live music. Sitting here with me in studio is Tim Mays.
And by the way, the Casbah is celebrating it’s anniversary with an amazing line-up of shows throughout the month of January. You can see the schedule online at casbahmusic dot com.
good times.
if you missed the “Casbah 20th anniversary” special, or would like to hear it again, DOWNLOAD PODCAST.
also, the KPBS multimedia department streamed the entire show (with chat) via ustream. here’s the re-broadcast:
big thanks to our guests:
tim mays (casbah owner.)
john reis. (rocket from the crypt/the night marchers.)
stimy (inch.)
mike halloran (fm949 dj/music director.)
tim pyles (local pyle.)
rob crow (pinback.)
steve poltz (the rugburns.)
brian karscig (louis XIV.)
pictured: pyles/halloran/me/crow/poltz.
Lisa Lang
Saturday, 17th January 2009 at 7:23 pm
I lived in San Diego for eight years, and just moved back home to Australia. What I miss most is The Casbah. I spent, on average, at least two or three nights a month there hanging out with friends, and seeing the likes of Transfer, Buckfast Superbee, A Scribe Amidst The Lions, Spell Toronto, The Lemonheads, Life and Times, The Silent Comedy, Prefuse 73….the list goes on and on. It’s such an amazing venue for live music, not just by San Diego standards, but by any standard you care to use.
I know it’s the first place I’ll head to for some quality live music every time I’m in town. Thanks for posting this, Chris. Incidentally, the one and only time I met you (introduced by my mate Shea Stratton)….was at The Casbah
Take care,
-Lisa
lyn
Saturday, 17th January 2009 at 10:54 pm
Chris-
I just got the chance to listen to it today. Much props to you, it was excellent.