Concerts at Belly Up Tavern 2011-2012

The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach is an institution. Since 1974, this intimate 600-capacity venue has hosted everyone from legends to rising stars. The low ceiling, the close quarters, the killer sound system - it's one of the best small venues in America. Here are some incredible shows I caught there in 2011-2012.

2011: Electronic to Comedy Rock

Neon Indian with Com Truise (2011)

Chillwave at its peak. Neon Indian (Alan Palomo) brought those hazy, nostalgic electronic sounds. "Deadbeat Summer" and "Polish Girl" filled the Belly Up with dreamy synths and lo-fi beats. Com Truise opening with his synth-wave was perfect pairing - both artists mining '80s sounds and making them feel new. Read more.

The Expendables (2011)

Santa Cruz reggae-rock bringing beach vibes to the beach. The Belly Up was packed, and everyone was swaying to their laid-back California sound.

They Might Be Giants with Jonathan Coulton (2011)

This show was pure joy. TMBG's quirky, clever alternative rock - "Birdhouse in Your Soul," "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)," "Particle Man" - with Jonathan Coulton (geek-rock icon known for "Still Alive" and "Code Monkey") opening. Two accordion-wielding nerdy rock acts for the price of one. The crowd was singing along to every word, and the band's energy never flagged. Read more.

2012: Indie and Americana Excellence

Lord Huron (2012)

Caught them at the Casbah in 2012 too, but Lord Huron's folk-rock storytelling and atmospheric production translated beautifully to the Belly Up. Their songs feel cinematic and expansive even in a small room.

Dandy Warhols (2012)

Portland's alt-rock veterans brought their psych-rock swagger. "Bohemian Like You" and "We Used to Be Friends" (Veronica Mars theme!) sounded great, and their laid-back cool filled the room.

Milk Carton Kids (2012)

Before I saw them at the Anthology later that year, I caught them at the Belly Up. Their two-part harmonies and acoustic guitars create beautiful, intimate moments. Watching them in the Belly Up's small space felt like being in someone's living room.

The Punch Brothers (2012)

Chris Thile's progressive bluegrass quintet absolutely destroyed. These are some of the best musicians alive playing mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bass at the highest level. Their classical-influenced, jazz-tinged, rock-adjacent bluegrass pushed the genre in new directions. Watching Thile's fingers fly across the mandolin was jaw-dropping. Read more.

The Belly Up Magic

What makes the Belly Up special is how close you are to the artists. At bigger venues, you're watching a show. At the Belly Up, you're part of it. The energy exchange between artist and audience is immediate and intimate.

The venue has history seeping from the walls - everyone from The Police to Bob Marley to Etta James has played there. The bookers have impeccable taste, consistently bringing interesting, quality acts across all genres.

The Verdict

The Belly Up Tavern represents what makes small venues special. From Neon Indian's hazy electronics to They Might Be Giants' nerdy rock brilliance to The Punch Brothers' progressive bluegrass mastery to the Milk Carton Kids' intimate harmonies - these shows felt personal and special in a way arena shows never can.

If there's a show at the Belly Up, go. You'll be glad you did.