San Diego will honor its musical legacy this Saturday with the seventh annual induction ceremony of the San Diego Music Hall of Fame. The event, which takes place from 18:00 to 22:30 at VISION: A Center for Spiritual Living, features a diverse group of inductees who have significantly contributed to the local music scene.
Jefferson Jay, a renowned musician and the founder of the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, established this ceremony in 2018. Inspired by the San Diego Music Awards yet determined to create a distinct event, Jay envisioned a more serious gathering that serves as a tribute rather than a celebration. As he explained to the Times of San Diego, “I wanted to do something more serious and more museum-like.” This annual event provides the San Diego music community an opportunity to reflect on its history and honor its legends.
The ceremony has become a platform for recognizing not just musicians but also educators, journalists, producers, and others who have enriched the local music landscape. This year’s inductees include rockabilly artist Rosie Flores, alternative rocker John Reis, jazz performer/producer Kamau Kenyatta, jazz bassist Bob Magnusson, the all-female ‘80s punk band The Dinettes, music journalist Bart Mendoza, and performer Eulogio “The Soul Man” Fos.
Jay emphasized that the selection process is thorough, often taking months as he consults with various members of the music community. He noted, “We always make sure that our classes reflect our community,” highlighting the importance of diversity in the inductee selection. The Hall of Fame aims to represent the rich tapestry of influences and backgrounds present in San Diego.
One of the key criteria for induction is a demonstrated dedication to the community. “First and foremost, you need to have given of yourself in a large way to make San Diego music better,” Jay stated. This commitment extends beyond individual achievements, as many inductees have contributed to uplifting fellow musicians and the broader artistic community.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the ceremony in 2020, the Hall of Fame has continued to thrive. Jay envisions further growth for the event, aspiring to establish a permanent home for the San Diego Music Hall of Fame within a future San Diego Museum of Music. This initiative aims to serve as an educational resource for aspiring musicians and a celebration of the city’s musical heritage.
Tickets for the induction ceremony range from $59.47 to $108.55, depending on seating preferences, and are available through Eventbrite. The ceremony begins at 19:00 and promises to be an evening of reflection, recognition, and celebration for the San Diego music community.
As this event approaches, the anticipation builds for a night dedicated to honoring those who have made significant contributions to the vibrant and diverse soundscape of San Diego.