I had graduated college, my relationship was on the rocks, and I was looking for a new apartment. I wasn't even aware of Kensington as a neighborhood until my friend Tina told me she had found a dive bar that I would totally love. She was right, and I was lucky enough to find a spot right on Adams Avenue, just a block away from that bar. Over the years, the Kensington Club -- aka the Ken Club -- was my spot. Feeling bored? Walk to the Ken. Need to vent to a friend? Ken Club. Want to book some bands and need a space? Ken Club was there for that, too. I'd play pool, play the jukebox, catch a show, hang out with friends, have a nightcap after work, watch the game on Sunday. Even after I moved away and my life changed drastically, I still pop in on a Tuesday or Thursday to chat with Devlin and have a stiff cocktail. The bar has been around for a stunning 80 years, so I'm not the only one over the years to make it a haven. While craft beer and mixologists became the norm and other venues became more desirable for shows, in my heart, there's no place like the Ken Club. There's no place like home. Celebrate tonight with the Widows, Shark Blood and more.
Friday, July 24:
- Ken Club 80 Year Anniversary Party Part 1, featuring the Widows, Shark Blood, Christ Killer, Wang Dang Daddies @ Ken Club
- The Wailers @ Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
- Joseph Arthur, Grampa Drew & the Gut Strings, C. Gibbs @ Casbah
- Willie Nelson & Family, Emi Sunshine @ Harrah's Resort Southern California
- Eukaryst, Ashen Earth, Sentinel, Calamitous Intent @ Soda Bar
- '80s vs. '90s, with DJs Vaughn Avakian and Heather Hardcore @ Bar Pink
- Taurus Authority, Parker & the Numberman, iD the Poet, Emphasize, Ceezo, DJ Tramlife @ The Merrow
- Katchafire, Nattali Rize & Notis @ Belly Up
- Atomic Groove @ Belly Up (5 p.m.)
- Sultan + Shepard @ Omnia
- Downs Family, Screamin Yeehaws @ The Balboa
- Bongripper, Goya, -(16)- @ Brick By Brick
- Big Head Todd & the Monsters, G. Love & Special Sauce @ Humphreys By the Bay
- Tribe of Kings presents the Wheel Up @ The Hideout
- Jesse Macht, Amanda Lamb, My Fair Friend @ Lestat's
- Sven Erik Seaholm & His Sexy Outfit (CD release) @ Java Joe's
- Breakthru Entertainment @ House of Blues
- Hamish Anderson @ House of Blues' Voodoo Room
- Captain Algebra (WA), Fake Tides, Beach Goons, Bad Kid @ The Bancroft
- DJ Bodyrawk @ U-31
- Charlie Arbelaez @ Croce's Park West
- Rising Star @ Humphrey's Backstage Live
- Gentlemen Prefer Blood @ Tower Bar
- Zach Deputy, the Mark Sexton Band @ Winston's (9:30 p.m.)
- Sleepwalking- Lowrider Oldies and Old School Funk Dance Party @ Til-Two Club
- The Beat Kitchen with Charlie Rock & Ostin @ El Dorado
- DeeJay Al @ Fluxx
- Pleazure @ Tio Leo's
- DJ Vice @ Bassmnt
- Junior theDISCOpunk @ Henry's Pub
- Miami Horror @ Bang Bang
- OM Unit @ Kava Lounge
- Party Wave @ Gallagher's Irish Pub
- Club Musae @ Boar Cross'n
- Tristan Luhrs @ 710 Beach Club (5 p.m.)
- Superunloader @ 710 Beach Club (9 p.m.)
- Behrouz, Halo Varga, John Kaberna, Loui Vanhard, Michi Mynx @ Spin
- Stephen Pearcy (Ratt) @ Sycuan Casino
- Caliber @ V Lounge, Viejas Casino
Rosemary Bystrak is the publicist for the Casbah and writes about the San Diego music scene, events and general musings about life in San Diego on San Diego: Dialed In. Follow her updates on Twitter or contact her directly.
