Jam Bands in Southern California

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Friday 24 October

Get ready to groove and pay tribute to the Grateful Dead in your spookiest Halloween costumes at our epic costume party!

Hilltop Tavern and Inn,9544 Kiowa Road
Apple Valley,CA92308United States
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Friday 24 October

Acclaimed guitarist Jason Sinay celebrates his new double album “The Mountain” with a full band performance featuring special guests Grand Mercy. Join this benefit concert for The Midnight Mission, showcasing[…]

The Mint,6010 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles,CA90035United States
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Friday 24 October

PINK TALKING FISH: WISH YOU WERE HERE 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR This Spring, Pink Talking Fish will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the incredible Pink Floyd album, WISH YOU WERE[…]

Belly Up,143 South Cedros Avenue
Solana Beach,CA92075United States
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Saturday 25 October

Electric Waste Band plays every last Saturday of the month at Aquarius from 6-9pm. Live music all day, cover is $5 before 5pm.

Aquarius Bar and Grille,1548 Quivira Way #5
San Diego,CA92109United States
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Saturday 25 October

Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the[…]

Lodge Room,104 North Avenue 56
Los Angeles,CA90042United States
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Saturday 25 October

Cubensis, renowned for their authentic tribute to the Grateful Dead experience, welcomes talented vocalist Emerson Rose as a special guest during their performance at The Coach House. The collaboration brings[…]

The Station,26701 Verdugo Street, Suite B
San Juan Capistrano,CA92675United States
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Sunday 26 October

Every Sunday at Aquarius catch Fish and the Seaweeds for two sets of Grateful Dead tunes, with another band TBA bringing on sunset. Five Dollars after 4:20…

Aquarius Bar and Grille,1548 Quivira Way #5
San Diego,CA92109United States
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Sunday 26 October

Every Sunday at StillWater, right next to Dana Point Music

StillWater Spirits & Sounds,24701 Del Prado Ave
Dana Point,CA92629United States
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Sunday 26 October

Pink Talking Fish is a Hybrid Tribute Fusion Act that takes the music from three of the world’s most beloved bands and creates a special treat for fans of the[…]

SLO Brew Rock,855 Aerovista Place
San Luis Obispo,CA93401United States
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Tuesday 28 October

The Brig Band is an L.A. jam band that has been playing Live since 2002 Aptly named after a Venice CA bar, the Brig Band was formed in 2002 by[…]

The Brig,1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice,CA90291United States
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Wednesday 29 October

Japanese psych pioneer Shintaro Sakamoto kicks off a brief West Coast run at the Fonda in Los Angeles this October, before heading down to the Observatory in San Diego, then[…]

Observatory North Park,2891 University Ave
San Diego,CA92104United States
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Friday 31 October

Experience the ultimate Halloween party at our Top of the Harbor Ballroom with panoramic beach views, live music, and costume fun. Featuring Rey Fresco, Anora, Katie Skene Band, and more!

Crowne Plaza Hotel,450 East Harbor Boulevard
Ventura,CA93001United States
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The jam band scene in Southern California has flourished over the years, creating a vibrant community of musicians and fans dedicated to improvisational music. From San Diego to Los Angeles, venues like the Troubadour, Teragram Ballroom, the Greek Theatre, and The Wiltern have become hotspots for extended musical journeys and communal experiences.

Local bands such as Particle, The Higgs, and Cubensis have developed loyal followings, while national touring acts like Phish, Widespread Panic, and String Cheese Incident make regular stops in the region, often selling out multiple nights at larger venues.

The scene is also supported by several annual festivals including Lightning in a Bottle and Same Same But Different, which showcase jam bands alongside electronic and world music artists. These events have helped cultivate a cross-pollination of musical styles unique to Southern California’s diverse cultural landscape.

What distinguishes the SoCal jam scene from others around the country is its fusion with surf culture, Latin influences, and psychedelic rock traditions that date back to the Grateful Dead‘s legendary shows at venues like Ventura County Fairgrounds and Irvine Meadows.

Past So Cal Jam Band Shows: