Epicentre

The epicentre sounded like playing inside a tin box and the staff was awful
Thank God it closed

I’ve only been here once and the venue was decent.
There is zero security so you get more involved with the bands. I liked the venue just kinda weird it’s a teen center in the day

So, I’m just going to say that it’s unfair that this place gets so much hate from all these snobs who expect something worthy of an opera-​like experience.
Listen, this place was a library converted into a small intimate venue for lower-​scale acts for no-​frill shows, and to expect it to be something else is really asking for much.
Yes, this place isn’t as state-​of-​the-​art as other venues. Yes, it’s a shame that they don’t serve alcohol. Yes, we’re aware that they don’t have a more sophisticated way to take tickets for entry. Yes, it sucks that there’s no re-​entry if you happen to need to take a phone call outside. Yes, the parking is a bit ambiguous (but it’s lenient if you happen to park in the lot by the IHOP).
And yes, I was also surprised to witness how this place housed a concert from the one and only Postmodern Jukebox.
It really speaks to the current state of live music venues available in San Diego, which, frankly, is lacking. I could totally understand that this was the only venue available at the time. Why would they choose this place over elsewhere like, for examples, the Civic Theatre or HOB (where they ended up having their 2^nd SD show)? There are multiple reasons why certain touring acts hesitate venturing south past the San Onofre breasts and simply force San Diego fans to drive up to OC or LA to see them perform. Just accept it like so many already have, and be grateful that San Diego even gets these kinds of shows at all. But hey, we all still have to be objective about it, right?
To your credit, the place really isn’t that impressive, and I’m a bit surprised this place still exists, for one reason or another, for better or for worse. When I found out the show I wanted to see was to take place here, I did initially react with «Awww of all places, why there!!!» For those who didn’t prepare themselves, a slow clap for your discovery upon arrival.
Smell it, smell it, smell it, now take it. That’s for you.

I’ve seen some really good shows here. The venue fits a good amount of people. The sound quality is pretty good. It’s a really fun place to see a show. People jumping off the stage and hanging off the rafters. Super cool.

Would have given 0 stars, if available. Saw «Scott Bradlee» there last weekend. We were there at 6.15 in line to get in (concert was supposed to start at 7, according to the tickets from Epicentre). Only good thing is, that we went straight to the stage and sood in the 2^nd row, when we got in at 7. But then we stood there (just standing room) an hour with nothing happening. I feel sorry for the band, because they set 8pm as their start time, but Epicentre messed that up. The concert started about 8.15 with some dance number (not impressed) and the band at 8.30. And that was the good thing! We could see everything standing right in front of the stage (sorry for the guys in the back, who could have stayed home listening to a CD) and the show was so great! So 5 stars for the band. But the staff at Epicentre, the venue (filthy!) and the sound technique were beyond bad! Epicentre: You should pay the band out of your own pocket and give people the money back!!!

Terrible place for a concert. Dark, crowded, can’t see, terrible acoustics, ran out of water to drink, bathrooms filthy with no TP. Had to stand for 90 minutes before band started. Never again!

You have to be a real fan of any band playing at this crappy venue. If you get there early enough to get a spot close to the stage, you have a good chance to see them. The place is like an inferno with no ventilation and the staff are a bunch of young a-​holes.

Wow. I don’t even know where to begin. This is a HORRIBLE venue for anyone over the age of 15. We bought tickets for Postmodern Jukebox over a month ago and were VERY excited to see them perform. I tried to find out online what the venue was like in terms of seating and/​or standing and couldn’t find anything. Since PMJ is a retro style band, my friend and I decided to get gussied up retro style, complete with heels. The ticket said the concert was at 7pm. We arrived at 6:35 to a line outside the door that we had to wait 25 min til 7pm for the doors to even open. Once we were in, it was basically just a huge room with a stage at one end and maybe 5 chairs total. We all had to pack in toward the stage and it was very hot and stuffy and they had no air on nor were any of the fans on. After waiting another 25 min inside the venue having no idea when the performance would actually start, our feet were dying and we were drenched in sweat, so we decided to leave. On my way out the door I used the restroom and 2 stalls had no TP, and the other 2 had very little. Also, the soap dispenser was empty. This venue was just not the right venue for this type of band that attracts the older AND younger crowds.

Probably the worst concert I’ve ever been to. Band was great. No complaints. Staff here is the worst. No Re-​entry. Even though everybody is in suits and the air isn’t on. This was not a teeny bopper concert, average age was 40 tonight. Oh wait, lets fill 500 people here and only have 2 cases of water, no other drinks and only take cash, smart thinking. Standing room only. What is this, a teen hall, oh yes that’s right, it is. Never again. Stay away.

I would give this venue less stars if Unilocal would let me.
It’s a rec center and the stage is seemingly only inches off the floor since you can’t see a blasted thing unless you’re a giraffe or bring a ladder. It gets sauna hot and though there are fans hanging off the rafters don’t count on them getting turned on to cool the room. That would be asking a lot.
We just left the show which we didn’t get to see because the band hadn’t started yet, nearly two hours after planned start time. Tickets said the show would start at 7 and there was a five minute dance act that finally came on at 8:25. After that was over and we realized we wouldn’t be able to see whatever show eventually might happen, we finally gave up and left. On our way out, someone mentioned the band might go on at 9. So the venue stinks and the band didn’t care too much for it either, apparently.

This place is as bad as soma.
The only pros are probably the parking and price of shows.
— Venue is extremely small.
— The view sucks as well, especially when it gets crowded.
— Sounds sucks
— Staff doesn’t seem organized
— If you purchase tickets day of, you’re purchasing it at a foldable table placed at the front door
— Security doesn’t seem like anything either. It’s like they’re just there.
— It’s like a damn sauna when the venue does get super crowded
— Bunch of teenagers who seem like they’ve never been to a show before fill this place

My girlfriend purchased tickets for a pretty killer lineup as a V-​Day gift for this venue since the LA show had just sold out.
Touché Amore, Mewithoutyou and Seahaven.
They opened the doors nearly 45 minutes late which sucked, but the show was great and drew an interesting crowd. There were some bearded dudes in the mix on LSD doing some voodoo robot moves and such for the Mewithoutyou set. Lots of bug-​eyed, coked out teens running around as well… so we had fun people watching.
As far as the venue, probably the only positive thing I can mention is the parking. It’s shared with a huge market lot so spaces were abundant.
The negatives? Pretty much like the others say:
–Hot as piss at prime time and no AC/​poor ventilation.
–Acoustics were pretty bad.
–High School style snack bar (airheads, Gatorade, chips… dafuq?)
–NO BEER.
–Tiny patio in case you want to step out and breathe some smoke.
–Mini police station next door/​same building… thought that was funny.
Protip: Do your drinking/​smoking beforehand in the parking lot or sneak in concealed drinks in your lady friends purse as they don’t pat you down.

Terrible sound system and staff! Scott is seriously the worst booking agent known to man. They change lineup without telling anyone, they make you sell 3 848 583 presale to play their sh – hole of a stage. Don’t have your band play here. And unless its a band you love with all your heart, avoid it and its staff.

Great place to see a local show. The venue its self if quite awesome! I enjoyed coming here. I brought my 5 and 7 year old boys and we all had a blast! The snack bar rocks! The restrooms were cool. The over all experience was pretty darn good! Thanks Epicenter!
Sincerely,
Cinna

The best thing about Epicentre is it is all ages so they have an 11:00 p.m. curfew — this means I can go to shows on weeknights and still be in bed in time to get up for work the next day!
The worst thing is it is so so so hot inside, and they don’t have ins and outs. There is a tiny outdoor area where people can smoke, so if you want to get some fresh air so you don’t die of heat exhaustion, you have to actually get some fresh cigarette air. Either get some fans and A/​C, or allow ins and outs. It’s unhealthy.
Of course, the non-​all ages venues in San Diego are way better if you’re an adult (unless the show is on a weekday and then it won’t even start until like 10:00 p.m., and you’re screwed for the next work day!). Still, I’d take Epicentre over Che Café all day every day.

Crap sound system. Crap security. crap acoustics. Crap view. They won’t leave doors open, turn on the ac or the fans they have when it’s well over 90 degrees inside and a sold out show. Wont let you re-​enter Like, come on guys. The only place that’s outside is a tiny 5×15 patio that’s pure cigarette smoke. Awesome. I avoid this place whenever possible.

I usually go here a couple times a year for work trainings because the organization I work for rents it out. It looks like they host lots of shows and events. They have a big bar top, a few booths on the side, a few sofas, and a stage. It gives off a chill and relaxed vibe. Would be cool for poetry nights :)

What is this that I see?
People’s sweat all over me
In a room thats pretty small
Since its a new band and all
Musics bumpin, Crowd is lumpin
A hand is out from the band
Girls are screaming «thats my man!»
Push to the front
Push to the front
Jumping Jumping, Song is pumpin
Hair is flying up and down
Smacking you into a frown
Smiles and yelling, «i know this song!»
While singing the lyrics completely wrong
I cant move, I can’t see
Damn you tall people in front of me
Maybe I’ll see above your shoulder
Or after i throw this F-​ing boulder
The band ends with their best song
Finishing with the crowd hyped up and strong
Despite all the sweat and the mess
You realize that tonight was a big success.
…Yea I was bored… But its as i say, small venue, small or new bands, can be real fun if you like the band playing. Parking lot is small since the venue is small, but you can always park close by. I mainly went here when i was younger.

This all-​ages music venue was my sanctuary during my formative years in high school. I have fond memories of seeing some of my favorite local San Diego bands perform here in addition to more mainstream headliners like Maroon 5. Good times!
Favorite Past Shows: Phantom Planet, Kara’s Flowers (now Maroon 5), Rooney, The Locust, Hot Hot Heat, The Album Leaf, Jason Mraz, Rilo Kiley, Everybody Else and Goodnight Caulfield.
(+): Ticket prices are consistently reasonable ($ 7-​$ 10 Advanced/​$ 9-​$ 12 Door). Places to sit when you get tired of standing/​dancing/​moshing. Snacks and water available for purchase. Clean bathrooms. Parking spaces aplenty.
(-): Acoustics are so-​so. Space is cramped (especially if it’s a packed show). Rude kids who prefer to chat with their friends rather than pay attention to the band currently playing. Why are you here? Either rock out or go home!
The last time I saw a band perform on the Epicentre stage was back in December 2009. My boyfriend and I caught the tail end of Electric Valentine’s set. It was fun to introduce him to a place that meant so much to me back in the day.

This is by far one of the worse venues that I have been too. This small tiny little venue could even hold all the dead people that froze from the Titanic.
I came here for a concert and it was so tiny. The parking lot is horrible and outrageously small. When watching the show, people were so crammed together that I began to feel the hot hot heat of the people next to me. It wasn’t until about half way into the show (around 8 something) the people finally turned on some air conditioning to there was some kind of air flow in the venue.
honestly, this place really sucked. The ceiling is low, It’s to tightly packed that I would rather drive down to the PB area and go to SOMA.