Daily Inspiration: Meet Tim Mays

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Mays.

Hi Tim, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a music fan all my life. Started going to concerts in early 70’s. A friend and I decided to put on a punk rock show in 1980 in Los Angeles with Weirdos, The Plugz, Suburban Lawns, and The Penetrators. It was a big success and I got asked to become a partner in a local punk rock club called the Skeleton Club, located downtown SD.
After that closed in May 1980, I started putting on shows at various halls, clubs, auditoriums all over town.

A couple friends and I opened a bar called the Pink Panther in 1986 – a rock’n’roll bar for young people owned by young people.

A few years later, in 1989, we opened the Casbah in a smaller location up the block from our current spot. We outgrew that spot and moved to our current location in early 1994.

We’ve developed relationships with artists/managers that allow us to work with bands that we’ve developed as they grow and play in larger venues.

Along the way, I was also involved with Turf Supper Club (restored and opened it after a 5 year closure in 1998), Krakatoa coffee shop from 2003 – 2023, Riviera Supper Club from 2008 – 2012, Starlite from 2007 – 2023, Vinyl Junkies Record Shack 2017-present, part owner at Soda Bar 2017 – present.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In the early days, dealing with local authorities for permits and just general operating was at times difficult. The local PD weren’t too enamored with punk rock/punk rockers.

There were some years where we had financial struggles just like any business, but we’ve managed to persevere over the long term.

Dealing with employees has at times been difficult as well.

Overall, we have always taken pride in running a smooth, respectful, professional venue.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main efforts are in booking talent for Casbah and many other rooms in San Diego – Soda Bar, Belly Up, Music Box, Observatory, Quartyard, Lou Lou’s, etc.

I like to think that curating bands and musicians is an art form in of itself and thoroughly enjoy the challenges of putting together compelling bills and shows.

I’m proud that Casbah is coming up on our 37th year in January 2026 – I started putting on shows as a hobby so I could see bands that were skipping San Diego.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Many things make me happy – music, films, my wife, food/cooking, our cat and dog, my son, friends and family.

These are the important things in life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://casbahmusic.com
• Instagram: @casbahsandiego