The San Diego Music Hall of Fame is set to honor a new class of inductees during its seventh annual ceremony on September 27, 2025. This event, which runs from 18:00 to 22:30 at VISION: A Center for Spiritual Living, promises a celebration of the local music community’s rich history and contributions.
Jefferson Jay, the founder of the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, initiated this platform to create a more serious and reflective event compared to the more festive San Diego Music Awards. “I wanted to do something more serious and more museum-like,” Jay stated in an interview. His vision was to provide a venue for the community to honor its music legends and share its history meaningfully.
Jay, who moved to San Diego in 2000 to pursue a master’s degree in history at San Diego State University, has become a prominent figure in the local music scene. He expressed his desire to support musicians and ensure their contributions are recognized. “From that point, I always wanted to do something to make life a bit more rewarding for musicians,” he said.
The San Diego Music Hall of Fame has become a significant annual event that honors individuals who have made notable contributions to the local music scene. The ceremony aims to preserve and celebrate the musical heritage of San Diego, a city known for its diverse artistic community. “There’s a lot that San Diegans have to be proud about in our musical traditions,” Jay remarked.
Among the key criteria for induction is the recipient’s service to the community. Jay emphasized the importance of recognizing those who have dedicated themselves to enhancing San Diego’s musical landscape. “Almost every musician who is here 20, 30, or 40 years does this,” he noted, indicating that many deserving candidates exist.
This year’s inductees include a mix of musicians, educators, and industry professionals, reflecting the diverse nature of the San Diego music community. The honorees for 2025 are rockabilly artist Rosie Flores, alternative rocker John Reis, jazz performer and 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.
The ceremony also serves as a platform for community voices, with Jay stating that he carefully considers input from various music community members during the vetting process. “We always make sure that our classes reflect our community,” he said, underscoring the organization’s commitment to inclusivity.
Jay envisions expanding the Hall of Fame’s legacy further. He hopes to establish a dedicated venue, the San Diego Museum of Music, where the Hall of Fame can have a permanent home. This initiative aims to provide a space for education and appreciation of music history in San Diego.
The event will take place at VISION: A Center for Spiritual Living, located at 4780 Mission Gorge Pl, Suite H, San Diego, 92120. Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite, ranging from $59.47 to $108.55, depending on seating preferences.
This induction ceremony represents a significant moment for the San Diego music community, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who have contributed to its vibrant legacy. As the event approaches, anticipation builds for a night dedicated to celebrating the musical talents that have shaped the region.
