The San Diego Music Hall of Fame will honor its new class of inductees on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 18:00 to 22:30 at VISION: A Center for Spiritual Living in San Diego. This event marks the seventh annual induction ceremony, celebrating individuals and groups that have significantly impacted the local music scene.
Jefferson Jay, the founder of the San Diego Music Hall of Fame, established the organization in 2018 with the intent of offering a more solemn tribute to the city’s musical heritage. Drawing inspiration from the San Diego Music Awards, Jay aimed to create a ceremony that diverges from the festive atmosphere of award shows. “I wanted to do something more serious and more museum-like,” he explained in an interview with the Times of San Diego.
The Hall of Fame ceremony serves as a platform for the San Diego music community to unite in honoring its legends and sharing its rich history. Jay emphasized that this annual event is a meaningful occasion for both inductees and audience members. “It’s a pretty serious way to preserve our musical history,” he stated, highlighting the pride San Diegans should feel about their musical traditions.
Over the years, the Hall of Fame has recognized not only musicians but also educators, journalists, producers, and instrument makers. The selection process for inductees can take several months, as Jay consults with members of the local music community to determine who deserves recognition. “We always make sure that our classes reflect our community,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of diversity in the selection process.
This year’s inductees include 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. Each of these individuals has made substantial contributions to the San Diego music landscape.
Jay highlighted that a key criterion for induction is the individual’s service to the community. “First and foremost, you need to have given of yourself in a large way to make San Diego music better,” he stated. Many inductees have dedicated decades to enhancing the local music scene, and Jay believes there are countless deserving candidates yet to be honored.
The event is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a vision for the future. Jay envisions expanding the San Diego Music Hall of Fame into a dedicated San Diego Museum of Music, which would provide a permanent home for the Hall of Fame and offer local youth a space to learn about music and its history.
Tickets for the event are priced between $59.47 and $108.55, depending on seating preference, and can be purchased through Eventbrite.com. As the San Diego Music Hall of Fame prepares for another year of celebration, its mission to honor and preserve the region’s musical legacy remains at the forefront.
This year’s induction ceremony is set to commence at 19:00, and it promises to be a memorable evening for all involved.
