Jason Mraz & Rob Machado - A Benefit Concert That Only “Works” in San Diego

Two nights back, my wife, Luisa, and I attended yet another concert.  But, this one was quintessential San Diego -- and only could have “worked” in San Diego.  LA could try, but would fail.  New York?  No way.  Luisa and I said that over and over again as we watched the show with hundreds of others, most of whom had strapped on their flip-flops, perhaps the most San Diego of fashion accessories.

The event?  The Rob Machado 2nd Annual Benefit Concert -- a “cause” that is ocean/water-focused.  A cause that is simply ingrained in the San Diego surf culture.  Machado, in fact, is a surfing legend.

The headliner?  Jason Mraz.  A local San Diego boy.  We stumbled into him as we walked into the venue -- and Luisa gave him a hug.  That’s the San Diego spirit/vibe -- and what San Diego is all about.  No pretension whatsoever.  (The photo shows Jason on the far right in the red beanie -- another staple of San Diego fashion -- and Rob Machado to his left, of course grasping a surf board).

The venue?  The famous Belly Up.  Classic San Diego bar.  A “must play” 600-person venue for rock and roll and reggae.  Many of the “greats” have played here.  Check it out.  For any music lover, this is a place you must experience.  We joined friends Steve and Georgia Goldberg, fellow Minnesotans who also escaped down to San Diego and who own the Belly Up -- as well as the Belly Up in Aspen, as well as the Pacific Coast Grill on the Ocean up the 101 in Cardiff (one of the few “on the ocean” restaurants worth checking out when you head down this way ... wearing your flip-flops of course).