San Diego is fortunate to have many excellent music venues within it’s boundaries, but none can touch the legendary status of The Casbah. A rare mix of revered concert spot and neighborhood bar, the club, originally located at 2812 Kettner Blvd., was established in 1989, moving to its current location at 2501 Kettner Blvd. in 1994. The Casbah has hosted a legion of incredible performers, from Nirvana to The Cult, The Plimsouls to Social Distortion. However, where the venue has made its biggest impact is in nurturing the local music scene. Thousands of local artists have performed there, with many, if not most, of the towns most successful acts of the past 20 years being regulars. This January the venue celebrates its 21st anniversary with a month-long series of shows mixing up-and-coming rockers with reunion performances from some of the past two decades’ best loved local performers. More than 75 acts will take the stage during January including such notables as The Nervous Wreckords (Jan. 9) and Transfer (Jan. 29). Meanwhile, reunited combos will include ’90s era rockers Creedle (Jan. 16) and The Dragons (Jan. 23) as well as ’80s vintage country-rockers the Town Criers (Jan. 30). The key to the club’s success is its owner Tim Mays. In addition to outside promotion of up to 40 concerts a year, along with various business partners, Mays is also involved with Starlite Dining & Cocktails in Mission Hills, Krakatoa coffeehouse in Golden Hill and the Riviera Supper Club in La Mesa. Even with so much on his plate, The Casbah remains a priority, though his schedule doesn’t permit him to be at the club nearly every night, as he used to be. “Things can be a little time consuming,” Mays said. “But at the Casbah, I have a wonderful staff. Over the years, I’ve been able to hire more people to help with booking and help with promotion and delegate. I used to do it all myself.” He takes pride in noting that “about ¾ of the people have been there at least 15 years.” He cites shows by Jesus Lizard and Rocket from the Crypt as among his favorites over the decades, but notes it’s hard to pick. “There has just been so much great music that’s taken place here, but I consider any night where the energy is high and the band‘s interaction with the audience is good, to be special,” he said. Case in point are two recent shows by El Vez and Gary Shuffler. “I’ve seen both more times than I can count, but they always put on such great shows,” Mays said. “In a packed club, with so many friendly faces, it’s a wonderful experience and always memorable.” Ironically, he missed what is arguably the most famous show to take place there, Nirvana, in 1990. Matt Molarius of indie rock group Transfer first hit the Casbah’s stage in 2000. For him it’s the caliber of the performers who regularly perform at the club that make it so special. “I think The Casbah’s success can probably be attributed to quality control,” he said. “Tim’s always done such a great job booking the acts. It’s rare to see the owner of a venue book most, if not all, of the acts. I think he’s just a big fan of good music and enjoys it. I’m sure it’s like any other business where building solid relationships over the years and creating a good atmosphere in general goes pretty far.” “I think the reason the Casbah is so successful is that they treat the bands fairly, and the bands love to play there because of that,” said Creedle bassist Tim Blankenship. He first played the club in 1989, with his band at the time, The Pulltoys. “You get the feeling of family when you walk into the place, due to the whole lifetime employee thing they have going on,” he mused. “You’re always going to run into familiar faces there, no matter how old you get.” After more than two decades of music at The Casbah, Mays is still as enthusiastic as ever about the venue, with shows booked up to six months in advance. “Yes, when I think about it, it is kind of amazing that we’re still here all these years later,” he laughed. “But music is still something that’s really important to me, whether I’m listening in my car, playing with the I-Pod, or seeing a good new band,” he said. “I love it.”