Belly Up vs. House of Blues?

"They need to understand they can't make a living on what the Belly Up did," says Belly Up Tavern talent buyer Jeff Gaulton.

What the House of Blues did was snag Neil Diamond tribute band Super Diamond. This Bay Area group has delivered sold-out crowds to the Belly Up for seven years. The Belly Up responded to the House of Blues' talent siphon by bringing in Hot August Night, a new Neil Diamond band from L.A. Hot August Night made its debut at the North County venue last Friday.

Gaulton says he would welcome Super Diamond should they wish to return. Super Diamond agent Daniel Swan says that House of Blues did not forbid his band from returning to the Belly Up.

Could there be an oversaturation of bands that emulate Diamond? Swan didn't want to comment. Gaulton sees no problem; the Gaslamp Quarter and North County are separate markets. Gaulton notes that longtime Belly Up reggae artist Don Carlos played the House of Blues on May 27 and "...he will be back to play for us in August."