Meet Sundays At Midnight

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sundays At Midnight and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sundays at Midnight, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Without a doubt—fun and friendship are the heartbeat of Sundays at Midnight.

Our story begins in late 2012 at a preschool fundraiser in Mission Hills (yes, really). While the kids were home with babysitters and juice boxes, a few moms—enjoying their own adult juice—realized their husbands all played music. One thing led to another and voilà—we were wrangled into a jam session (in a double-wide trailer, no less). Guitars came out, amps were plugged in, beers were cracked, and the band was born.

The original lineup featured five dads connected through preschool drop-offs and playdates. Later, a grade school buddy and a Little League friend joined in. While our kids were learning their ABCs, we were figuring out how to play “Barracuda” without blowing out a speaker—or a shoulder.

From our first gig at a birthday party at the (now defunct) Tiki Lounge (RIP) in Pacific Beach to opening for the legendary Cheap Trick at the Belly Up Tavern, we’ve kept the same motto: keep it fun, pick good tunes, and keep the dance floor moving.

We’re proud to have played events like the 9/11 Stair Climb at the Hilton Bayfront, and pumped to have been invited to share the stage at the Gambler’s Run Music Festival at the Crystal Bay Casino in Tahoe.

Each of us brings something to the table—musical chops, dad jokes, logistics wizardry—but it’s the laughter, the love of music, and the joy of playing together that fuels us.

We were honored to be nominated for Best Cover Band in the 2024 San Diego Reader’s poll, finishing in 2nd place!

And the name? Well… we used to rehearse until midnight on Sundays. When our first gig rolled around, we looked at the clock and said, “There’s the name.” Only later did we realize the confusion it might cause when the marquee reads:
Sundays at Midnight – Saturday at 8pm. Oy vey!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Back in the day—when music lovers got their fix from cassette tapes or vinyl—there was no greater gesture than making someone a mix tape. It took time, intention, and a bit of technical dexterity: cue up a song, hit play, record, and pause just right. If you were making a mix for someone, it meant you really, really cared.

That’s exactly how we approach our music.

Sundays at Midnight puts that same kind of love, thought, and effort into every set list we create. Because we’re not just playing songs—we’re sharing a soundtrack for a great night with people we truly care about. We really, really love music, and we really, really, really love the people who come out to enjoy it with us.

What sets us apart is the joy we bring—not just to our audience, but to each other. Our superpower is our chemistry on stage. We’re friends first, and that connection shines through every note. The energy we get from each other, and from the crowd, creates a kind of positive vibe vortex—a feedback loop of fun, dancing, and feel-good rock ‘n roll.

We’re also proud of the many ways we’ve been able to give back, performing at fundraisers and community events for local schools and organizations like Grant K-8, St. Vincent’s, Francis Parker, North Park Little League, and many more.

It hasn’t always been easy—juggling families, day jobs, and late-night gigs—but we’ve learned to lean on each other, laugh through the chaos, and never lose sight of the fun.

If there’s one thing we want the world to know, it’s this: we play with heart. Every set is a labor of love. Every gig is a gift. And every show is a chance to turn a room full of strangers into one big, happy, dancing family.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A lazy boat cruise, SUP or kayak on Glorietta Bay, Coronado (where the band has been known to play on a boat from time to time).

A Padres game (if they are in season).

A burger and beer at Fast Times checking out a band (or playing a show ourselves).

Off-roading in the desert and in the pines.

Happy hour enjoying quesadillas, chips, salsa, guacamole and margaritas at La Puerta.

Sharing pies and drinks at Lefty’s Pizza while enjoying the Americana, blue grass, country and folky stylings of musical trio, Whiskey & Burlap.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Infinite gratitude and love to our wives and children—without whom, the band quite literally wouldn’t exist. Their support, patience, and encouragement make it possible for us to do what we love, and we’re endlessly thankful.

To our friends, family, and fellow music lovers—thank you for showing up, dancing hard, and helping us co-create the amazing energy and good vibes that have defined Sundays at Midnight for over a decade. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just discovered us, you’re a part of our story.

A huge thank-you to the venue owners and their teams who keep live music alive in San Diego and beyond. We’re grateful for your hospitality, your sound systems, your stages, and your belief in local bands. Special shoutouts to:

Mike at Fast Times
Deano at Deano’s
Ted and company at Winstons
The crews at Pal Joey’s and Tio Leo’s
Tony and everyone at the Mission Hills Town Council for making Concerts in the Park a blast.
And the team at the Crystal Bay Casino for welcoming us to the Gambler’s Run Music Festival and all of the other headlining opportunities.

Thank you all for being part of our journey. The love, the laughter, the music—it all means more than words can say.

Website: :https://sundaysatmidnight.com/#sundays-midnight

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sundaysatmidnight/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SundaysAtMidnight/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pslJm_5Dt4I&list=RDMMgUZB5KrawL8&index=4

Image Credits
Scrojo
Jen Bull