The Harp in OB Has Become a Gathering Point for Artists and Musicians

by Niko Padilla / The Daily Aztec /  January 29, 2026

Along Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach lies The Harp, where you can often hear live music before you even see the bar, as the sounds of funk, rock and reggae music fill the street with life.

As the OB Farmers’ Market takes place over the street on Wednesday nights, you can often see a crowd gathered at the window, listening to the music, as customers, friends, family and sports fans have a drink and play a game of pool inside. These nights offer special opportunities for connection. They are more than just people coming together for a drink, but a unity between the music and the listener.

The Harp is owned by Miles Doughty, lead singer of Slightly Stoopid, Jeremy Diem, CEO of Hodad’s and long-time friends Tyson Green and Steve Ashton, who are familiar faces behind the bars in Ocean Beach. The four friends have taken over the legacy of this longtime local spot for just over a year, as they continue to improve upon what it once was.

“What we’re cooking up over here is something to be enjoyed for years to come,” said co-owner Green. “A quality music venue that people can come, hang out with their homies, and enjoy some intimate music.”

SDSU senior Savannah Hampton plays pool on a crowded Wednesday night at The Harp (Niko Padilla)
With their newly renovated stage and bar acoustics, they have made it the perfect venue for intimate music and small shows. With Doughty bringing in his experience in the music scene, it opened the door for more live music opportunities.

The house band Clockwork plays every Wednesday night, opening up the stage for other musicians to join their live jam session later in the evening. Due to the popularity of the OB Farmers’ Market, there’s always a consistent crowd getting drawn in, which brings in artists from all over waiting for a chance to hop in.

“I’ve played in breweries where no one claps – you’re background music. Here at the Harp, people are into it; you feel that energy back,” said Dale Randall, bass player and San Diego State University alum.

Energy is important at the Harp, as keeping a friendly, laid-back environment is a priority for the owners and the customers alike.

“You’ll see veteran players mixing with college kids, and now even musicians from Tijuana are coming out,” said John Martinez, drummer of Clockwork and host of the jam session.

“If you’re not a musician, if you are a musician, or if you’re trying to get into music, it’s a great place to network,” said Randall. “I’ve gotten gigs here just from people seeing me play.”

Randall is frequently in the band’s mix as Martinez hand-picks different artists who ask to play, curating the best blend of band members to maintain the integrity of the music.

“When musicians speak the same language, you can communicate without saying a word,” said Martinez. Both Randall and Martinez emphasized the importance of band chemistry, as it’s crucial for the musicians to play well together during fully improvised sets.

Apart from the Clockwork jams, The Harp also puts on shows over the weekends, which are updated regularly on their events page or on their social media. The venue also gives back through fundraiser shows, such as their December reggae event which raised money for Jamaican hurricane relief.

“Sunday was one of the highlights of my year, Stick Figure, Pepper, Miles, all my heroes right in front of me,” said Lyle Parthemer, OB local and Harp regular.

Although Parthemer doesn’t drink, he still comes in to listen to the live music, play a couple of games of pool, and hang out with his buddies. For members of the OB community, just having a place to come to that feels like home is important.

“I grew up in Ocean Beach. My brother went to OB Elementary with Kyle and Miles from Slightly Stoopid,” said Parthemer, as many other regulars share similar stories of growing up with the owners or community members who often come or are playing at The Harp.

“We’ve all grown old with each other,” said Danny Clark, Harp regular and close friend of the owners. “Everyone takes care of everyone down here.”

The Harp is at the core of Ocean Beach, the people, the drinks, the vibes and the music.