Hilltop Center – 1 Venue, 3 Stages

There is nothing like seeing your favorite band at a live show. Maybe, at a big concert venue with thousands of like fans or perhaps a tiny hole in the wall with a spattering of like-minded souls. But, sometimes, you find a unique and quaint venue where you might have never suspected you’d be watching your favorite local band. The Hilltop Center is just such a place. Located on East Elder Street in Fallbrook, California, the Hilltop Center was built back in 1953 as a Mormon Stake. Although no longer affiliated with the Church of Latter-Day Saints, it is now home to a thriving, welcoming, spiritual community. For the last couple of years, Reverend Dr. Guy Williams and his congregation have offered up their spiritual home for several types of events. Weddings, Quinceaneras, and even musical concerts have taken place at this charming yet entirely functional local.

The Hilltop Spiritual Center has three distinctive areas available to rent. The largest is called Star Hall, which holds roughly 300 people. The room was originally a basketball court, and when the Mormons moved, they took with them the court flooring. Over the years, Hilltop has revamped the room by replacing the floor and adding a stage. The stage includes a ramp to facilitate the disabled. There is also a large green room with backstage access. Although the backlighting is something they haven’t invested in yet, most bands bring their backlighting and soundboards when using the Star Hall. There is, however, a projection window, which can be utilized for lighting effects.

There is a second indoor space that is much smaller. The Sanctuary room holds around 100 people and has an intimate feel. Recently the Hilltop Center invested in a soundboard with recording capacity. They also have cameras available, so bands have the opportunity to create live performance videos. The Sanctuary room has a smaller stage equipped with a grand piano. With pew seating and concrete walls, this room holds a lot of potential for an acoustically and visually intriguing music video.

In addition to the indoor spaces, the Hilltop also has an outdoor courtyard that can hold quite a few people and is ideal for outdoor performances. The Center is currently focusing on developing the area with a stage and coverings to create an enjoyable outdoor event venue.

The Hilltop’s Spiritual Director Guy Williams spoke a little about the Hilltop, saying, “It’s a lovely community….I think the niche’ we provide is a lovely one for bands and different types of artists. He went on to say, “Part of our philosophy is a commitment to the arts…We aren’t like Apple records and aren’t trying to make a lot of money. The Hilltop Center pricing is negotiable, and the Center will work with clients to reach an agreeable price point.

The Coronavirus has virtually halted the music industry’s ability to hold live shows. Many bands are finding ways to adapt. Such as performing Livestream shows or streaming and recording their music for fans via the internet. Spiritual Director Guy had this to say regarding the pandemic and how it has affected the arts. “We aren’t looking at getting back to normal. We are looking at what’s wanting to emerge, what’s available, what’s now” and… How do we create novelty with the limitations that we’re in.” Currently, artists and are doing what they can to keep the music alive. With the help of venues like The Hilltop Centers, musicians and artists have a place to perform and record in some capacity. For those musicians out there who are interested in what the Hilltop Center has to offer, you can contact them by visiting their website at www. Thehilltopcenter.org,