Remembering Dave Carson
A Local Icon Who Paved the Way
By Monica Jones
It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Dave Carson, a man whose vision and dedication profoundly shaped the cultural fabric of our community. Dave, who passed away peacefully at his Columbus home on June 7, 2025, at the age of 63, was a visionary whose passion for local arts and entertainment resonated through everything he touched. Alongside his beloved wife, Vicki, his influence extended from the pages of their magazine, Playgrounds, to the lively atmosphere of their bar, SOHO.
Dave’s impact reached far beyond business. For many, he was more than just a bar owner or a magazine publisher; he was a mentor, a supporter, and for some, a cherished “bar daddy”—a testament to the warmth and paternal guidance he offered.
A Legacy Etched in Print and Performance
The very existence of The LocaL owes a debt of gratitude to Dave and Vicki’s groundbreaking work with Playgrounds Magazine. For two decades, from 1994 to 2014, Playgrounds served as a vital hub, connecting artists with audiences and shining a spotlight on the vibrant creative scene in our town. In a time when local arts and entertainment coverage was scarce, their dedication to showcasing local talent and promoting cultural events laid the groundwork for future publications like ours.
Dave’s legacy wasn’t just in print; it vibrated through the walls of Soho Bar and Grill. For 23 years, from 2002 to 2024, Dave owned and managed Soho, transforming it into a legendary hotspot for live music. Known for its welcoming ambiance and, of course, a good drink, SOHO became a legendary venue. Dave and Vicki brought an incredible array of bands to their stage, fostering a dynamic environment where music thrived and memories were made. Many musicians and patrons alike found a second home at Soho, a place where creativity was celebrated and good times were plentiful. As his longtime friend and employee Stephen Miller profoundly put it, Dave was the face of Soho, building a “classically raunchy” base camp for “many a misfit to meet a friend, or get away for a while, or play their songs on stage, or just call home.”
Dave was a friend to his customers and a true mentor to his employees. His guidance and encouragement to “do better for themselves” left an indelible mark on countless individuals. Stephen Miller fondly recalled, “He was the guy who would tell me when I was doing wrong and praise me when I was doing right.” Barbara ‘Babs’ noted, “So many of us grew up with Dave as a ‘father figure’. He gave some of the best no-nonsense advice and sometimes told me things about myself that I didn’t necessarily wanna hear, but needed to.” Dave was, as Angie White aptly described, “a man for the people,” who “rooted for everyone” and was “brutally honest in the best way possible.”
Born on July 12, 1961, Dave grew up in Columbus, graduating from Hardaway High School in 1979 before pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama. His early career saw him working with patients facing mental health challenges and substance use, specializing in adolescents and young adults. This nurturing spirit was a constant throughout his life, whether developing outdoor programming at the Bradford Center or offering late-night talks, advice, and jokes at Soho. He was, as Stephen Miller concluded, “one of the good ones.”
Dave’s passing leaves a profound void that will be felt deeply by all who knew him. He was a cornerstone of our community, a man whose kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for the arts and for people left an immeasurable impact. We extend our sincerest condolences to his devoted wife of 33 years, Vicki Carson, his son Dylan Nabors, his daughter Elizabeth Carson, and his brother Jim Carson. Their loss is shared by countless individuals whose lives were touched by Dave’s remarkable spirit. As Jimmy Golden simply stated, “I lost a good friend and great man in Dave Carson, go rest on that Mountain. We love and miss you.”
As we reflect on Dave Carson’s extraordinary life, we celebrate the enduring legacy he leaves behind. He showed us the power of passion, the importance of community, and the joy of a good song and a great story. In honor of Dave’s memory, the family has requested donations be made to MercyMed or Columbus Hospice. Additionally, a celebration of Dave’s life will be held on July 12th, with further details to be announced by SohoBar and Grill.
Thank you, Dave, for everything. Your spirit, your vision, and your profound impact on so many lives will forever be remembered and cherished. The Columbus community stands on the shoulders of giants like you, and your inspiration will continue to guide us.