Click here to view the embedded video.

According to the videographer, the brawl occurred at just after 2am at La Fuente Mexican Food, right as the Wednesday night closing crowd was drifting over from Rich’s. There were minor injuries: One participant suffered a chipped tooth, while another had his hair woven together in the emergency room to seal a wound caused by being clubbed in the head with a high heel shoe.

This is not the first alcohol-fueled 2am-ish fracas that’s happened at La Fuente, and undoubtably wont be the last. What make this incident noteworthy, I think, was that it was partially caught on video and then widely disseminated the on Facebook the next day.

Well, we won’t have to worry about these 2am problems so much on Saturday I think, as that’ll be the day of Rich’s Massive party, which will feature a very rare (for Hillcrest) after hours until 4am. This’ll not only allow people to have two more hours of fun, music and dancing, but it’ll give everyone two more hours to sober up before leaving the club as well, nicely avoiding situations such as the one illustrated above.

And it’s not only the hours that will be “massive” … there’ll be three dance floors (the side lot will be open for dancing, along with an adjoining outdoor beer garden and stage), six DJs (including DJ Casey Alva, DJ Nikno, DJ Taj, and DJ Marcel Hetu), more bars and bartenders, and even more restrooms.

And the club has booked not one but two headliners for the evening: Wynter Gordon will perform her hits Dirty Talk, Toyfriend and Believer on the outdoor stage, and Kimberly Cole will sing her new single Smack You in the Hip Hop Room.

This’ll be their biggest, indeed most “Massive” party ever … definitely a night to remember! If it goes well (and judging by the buzz I’ve been hearing, it probably will), look for these special Rich’s after hours events in the future, perhaps 4-5 times a year.

At 4pm on Sunday I plan to awaken all refreshed and relaxed for the End of Summer Splash Party at Martinis Above Fourth. This annual Martinis team fundraiser for AIDS Walk San Diego has in past years has raised upwards of $8000, and this year, they’re hoping to raise even more. There will be a silent auction, opportunity drawings, and entertainment by Olive Onemore, Tiffany Tanqueray and those incredibly hot Rufskin swimsuit models – all of whom will be donating 100% their tips to the cause that night.

Another event starting this Sunday will be Sublime Sundays on the Bay, presented by Marc Emmelmann of San Diego Arts Tix. It’s a biweekly yacht cruise with 48 people aboard the 85 ft. Corporate Image Yacht, with music by DJ Maleko, dancing, and a complimentary champagne boarding toast, hors d’oeuvres, an air conditioned deck, big screen TV, and a premium bar with reasonable drink prices. It’ll set sail at 4pm, and return at 6pm; tickets are $36. And like I said, this is a biweekly event, so if you miss this one the next will be on September 19.

On Labor Day Monday you’ll likely find me at the aptly named Recovery Party at Urban Mo’s. DJ Taj will be spinning tea dance music from 2pm to 9pm, and there will be Bud Light draft and Malibu specials all day long.

And finally, the 2010 Nicky Awards were last Sunday at The Center, and so congratulations here are in order to the following winners from the various nightlife-related categories:

Outstanding Bar Event: Boys Night Out – Bourbon Street
Outstanding DJ/VJ: DJ John Joseph
Outstanding Levi / Leather event: LL Bear – Rich’s San Diego
Outstanding Bar Employee: Sean Fiori – The Flame
Outstanding Bartender – Female: Milagros Rivera – Rich’s San Diego
Outstanding Bartender – Male: Corey – Bourbon Street and Wes Geissler – Urban Mo’s
Outstanding Women’s Night: Repent – Rich’s
Outstanding Bar Manager: Matt Ramon – Urban Mo’s
Outstanding Nightclub / Dance Bar: Rich’s San Diego
Outstanding Bar Owner: Nick Moede – Rich’s San Diego and Dale Dubach, Chaz Weathers, and Johnny – Martini’s Above Fourth
Outstanding University Heights/North Park Bar: Bacchus House
Outstanding Business Woman: Sarah Critchlow – The Redwing
Outstanding Hillcrest Bar: Urban Mo’s
Outstanding Overall Bar: Bourbon Street

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.winsor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimwinsor

Just like last year’s Reunion (which was a HUGE success), Masterbeat DJ Brett Henrichsen will be DJing along with DJ Marcel Hetu; plus, there’ll be a live performance by Erin Hamilton at midnight.

In anticipation of this year’s event, promoter Michael Mack asked long time Montage veterans to recall their favorite memories of the “old days” there; here are a few samples:

Ladonna Monroe: “Share one memory of Montage … how about a million? We had such a wonderful show there with you guys on Saturday nights for so many wonderful years with Hunter, Chad, Marilyn, and Fontasia. Chuck bartending in the back, Phil on DJ, so many wonderful friends and tricks … I mean friends … LOL! [Michael, y]ou were the very first person I met here in San Diego when I strolled into town at the Brass Rail and I’ve always appreciated your hard work, friendship and your contributions to the gay community the 17 years I’ve lived here. Thank you, and I love ya.”

Theresa Kleine: “Montage memories where do I begin … Montage was a huge part of my experience in San Diego … from the patrons that packed that place to the bonds we all shared and the friends we made in those days … our employee trips to Vegas for the billboards to Christmas at John [McCusker] and Michael [Mack's] house … staying after hours and drinking after hours to wait for the Silver Fox to open … New Year’s Eve or the week of Pride was always the best at Montage with performers like Humpty … or CeCe Peniston … Friday nights with SRH holds many memories for me … the greatest thing about Montage is everyone always had a great time and got blackout drunk and danced your ass ass off … when you think of Montage you can’t help but think Courtney, Michael and John … thanks for such a good time back then.”

Greg Cadwell: “Montage Memory: One of the first people we met at Montage was Joan (sitting at her reserved corner). She introduced us to so many people…”

Raymond Martin: “My favorite memories of Montage are so random, LOL, having to wrestle drinks from Chris, Luke and a couple other 240+ guys, the rest of security would have the club cleared before I got their drinks away … I remember the Pride weekend that we decided 4am wasn’t late enough, so we booked Reload, an after-after hours, ouch … 8:30pm Saturday ’till noon Sunday behind the bar, that was painful! LOL, and more than anything I’ll always remember “confetti” lighting for the last song of the night Dido Stoned (Deep Dish Remix)”

Matthew Kaney: “Favorite Montage memories – the view from the roof, of course. Being able to see you … and going there all the time with Jamie Kralj (the German guy with the computer store). ‘Nuff said on that last one methinks, LOL!”

Billy Bob Marino: “Montage Memory: Pride the year RuPaul came in to sing. She went on for 45 MINUTES!! John came up in the booth and asked me to cut her mic (which I would not do). It was pure torture not knowing how much longer she was going to sing. It was like the guest that would never leave. Who knew she’d end up with her own show? You gotta WORK!”

Stephanie Figueroa: “Favorite Montage memory … although there are many, one of most memorable was hearing Phil B spin for first time. I had no idea a DJ could take you on such a musical journey but I have been addicted to that journey ever since. Walking in greeting Joan and ordering a cocktail from Joey … the best bartender ever!”

Michael Mack: “Sharing with you my favorite Montage memory, what I call my 4 Greatest in One! It all started the first night at WCPC that I met John McCusker, which from there we dated for the next four years … Soon after WCPC closed, John and I who had always talked about opening a night club broke into WCPC one night with flashlights and walked around making all these plans for what we would do with the space … That 4th of July John and I drove to Palm Springs to Mark’s house who owned the liquor license. Completely unannounced we brought an agreement to purchase the license, to which he agreed. Shortly after we had purchased the club and on opening night John and I stood on the balcony looking at a packed dance floor and realized that our dream had come true.”

And like I said above, last year’s Montage Reunion was simply awesome; cover for the night is only $20 ($15 before 11pm), and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the John McCusker Scholarship Fund. This year’s recipient will be none other than John’s nephew Anthony Michael Pena, a student at Van Avery Prep School in Temecula, California.

And the Montage Reunion is not the only big local event on the party horizon. Check back here in coming weeks for news on the return of the infamous Glitter Party at Rich’s, and the new Industry Party at Sway Nightclub downtown, both coming at us the last week of the month … as well as some very interesting surprises in store for San Diego during Labor Day Weekend, including a massive “Massive Party” at Rich’s on Saturday: Three dance floors, six DJs, and a real rarity for Rich’s – a one-night after hours permit that’ll let them go to 4am!

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.winsor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimwinsor

The highlight of the party will be an Andrew Christian fashion show put on by Luigi Vera. I just spoke with Luigi at his One of a Kind clothing store on Fifth Avenue during City Fest (see below), and he’s got nine hot models lined up already! Admission is only $15 ($20 at the door) and includes free food and open bar.

Proceeds will benefit GLU’s 2010 AIDS Walk fundraising drive. Last year they raised about $10,000 for AIDS Walk at their summer pool events; this year the goal is to hit at least $15,000.

Last Tuesday was the VIP Opening of the new “& Grill” portion of Bourbon Street Bar & Grill, and I must say, the new open-air dining patio and grill looks great! They were serving samples from their new skewer bar, as well as some of the local San Diego beers on the draft beer menu. All of which tasted delish!

I also got a look at their new nightly specials, which are as follows:

Tuesdays – Going Postal: 30% off for 92103, 92104, and 92116 zip code residents
Wednesdays – Skewer Bar Night: All skewers half off
Thursdays – Beer Pairing: Get an entree and the paired beer is only $2
Fridays – Red Eye Night Flight: Get an entree and all beer “flights” are half price
Saturdays – Dinner With the Dream Girls: $15 Prix Fix dinner and the Dream Girls show, 7 to 10pm on the patio

And according to manager Chuck Ferrante, there’ll be Sunday brunch too, beginning Labor Day weekend.

The public Grand Opening is this Thursday, August 12, at 4pm, and they’ll have the full food menu in operation that night. It’s going to be a packed house, so if you want to eat reservations are highly recommended (which you can make on their new web site here).

And something new is coming to Flicks on Fridays too. Miss La Fierce and her groovy cast of drag kings and queens, dancers and singers brings you The 70’s Show, a night of live performances featuring disco, funk and soul. Grand opening night is this Friday, August 13, show starts at 8pm, and no cover!

And on Saturday night look for me and my camera at Eye Candy at Numbers. It should be a fun night, what with music by DJ Marcel Hetu, Live at Eye Candy CDs to the first 100 people, prize giveaways from Mankind Video, and of course those Eye Candy go go boys … yum! Cover is half off before 11pm.

Then on Sunday morning, I’ll be donning my grass skirt and coconut shell bikini and heading over to Babette’ Luau Bingo Lunch. This month Babette Shwartz has gone tropical, with a special luau-themed bingo lunch. Sounds like a great place to get lei’ed!

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.winsor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimwinsor

There are, however, a few Comic Con themed events going on here in Hillcrest and North Park, in which both attendees and non-attendees can mingle and get into the spirit of the weekend:

On Thursday Fiesta Cantina will kick-off Comic Con weekend with a Superhero Party at 8pm. Look for body painted superheros to be serving up drink specials all night, and be sure to come dressed as your favorite superhero or villain yourself – there’ll be prizes and give-aways to those in the best costume.

On Friday Disco Dolly will be hosting a Comic Con Costume After Party at U-31, featuring a performance by the sexiest band on the planet, Le Sexoflex. Doors open at 9pm, and the show starts at 10:45pm.

Also on Friday, Rich’s will be having their 6th annual Heros vs. Villains Party, starting at 9:30pm. There’ll be lots of stuff going on here: 10 dancing super-go-go-boys, a special performance by the Happy Feet dancers, chances to win Comic Con passes, face painting all night, Jello shots served up by Prism Comics, a costume contest, and a sexy underoos contest for those in the best hero or villain undies. Cover is $10, $3 off with your Comic Con badge until 11pm, or free until midnight if in costume.

We’ve all just survived another Pride weekend, and so this Saturday Michael Mack is hosting a Pride Recovery Event at Spin, from 9:30pm to 4am. With DJs Ideal and and Big Chris, cover is only $10 all night, or free with a Spin flyer before midnight.

And speaking of Pride … I want to give a big shout out to this year’s SDPIX Pride photography team – Brian Nagle, David Arce, Franz Sino, Josh Rice, Trish Conner, Adam Mutchler, Eric Lahtinen and Todd Nelson – who (along with myself) took over 3,000 Pride photos at over 30 cooperating venues and events. They now reside on SDPIX, which has pretty much become the community’s most extensive and definitive historical archive for San Diego Pride photos since 2002. Great work team!

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.winsor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimwinsor

Here’s a brief guide to all the parties and events happening at all the venues covered by the 2010 VIP Pass:

Tuesday July 13:

San Diego Pride Dirty Jock Kickoff Party at The Flame
Time: 10:00pm to 2:00am
Location: The Flame, 3780 Park Blvd
Cost: FREE for jocks in team uniforms

Kick-off San Diego Pride week with the jocks! SDPIX and The Flame present ‘Jock’s Night Out’ on Tuesday, July 13. With two large dance floors, three fully stocked bars, lounge areas, two DJs spinning, hot jock go-go boys, and a hip vibe, The Flame is the place to start off Pride right. Players in San Diego’s LGBT sports leagues who come in their jersey or league t-shirt will pay no cover and receive one free drink ticket. Others who attend wearing any sort of sports gear will receive a free drink ticket. Come celebrate Pride and sports with San Diego’s hottest jocks at The Flame.

Thursday July 15:

The San Diego Pride WET Foam Party at Bourbon Street
Time: 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Location: Bourbon Street, 4612 Park Blvd
Cost: FREE

Kick of your San Diego Pride weekend with San Diego’s only Pride Foam Party for the boys! This is a FREE event and we will reach capacity early…but VIP Pride Pass holders will receive front of the line priority entry all night long. And be sure to check out the special Pride edition of the weekly Bourbon Street Wet contest at midnight.

Friday July 16:

Pride T-Dance on the Bay Night Cruise on the Spirit of San Diego
Time: 7:30pm – 11:00pm
Location: THE SPIRIT OF SAN DIEGO, 1050 North Harbor Dr.
Cost: FREE with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass (normally $45)

Michael Mack Presents T-DANCE ON THE BAY Night Cruise, with DJ Kimberly S above deck, and DJ Marcel Hetu down below spinning the latest Top 40 and Hip-Hop, along with amazing sound and lighting. Boarding Time is 7:30pm, departure time 8pm, with a return time of 11pm. This is once of the five Official San Diego Pride Parties included on your card, so the admission is FREE.

A Night of Cabaret at The Flame
Time: 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: The Flame, 3780 Park Blvd
Cost: $7.00

The Flame Nightclub Presents “A Night of Cabaret” on Friday July 16, 2010 at 8pm with DJ Tim Harmon. The cast members are Rosanna, Ruby Dee, Norma, Phenelope, and Sonia with the Hostess being Medina Monet. There is a $7 cover for this exciting event, and your VIP Pass will let you leap-frog the line to grab the best seats in the house!

The Pride Kick-Off Party at Rich’s
Time: 9:00pm to 2:00am
Location: Rich’s, 1051 University Avenue
Cost: FREE with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass (normally $15)

Rich’s will be hosting the official “after-the-boat” Pride Kick Off Party on Friday night. Look for expanded capacity this year with a beer garden in the side parking lot and both dance floors going off all night. DJ Dan De Leon from Los Angeles headlines the main dance floor with uplifting tribal vocals and local favorite DJ Will Z keeps the front room hopping with pop and hip hop videos. They’ll also have hot go go dancers, great lighting, and a special laser show.

The Boys of Summer Party at Bourbon Street
Time: 9:00pm to 2:00am
Location: Bourbon Street, 4612 Park Blvd
Cost: Free

Celebrate Pride at San Diego’s hottest gay bar, with sizzlin’ go-go boys dancing to the tunes of local favorite DJ Jon Sautter. Front of line entry with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Card.

SoulKiss San Diego PRIDE Red Carpet Party!
Time: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Location: The Flame, 4612 Park Blvd
Cost: ???

SOUL KISS presents Red Carpet Pride Party 2010. With your hostess for the evening – FLO of the Bad Girls Club, along with LIVE performance by WHIPLASH! Also featuring DJs GIGI and MONIQ: 2 rooms of Hip Hop, House, Dancehall, Soul and more! HOSTED HPNOTIQ 9-10p. Early arrival is STRONGLY suggested. This night will be packed and there might be a line all the way to your mama’s house so get here early…however, you can get front of line entry with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass.

Pan Dulce Pride at Numbers
Time: 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Location: Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd
Cost: ???

LA’s hottest Papi dancers invade invade San Diego at Pan Dulce Pride! Hosted by Lola, with two huge rooms of latin/hip-hop music, and free CD giveaways all night long. No waiting in line with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass.

Saturday July 17:

The Pride Parade Viewing Party at Jake’s On 6th Wine Bar
Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Location: Jake’s On 6th Wine Bar, 3755 6th Avenue
Cost: FREE

The Official Pride Parade Viewing party will take place at Jake’s on 6th Wine Bar during the 2010 Pride Parade. There’s no cover at this free event, however this event will definitely reach capacity so arrive early. 2010 San Diego VIP Pride Pass holders receive priority entry. Drink specials on wine, sangria, and beer as well as promotional give-a-ways from the sexy men and women of Blue Moon Brewing Company.

Pride Parade Beach Party at Rich’s
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Rich’s, 1051 University Avenue
Cost: FREE

Rich’s will be open during the Parade, and will also have an outdoor beer garden (fully stocked with frozen drinks) with a dance floor and a parade viewing platform. Music by DJ Michael Paul and DJ John Joseph. This event should fill up quickly, so your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass should come in handy here in avoiding those pesky entry lines.

Latino Pride… PAPI STYLE! at The Flame
Time: 9:00pm to 2:00am
Location: The Flame, 3780 Park Blvd
Cost: ???

CLUB PAPI featuring DJs MIKE + BEN (LA) and WIN VIP “Meet and Greet” tickets to LAURA LEON! 12 HOT @$$ PAPI DANCERS!!! $5 off before 10:30p with flyer or VIP. Visit www.clubpapi.com for more info. Front of line entry with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass

Pride Beach Ball Party at Bourbon Street
Time: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Location: Bourbon Street, 4612 Park Blvd
Cost: FREE

It’s a hot Gay Pride night at Bourbon Street, with hot go-go boys from the Men of Dirty Tony, and hot music from DJ Shane Stiels. Hot hot hot! Use your VIP Pass to avoid standing in line, and being left in the cold.

Femme Fatale – Ladies PRIDE Party at Numbers
Time: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Location: Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd
Cost: $15

It’s PRIDE 2010! Come out and play with GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS…Femme Fatale will be celebrating in the Gayborhood and we can’t wait! With 2 Dance Floors (Resident DJ Kiki in the main room, 3 full service bars (Franki, Nic and Mila will be behind the bar…if you’ve seen these ladies, it’s reason enough to come for a visit!), an outside patio, and go-go girls on the bar all night long. Also, The smoking’ HOT Renegade Roller Derby Girls will be hosting Jello Shots and they’ll be skating their way through the PRIDE Parade…Look out for them and show them some love! Get there early to avoid the long lines, it is expected to reach maximum capacity…although, those with San Diego Pride VIP Passes get priority entry.

ReFresh Pride at Numbers
Time: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Location: Numbers, 3811 Park Blvd
Cost: ???

July is here and so is ReFresh Pride!! ReFresh is hosting the hottest and ONLY Pop and Hip Hop night in Hillcrest for Pride at Numbers San Diego. What does a mix of ReFresh and Pride come up with? Cheap Bottle Tables hosted by the ReFresh Bottle Crew (make reservations early at ReFreshSD@gmail.com), hot go-go boys, music videos with ReFresh’s Own DJ Will Z, drink specials, and lots and lots of boys and fun! This night is expected to hit capacity so early arrival is suggested…but you can always beat the line with your Pride VIP Pass.

Popsicle Pride at 4th & B
Time: 10:00pm to 5:00am
Location: 4th & B, 345 B Street
Cost: FREE with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass (normally $40)

San Diego Pix & San Diego Gay & Lesbian News Official Media Sponsors of San Diego Pride present Popsicle Pride with DJ Nikno of San Diego & DJ Casey Alva of Los Angeles. Your senses will be stimulated with special themed performances, an incredible state of the art light show and towering LED light wall at San Diego’s largest after-hours destination. Look for special guest performance by KIMBERLY COLE and ERIKA JAYN, the latter of which will be performing her new #1 Dance single, “PRETTY MESS”

LL Bear at Rich’s
Time: 9:00pm to 2:00am
Location: Rich’s, 1051 University Avenue
Cost: ???

LL Bear presents San Diego’s biggest Levi, leather and bear event…with Masterbeat’s superstar (and super hot) DJ Brett Henrichsen at the turntables. Early arrival is strongly recommended…although you can always avoid the inevitable lines tonight with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass.

Michael Mack Presents: Pride 2010 at Spin Nightclub
Time: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Location: Spin Nightclub, 2028 Hancock Street
Cost: $10 b4 11pm, $15 after

The DJ Boys, John Joseph and Michael Paul, return to celebrate Pride 2010. Featuring 3 levels and 10,000 square feet of nightclub real estate (including a rooftop bar), 60,000 watts of real thunderous sound, kinetic lighting and lasers, lush lounging, free street parking…and a Pride special on Skyy Vodka bottles…two for $250 (contact vip@spinnightclub.com for details). Front-of-line entry with your Pride VIP Pass!

Sunday July 18:

Remedy’s Pride Celebration Sunday at Lei Lounge
Time: 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Lei Lounge, 4622 Park Blvd
Cost: FREE

Come join Michael Mack and crew for our Pride REMEDY!! Sunday with overflowing cocktails, a global brunch menu and a tropical outdoor setting with cabanas and fire-pits. With an amazing musical environment provided by DJ Mark Nygard. Reservations are advised for the weekend also for private cabanas and fire-pit seating. Your San Diego Pride VIP Pass will bypass any outside line.

Ladies Pride Foam Party at Bourbon Street
Time: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Location: Bourbon Street, 4612 Park Blvd
Cost: FREE

It’s ladies night at Bourbon Street the night of Pride Sunday, with a Ladies Pride Foam Party. Also, a wet t-shirt contest with $500 in cash and prizes, along with live performances by Ashley Matte, music by DJ L Vee, and hot go-go girls all night long. Beat the line with your San Diego Pride VIP Pass.

Salvation Pride at 4th & B
Time: 10:00pm to 5:00am
Location: 4th & B, 345 B Street
Cost: FREE with your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass (normally $50)

San Diego Pix & San Diego Gay & Lesbian News Official Media Sponsors of San Diego Pride present Salvation Pride with: DJ Tracy Young of Miami & DJ Oscar Velazquez of Mexico City. Your senses will be stimulated with jaw dropping themed performances, an incredible state of the art light show and our towering wall of fire at San Diego’s largest after-hours destination.

All Weekend Long

Baja Betty’s, Gossip Grill, Urban Mo’s and Fiesta Cantina, being on or near the parade route as they are (and incredibly popular year-round in any case), will be JAM PACKED all weekend long. It’s like this every Pride – you know this to be true. Therefore, the only way you’re going to get to talk to that hottie at the front of the line just walking in, and nab him before someone else does, is to use your 2010 San Diego Pride VIP Pass to cut up to the front yourself. The others in line may hate you for it, as they watch you buying that hottie a drink…but hey, it’s Pride weekend, the competition is fierce, and you gotta do what you gotta do…

See you all Pride weekend!

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.winsor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimwinsor

Bourbon Street/Lei Lounge
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:00PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

The Flame/Numbers
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:10PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

Baja Betty’s/Gossip Grill
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:20PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

Rich’s
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:25PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

Fiesta Cantina/Urban Mo’s
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:30PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

Jake’s on 6th
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:00PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

Park Manor Hotel
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:10PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

Porta Vista Hotel
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:20PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

The Sofia Hotel
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:30PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

W Hotel
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 8:40 PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

4th and B
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 10PM. Last shuttle between 3:30AM and 4AM

Spin
Approximately every 20 minutes starting at 10:20PM. Last shuttle between 1AM and 1:30AM

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.winsor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimwinsor

On Saturday July 3 Michael Mack and Spin Nightclub will bring DJ Kimberly S into town for their Freedom Dance Party. Red, white and blue attire is the encouraged theme for the night, and the party will start at 9pm and be rocking well into the 4th with afterhours until 5am.

And a reminder, Kimberly S will also be DJing the T-Dance on the Bay Pride Night Cruise on Friday, July 16; so, this party on Saturday should be a great musical preview for the big boat on Pride Friday.

Also on Saturday, Bacchus House will be celebrating Fourth of July with their Red, White & Bears! bear night party. DJ Jon Williams will be bringing in the beats, hot gogo men will be shaking it on the boxes, and Bacchus’ sexy bartenders will be serving up the booze from 9pm to 2am.

It’s also their Kylie Minogue Aphrodite CD release party, so look for Kylie giveaway goodies all night long.

And on Sunday afternoon, Michael Mack will kick off the Fourth with Remedy Live at Lei Lounge, 1pm to 7pm. Featuring house music by DJ Sachamo, Paul Lopez the percussionist, along with DJs Bency and Ele.

.

If your in North Park on Sunday and in the mood for food, the Redwing Bar and Grill will be having a 4th of July Big Ass BBQ from 2pm to 7pm. They’re going to have BBQ chicken, burgers, and hot dogs with all the fixins’…and a $1 beer bust from 3pm to 6pm.

The Loft in Hillcrest will be having a 4th of July BBQ too. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be serving up the meat at their Cum On U Can Take Them They Rn’t That Big, 4th of July Hot Dog Party, 2pm to 9pm, with proceeds benefiting the Sister’s charity fund.

And then on Sunday night, get ready for fireworks (after the fireworks) at Rich’s Freedom Party, 10pm to 2am, with DJ Nikno in the main room bringing you uplifting house music.

Meanwhile, Bourbon Street is hosting a full slate of weekend parties, starting with a Stars & Stripes Foam Party on Thursday. This will be a good practice event, I think, for the San Diego Pride Wet Foam Party two weeks hence.

On Friday they’re having their We Want You To Go-Go night…an open call to all professional and amateur go-go dancers to compete in their Hottest Go-Go Boy Contest, with a $300 prize for first place. Sounds like the perfect event for one of Hillcrest’s outstanding male personalities, GoGo Christian Taylor!

Then on Saturday it’s Bourbon’s Boston Tea Party. Billed as “a salute to all tea baggers” it promises $2 tea bag cocktails from 10pm to 12am, hot go-go boys, and music by DJ Lil’ Chris.

And finally, on Sunday it’s ladies night with Miss Independence. Featuring music by DJ L Vee, a live performance by Ashley Matte, hot go-go girls and and go-go girl contest with $300 in cash and prizes.

Speaking of Bourbon Street, the construction project there I mentioned last week is expanding. Not only has the side pool room been demolished (I’ve now been told it’s being turned into an outdoor patio), but the ornate column in the center of the front bar is gone as well…sources say this is to facilitate the installation of some new big screen TVs. And even more big changes are in the works it seems…stay tuned for details!

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jim.winsor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jimwinsor

On Friday, July 16 promoter Michael Mack teams up with Pride media sponsors San Diego Pix and SDGLN to present the “T-Dance on the Bay Night Cruise,” with DJ Kimberly S on the Harbor Excursion’s Spirit of San Diego. Boarding time begins at 7:30, and the cruise sails and parties about the bay from 8 to 11pm. Pre-sale tickets for this event are $45.

On Saturday July 17 Popsicle Pride returns this year to 4th & B, with DJs Casey Alva and Nikno. The past couple years this event has been quite successful; you can view the 2008 and 2009 photos here, and a video from Popsicle Pride 2009 here.

The party runs from 10pm to 5am, and pre-sale tickets are $30.

And Sunday July 18 marks the return of the Salvation Party to 4th and B. Last year’s party (which featured DJs Oscar Velazquez and Peter Rauhofer) was easily the most talked about Pride event of 2009, with such buzz no doubt contributing mightily to the remarkable turn out that night (photos can be viewed here).

This year, Mexico City DJ Oscar Velazquez returns and is joined by Miami DJ Tracy Young. The event runs from 10pm to 5am, and presale tickets are $40.

The VIP Pass for the weekend is on sale now as well, and like last year not only gets you VIP entry into all Pride Parties mentioned above, but also covers admission to a couple additional parties (the Pride Kickoff Party at Rich’s on Friday night, and the Pride Parade Viewing Party at Jakes on 6th on Saturday). And it’s good for free rides on the limo bus running between Hillcrest and 4th and B on Saturday and Sunday nights, which is certainly a convenience!

On top of that, it acts like an amusement park “Speed Pass” during Pride weekend, allowing the holder front-of-line privileges to the following extremely-busy-during-Pride bars and clubs: Baja Betty’s, Bourbon Street, Fiesta Cantina, The Flame, Gossip Grill, Jakes on 6th, Lei Lounge, Numbers, Rich’s, Spin and Urban Mo’s Bar & Grill (formerly Hamburger Mary’s). The early bird price for this invaluable little card is $125 through July 1.

So, thats a peek at some of the parties we have to look forward to this coming July. By then I’m sure we’ll all be fully recovered from this past Memorial Day weekend here in San Diego. Photos from that festive weekend below, as well as Davina’s fabulous Monster Ball extravaganza at Rich’s Wednesday before last, which raised over $3000 for the American Red Cross.

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
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“The Evolution of Gay Night Life has Arrived! Deep beneath the busy streets of the Gaslamp lies a chic, polished, high-end venue. In a world of constant change ManCave is on a mission to stay one step ahead of the rest.

Blending all the Energy, Appeal, and Diversity of the Hillcrest Night Life, with the Glitz, Glamour and Allure that puts Downtown on the Social Forefront. ManCave is the opportunity that the gay community has been waiting for, to the leave the Crest, venture past University and take their rightful place as part of the Downtown scene. Where others have failed, ManCave and The Keating family assures, that this will not be a onetime event, but a constant invitation, and a new weekly home for everyone looking to escape the norm and take part in an unforgettable experience.

The ManCave will have New Events and Themes, San Diego’s Best Djs, Two Bars, The Newly built Champagne Room and After Hours to keep the party going; With special room rates and packages available nightly. More than just a night out, ManCave is unleashing a whole new reality.”

ManCave is located at 432 F Street, in the basement of the historic Keating Hotel buidling downtown, and the Opening Night festivities will run from 9pm to 2am. And beginning later this summer, the club will feature afterhours until 4am.

But before that, there’ll be some fun closer to home at Fiesta Cantina’s 1st Birthday Party, featuring your hostess Disco Dolly. Major selling point (for me, anyways): The entire staff of Fiesta will be dressed up in Rukskin swimwear…hot! And happy hour prices (2 for 1 drinks) will be in effect the entire night, from 4pm ’till closing.

And save some energy for this Saturday when one of the most talented DJs around makes an appearance here in San Diego…Michael Mack Presents: Montage W/DJ Brett Henrichsen! Also DJing that night will be local favorites Luis Perez and Marcel. I imagine this will be another big night at Spin Nightclub, probably as big as when DJ Manny Lehman was here two weeks ago…so early arrival would be a good idea, I’d say.

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)
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You can read some excellent in-depth reviews of the various parties here. And other than a few noise complaints from neighbors, the weekend seems to have been largely problem free. People I’ve talked to attribute this to the fact that door security this year was VERY strict about keeping undesirable elements OUT of the parties. According to one knowledgeable source I spoke with, “[security] can refuse admittance to anyone for being drunk or high.” In other words, if you showed up at the door to a party cracked out of your mind, with pupils the size of quarters, you were certain to be denied entry. And from what I’ve been told, that policy held for everyone, be they a regular ticket holder, VIP, or even a sponsor.

Needless to say, this is an excellent policy (and one, I understand, that this year’s Winter Party adopted as well).

The next big out-of-town weekend on the party calendar is going to be Gay Days in Orlando this coming June. And today’s the last day to book the Host Hotel for the main Mark Baker parties that weekend at a discount, and get a free weekend pass ($250 value) to boot. I’ve talked about the weekend here before, it’s essentially risen out of the ashes this year, under a new promoter. I’ll have more to say on the subject next week…

Getting back to events more local…four albums from events here in San Diego last week, posted below…enjoy!

Jim Winsor (jim@sdpix.com)]
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