Happy New Year! Another year is here, and 2007 promises to be chock full of fun and surprises on the bar and club scene. Not only will many of our regular spots continue to entertain us every week with the usual lineup, but there will also be a number of special events to keep things fresh. Definitely keep an eye on Club Montage, as they will continue to knock your socks off with an incredible lineup of special events, guest DJs and performers. Rich’s always continues to keep things alive and is host to some of the best theme parties in town. These venues certainly have a lot of tricks up their sleeves and are preparing for an amazing year.

Old favorite The Brass Rail will soon complete its “reinvention” and bring a whole new experience to the corner of Fifth and Robinson. And expect a couple of new night spots to hit the scene. As more details are announced about these exciting projects, they will be sent your way. Just know that 2007 is going to be a year like no other!

Speaking of a year like no other, 2006 was definitely one of those. Many of our bars and clubs made the news this past year with everything from a sad bar closure to an exciting reopening. Starting with the bittersweet, San Diego’s last remaining lesbian spot, Six Degrees, served its final drink on Aug. 30. The venue was definitely a place that many in our community called home and is still sorely missed by many lesbians, gay men and friends alike.

But we did have a “new” club open this year. After the abrupt closure of Club Montage in 2005, the spacious three-story club sat dark for more than a year. To the surprise of many, at the beginning of July clubgoers were treated to the new Club Montage. The new owners remodeled, refreshed and reinvented an old San Diego favorite, and the club has rocketed to become once again one of San Diego’s top nightclub destinations.

In April, the owners of Bourbon Street, along with manager Michael Mack, opened the ultra chic restaurant and bar Lei Lounge. This new hot spot has quickly become a community favorite, with a dramatic front bar and full restaurant. Also appealing is the mixed crowd it draws, including some of the hottest ladies and studly straight boys. A perfect night starts out at Lei Lounge and is followed by a few more drinks next door at Bourbon Street.

We also saw dramatic changes at 308 University Ave. The ever popular restaurant, bar and nightclub that has been an institution in our community for many years changed its name and freshened up its look. Hamburger Mary’s became Urban Mo’s. On Sept. 13, the new name and look was unveiled to the community, and the overall response has been very positive. The establishment is still being operated by the same owners and staff, so the good times and food that Mary’s always delivered have only gotten better with the creation of Mo’s!

Speaking of reinventions, San Diego’s oldest gay bar, The Brass Rail, has begun to morph itself from a fairly “divey” bar to a first-class club, renamed The Brass Rail Club and Lounge. Renovations are still in progress, but a number of changes have already been completed, including a brand new state-of-the-art DJ booth, two new VIP lounge areas with bottle service, an additional bar and complete remodels of the restrooms and main bar. The place is starting to look spectacular and is worth checking out!

Memorial Day weekend kicked off a new favorite at Rich’s: the SpinCycleRinse foam parties. The foam party has already become a popular community favorite (and if nowhere else, you’re certain to see this Barfly at every single one of these events!). There’s a lot of foam, a lot of boys and not a lot of clothes. Don’t miss the next foam party, which will return to Rich’s in May.

The biggest time of the year for our local bars and clubs is always Pride season. This year was no exception. While our local clubs hosted amazing parties complete with DJs like Jon Bishop and Kimberly S., the annual Powerhouse parties were in full swing. The favorites like the Zoo Party and Fete Accompli drew in thousands again this year. Other special parties were presented as well like the “Gaywatch” Pool Party at the Lafayette Hotel in North Park and the Pride Uncovered events that took place on Pride Friday and Sunday nights at Aubergine in downtown San Diego. Pulse Media kicked off Pride weekend with a special event at Stingaree, and Club Papi sizzled at Club Extasis in Tijuana.

Also of note, Bacchus House, North Park’s premiere dance bar, celebrated its five-year anniversary in mid-November. The evening included an amazing special performance by Flava. Here’s to another five years of Bacchus House fun!

And Club Montage certainly ended 2006 with a bang! The club hosted a hot underwear party and Military Ball in November, was host to the Official After Party of the Jaime Foxx World Tour as it passed through San Diego, and dazzled New Year’s Eve guests with an exciting live performance by Deborah Cox. What will they think of next?

As the new year begins, the Barfly is back on the beat after a brief hiatus to celebrate the holidays. Always play safe and make 2007 the best yet! Send me tips about parties, events and happenings via editor@uptownpub.com.