When one thinks of the San Diego club scene, Club Montage is, without a doubt, one of the first clubs that comes to mind. Club Montage has been San Diego’s leading, high-energy dance club and it continues to be cutting edge as it has just completed a mass of renovations giving Club Montage a new look and feel.

Just a few months ago, Club Montage owner John McCusker launched a series of major renovations on his club, located at 2020 Hancock St. in Old Town. He hired San Diego-based creative agency Fuelhaus to assist with the changes in identity and branding. A new image was born with a redesigned logo, overall interior color scheme, as well as interior design and structural enhancements. These include: a completely brand new sound system, new lighting and truss system, recarpeted VIP lounge, 10 new couches, new paint throughout the entire club and a new air conditioning system.

McCusker realized that these changes needed to happen for the future of the club’s image. “People were starting to identify us as you really had to be ‘young and shirtless’ to come here. We want to get away from that and cater to the entire gay community, young and shirtless and older,” says McCusker. “We really want to break that stereotype. We kind of pigeonholed us into that image, but that’s really not who we are. Our crowd is diverse.”

Formally called Club West Coast from 1978 to the mid 1990s, Club Montage has been a main fixture in the San Diego gay community. In 1996, McCusker bought the club and renamed Club Montage. According to McCusker, the club was relocated and re-built in 1991.

“It was the first gay club in the U.S. to ever be built from the ground up to be a club. Most nightclubs are either renovated buildings or restaurants. Never do you really see an actual club built to be a night club, especially a gay club,” McCusker says.

The inside is now broken down into three distinct areas on three levels, separated by stairways and elevators. As a passage way in between the patio and the lounge, the club features a unique outdoor atrium area with a balcony lounge area. The main dance floor, Dancebar, is a high-energy dance club with world renowned DJs and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system. There is a dynamic main stage where bands and other acts perform each weekend. The Chillbar is a relaxing lounge area for those seeking refuge from the noise of the club.

Perhaps the most interesting renovation is the area called Breezebar, located on the roof patio. Featuring nine TV screens within a massive bar, the area is also home to the Rockin Café & Sushi.

DJ / Entertainment Lineup

Club Montage is committed to bringing San Diego the best DJs from around the country. Two DJs will be booked every night with two dance areas including Byran Pruett in the Video Bar every Saturday. DJs include: DJ Phil B (San Francisco), Lydia Prim (New Orleans), Billy Carroll (New York), Julian Marsh (Miami), Kio Kio (L.A.), Jack Jones (L.A.), Kimberly S (L.A.), Eddie X (Maimi), Monty Q (South Beach), Roland Belmares (L.A.)

Club Montage is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Check out the all new “Level Up” on Friday nights. Club Montage is also available for DMC - event promoters, charities, private events, corporate events, private birthdays and anniversaries. Call (619) 294-9590 or go to www.gaylesbiantimes.com for more information.