The supreme joint for concerts and after-hours parties in downtown San Diego has always been 4th & B. But with the explosion of downtown over the past few years, fierce competition from new, more elaborate concert venues has threatened 4th & B’s ability to book the top artists touring through San Diego. A few changes, a new niche, and some creative booking are keeping this OG concert hall’s ticket sales up more than ever.

The largest threat to 4 th & B has definitely been the arrival of the House of Blues just a few blocks away. The House of Blues’ budget and street credibility has allowed it to scoop most of the major talent on tour through San Diego. Even Petco Park has managed to host a few major acts such as the Rolling Stones in 2005.

After a full facelift, new lighting, and a seriously upgraded sound system, 4th & B has reclaimed itself as the czar of after-hours parties. Their San Diego “Love” Friday nights has hosted the best DJ talent in the world, such as Tiesto, Sasha & Digweed, Sandra Collins, and The Crystal Method with no end in sight. With many such Fridays selling out the 21,000 foot arena, this rekindling of the rave scene in San Diego seems to have no end anytime in the near future. Keep an eye on 4th and B because you do not want to miss what’s coming up next weekend in San Diego.

Last Friday night I grabbed two friends and went to check out SIN Nite Club in Downtown San Diego because I’ve been hearing that it’s a red-hot new nightclub being promoted by Dre Vegas, an old San Diego favorite. I entered VIP and still had to pay $10… lame but becoming more typical… in Las Vegas.

The “Sin” concept was cool, the music was loud and everything was pimped out and brand new. Feelin’ the urge to booze heavily, i ordered the “Seven Deadly Shots” and a couple beers to chase. Turns out that drinks are like $9 a pop and I should be in a different bar if I planned on getting hammered.

Off to the dance floor to cut a little rug… most of the crowd was ghetto. I suddenly felt like I had left San DIego. When in hell did Hawaiian shirts and silly sunglasses re-enter the nightclub scene? I guess if the DJ will only spin last year’s Top 40 you might as well dress like dork to entertain yourself.

After almost getting in a fight with LaShawnda and her sisters for walking through their apparent “dancing space” it was time to belly up and calm the nerves. $200 later and only 3 rounds of beers and shots I was feeling a bit annoyed, to say the least. Not only were the drinks weak and overpriced, but my bartender was so shit-faced that he was spilling every third drink he poured making for an impatiently backed-up bar.

I left at 1am feeling half-sober and thoroughly disappointed. Greedy owners and promoters are to blame for creating the most fancy and overpriced dive bar in Downtown San Diego.