Emerging Promotion Companies in San Diego

So you want to party eh? (Cue that perpetually annoying Vengaboys track that will forever remind us of our days spent pounding Long Island Iced Teas in Tijuana’s Senor Frogs before piling in a cab as we returned to the good ol’ U.S. of A.)

Ah, the memories…

Fortunately, for our sake, as well as that of the cadre of Tijuana cabbies, our partying has become more sophisticated, more mature, if you will. And while the term “partying” in and of itself invariably represents an array of possibilities to the partygoer, at its core lies the concepts of fun, frolicking and even fornicating if that’s your particular brand of vodka. 

But what’s an eager lad or lass to do with the veritable smorgasbord of skin and shenanigans this fine city of San Diego has to offer? How does one choose where to see and be seen? What can be done with such a surplus of liquor and libido? 

Well my friends, fret not; for the San Diego promotional powers that be have something to offer even the most discriminating debaucherist. From DJs to dance floors, guest lists to go-go’s, they’ve got your night(life) covered. 

And while companies such as DJhere and Fortune have become household names within the San Diego nightlife scene, there are a few new kids on the block rapidly proving they too can throw a party with the best of ‘em. From Night Access to Encore, TK and 3D – discover the emerging promotion companies in San Diego. 

First up amongst the newcomers is none other than Night Access, headed by the notorious Mr. Matt Gerold.

Gerold’s got big plans for the company this year, not the least of which includes the ability to actually watch live feeds of parties going on as they happen. Yes, you read correctly… Night Access is planning on showcasing a variety of parties on the website. Soon, just log on from your computer or cell phone and choose whichever festivities seem to suit your mood for the night. 

It’s a revolutionary concept, not to mention a stroke of sheer brilliance for those procrastination-prone partiers. And should you stumble upon an event which happens to tickle your fancy, you can add yourself to the guest list at the click or touch of a button.

Another new leader is TK Productions, fronted by Brandon Thomason and Danny Kuehner. (TK at W Hotel pictured below)

“Every venue in San Diego brings a different element to the mix in its own way,” Thomason says. “We like doing events at all the different venues around the city in order to keep it fresh and new.”

And in the vein of keeping it fresh, TK Productions has recently teamed up with fellow nightlife companies Night Access, Encore, 3D and Jason Overell to throw Saturday nights at the W Hotel.

“We are all very excited about this event, and are positive that this is going to be the new spot to be on Saturday nights! We also do Thursday's at Bar West with DJhere, and Thrusters on Sunday nights with Craig Smoove spinning your favorite jams. Come check us out at these events and stay tuned for upcoming special events.”

Of the myriad companies joining Thomason and TK in their party-throwing endeavors, Encore Entertainment is one which espouses the forward-thinking mentality essentially characterizing a majority of these ambitious, fresh additions to the scene.

Pictured left: Encore's Daniel Krieg with Aubrey O'Day on the Ivy Rooftop Lounge

Case in point, Encore recently kicked off the Green Side of Sting alongside Fortune 421 (which also happens to be the location of their weekly Friday night parties), and is donating a portion of its proceeds to an environmental charity. Last Friday, March 6, Surfrider was the recipient of said donation.

At the most basic level, it makes perfect sense. If you plan to party, you might as well earn karma points while imbibing, right?

And rounding out this relatively abridged list of nightlife neophytes is 3D Entertainment and its head honcho Beau Andersen, who’s been in the nightlife “biz” in some form for the past 7 or so years.

“I’ve worked for just about every venue in SD and even L.A. and Vegas,” Andersen notes. “For the last year I’ve been working pretty closely with the Ivy as well as KIN Lounge at the Hyatt and the Hard Rock. I’ve really enjoyed all the venues I’ve mentioned and would like to see them continue in their success and have them remain as some of the best venues to work with.” (3D event pictured below)