Puff Daddy Is In

Irradio, Yovee, and Operatic are out. Billy Daniels is incoming managing partner at what is now Martini Ranch in Encinitas. He says a new name and music policy are in store for the bar and café that sits next to the La Paloma Theatre.

Daniels says the venue will be renamed D Street Bar and Grill and a new liquor license that allows all ages indicates a new commitment to food service. There are no plans to continue the Thursday-night multiband showcase. Plans include a live jazz band on Wednesday, a classic rock band on Saturday, and popular dance music on other nights.

Established as a nightclub in 1978, the nightspot on Highway 101 has been named Easy Street, Bobby G's, the Full Moon, Sharkey's, and the Millennium. Since opening as Martini Ranch in 2001, the club has hosted local original bands on Thursdays. Chad Waldorf has booked "Thursday Night Live" for the past year.

"I'd like to talk to them and see about continuing it," says Waldorf, who has brought in reggae, indie rock, and jazz bands. Waldorf says he has been told to book only through August 11. On that date, Daniels says his company, LLC Charter Funding, will take over ownership and close the place for two weeks to remodel.

"The only club we really have left that allows us to bring underground and out-of-town bands is the Leucadian," says John Finkbiner, who plays guitar and sings in the Stereotypes. "Martini Ranch has the best sound of any club I've ever been in."

The Stereotypes, Buckfast Superbee, and Spell Toronto appear tonight at Martini Ranch. Must be 21. Free admission.