Jeff Gaulton

Jeff Gaulton, a talent buyer who used to book the now-defunct Bacchanal from 1983 to 1990 and has been the talent buyer at 4th & B for the last seven years, has moved into that same position at Solana Beach's Belly Up Tavern. Diana Martinez, whom Gaulton will replace, has gone to work for San Diego's new House of Blues.

"Now that she's gone, we'd love to play the Belly Up," says Tom Voris, the singer/manager of the Fabulous Rudies, an eight-piece North County ska band. Voris is one local musician who is happy that Martinez has left the tavern. Voris said he swore off the Belly Up after his band was stiffed by Martinez.

"It was October 1, opening for Buck-O-Nine. I dropped off our package a week before the show, and she said, 'It's your lucky day. If you can do this for me, I'll get you on a couple shows each month.' "

He said the Rudies were offered just $50 for the last-minute booking. Voris said Martinez never paid him.

"It's only 50 bucks, but it's the principle. I couldn't even get a hold of her after that."

Belly Up co-owner Steve Goldberg said he was not aware of the problem, but if the Fabulous Rudies were not paid, he would be happy to pay them.

Attempts to reach Martinez were not successful.

The Fabulous Rudies (www.fabrudies.com) appear 7 p.m. Friday with Saturday's Child, Large Marge, and Nels at the Jumping Turtle in San Marcos; must be 21, admission is $10. Also 6 p.m. Saturday with Irieside at Yard Records in Oceanside; all ages, free admission.