BUZZ CLUBS

The resole of Shoes

Former Barfly GM Steve Fowler is the lucky duck who scored Star Shoes, the Hollywood Boulevard bar that is shuttering in early June. Fowler, who’s been promoting at such clubs as Red Buddha (now renamed Play) and Area, is plotting to reopen the venue in late June and is still tossing around names (although Chill is a favorite). His plans are to morph the bi-level venue into an upscale lounge without folks getting hassled at the door.... The swanky Santa Monica oyster bar Voda is offering “bike valet,” i.e., a discount valet service for guests who opt for pedal power rather than driving.... The closing night of punk performance artist Joanna Went’s exhibition at Track 16 Gallery in Santa Monica on Saturday brought out Ben Stiller, Sacha Baron Cohen, John Frusciante, Jack Black, writer Jerry Stahl and Leonardo DiCaprio’s artist-father, George.... In June, look for hunky lifeguards on Thursday nights at the Hotel Roosevelt’s poolside lounge, Tropicana, which is morphing into a nighttime swim club with weekly parties.

Martinis at sunset

More of springing into summer: The Dolce Group’s Lonnie Moore and Mike Malin begin offering “Sunset Hour” at their new WeHo eatery, Ketchup, from 5 to 7 p.m. on weekdays after Memorial Day. Look for cheap martinis and a special appetizer-size menu.... More bargains: Every Tuesday at Table 8 on Melrose, the wine menu is half off its regular price....

Hollywood’s Beauty Bar begins its second annual “Drop Dead Gorgeous” beauty pageant on Sunday night, with Playboy model Chyna Doll hosting.... Spaceland’s Mitchell Frank and partner Jeff Ellermeyer plan this summer to open a groovy beer and wine bar called Prado; it’ll be across from the Echo in Echo Park.... The Royale on Wilshire hosts “Soul Food Fridays,” with no cover charge and ample eats.... The soulful dance club Afro Funke celebrates its fourth anniversary on May 31 at Zanzibar in Santa Monica.

Planet-R

moves

The Memorial Day Bash thrown by Planet-R and Russian Party Grounds has been moved from Miyagi’s to Garden of Eden.... On July 6, dance club promoter Jason Lavitt (Shout!, Synthetic, Bang!) launches System, a new Friday night shindig at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood.... If you’re looking for a summertime date and some tiny bubbles, check out this Sunday’s luau at the Hideout in Santa Monica. Beginning this weekend, the seaside bar is hosting singles mixers each Sunday in conjunction with Mixerparties.com, a website dedicated to helping lonely hearts find significant others. If for no other reason, show up for the free tacos.