More Talk of Trouble in Land of Billboard Live

You heard it here, and now here’s more: Billboard Live appears to be in more trouble than the company will acknowledge. A spokeswoman would only say the scenario is not as gloomy as it seems, claiming only three employees have been laid off. But we’ve learned otherwise, from multiple sources, no less.

According to one insider, the ambitious Sunset Strip nightclub “is a train wreck. There’s been a 60% turnover rate--the bar manager, the box-office manager and the entire corporate staff in Santa Monica are gone. Contracts are not being renewed.” We’ll keep you posted. . . .

On Friday night, the popular L.A. club act Touchcandy is throwing a party for its own independently released debut album, “The Nights of Touchcandy.” Fans are invited to show up with cameras at 9 p.m. at Sunset Stage (6063 Sunset Blvd.). After walking down a red carpet flanked with mannequins, the glam rock band is scheduled to perform two sets. . . .

Mr. T’s Bowl is home to a new club promotion, Club Hijinx, which kicks off Friday with performances by Tracy and the Hindenburg Ground Crew (we just love typing that name) and two sets by the Lucky Stars. Five bucks will get you in to the Highland Park club. Five bucks will also get you in on Saturday night, when Mr. T’s club Hot Pants presents Menthol Hill, Pachinko, Masher, the Parkas and more. . . .

We told you the rock en espan~ol scene was heating up. Sunday’s performance by Colombia’s Los Aterciopelodos and locals Los Olvidados and Pastilla had fans lining up at the Dragonfly at 7 p.m. for a chance to get in. Among those willing to face the heat--the temperature inside the breathing-room-only club felt like the Valley in August--was a scout for the DreamWorks label and Gustavo Santaolalla, the scene’s most famous producer. (The Argentine native has produced records for Mexico’s Cafe Tacuba, Maldita and Caifanes.) Performing Sunday at the club are Todos Tus Muertos, also from Argentina. . . .

The El Rey Theater books some pretty interesting acts, but it’s outdone itself this time: The Chippendales “You Turn Me On” tour will play the club April 23-25. According to a Chippendales’ spokeswoman, the dance troupe has been “exciting women all over the world, from London’s prestigious West End to Paris’ Co^te d’ Azur.” Let’s see them turn on the mid-Wilshire district.