Highlands Debuts, and What a View

It just doesn’t stop.... This week’s parties include Tuesday’s grand-opening gala for Highlands, a mondo reminder that the Kolachis brothers like to do things B-I-G. Looks like this two-level nightclub with a smashing view might be a hit.... On Wednesday, the crew behind Sushi Roku and Balboa celebrated the grand opening of its newest contribution to L.A. night life, Katana, (see story, Page 26) a sweet Sunset Boulevard restaurant.... Hollywood’s new gem, A.D. (see review, this page), is already flaunting some primo parties: a big Flaunt magazine bash on Jan. 28 and an E! Entertainment party on Jan. 30. Sweet.

Members of L.A.’s rock scene continue to memorialize Betty Blowtorch singer Bianca Halstead, who died in a car crash last month. Her family is throwing a fabulous benefit at Dragonfly in Hollywood on Tuesday. The show starts at 8 p.m., and a $20 donation will give you a license to ill with some stellar L.A. talent, including Faster Pussycat, Texas Terri, Motochrist, the Super Bees and Coyote Shivers.

Also performing: the Pleasure Seekers, whose frontman, Casper, is the latest star from Hollywood’s growing rock scene.

Wow, wish I could a hop a train to Sundance this year because Monday’s William Morris-Diesel Details party sounds like a girl’s best friend. Sponsored by the Diamond Council of America and Rabin Rogers Events (Cherry promoter Bryan Rabin’s new company), the “Docs & Rocks” bash celebrates the documentary art form with wall-to-wall denim and diamonds.

The great drag club, Dragstrip 66, is calling all cats to celebrate its ninth anniversary on Saturday at Rudolpho’s in Silver Lake. At the 9 Lives of Dragstrip 66 party, promoter Paul V. says he’s giving membership cards to anyone in costume, allowing them reduced admission to future Dragstrip events. Wicked.... My old pal David Millman tells me you’re missing out if you haven’t checked out Welsh singer Judith Owen, who has a Tuesday night residency at the Joint on Pico Boulevard. Among her devotees are Tracey Ullman, Jeff Goldblum, Annabeth Gish, Danny DeVito and Jamie Lee Curtis. Sounds groovy.

Heidi Siegmund Cuda