CLUB REVIEW : Hollywood Grand Could Give Other Venues Competition

If opening night at the Hollywood Grand was any indication, a fine new club was born last weekend.

The recent marriage of concert promoter Avalon Attractions and the Diamond Club in Hollywood resulted in the Hollywood Grand, a joint promotion with an official capacity of 1,000 that’s likely to give some nearby live venues a run for their money.

The Palace, for instance, is a grand ol’ dame, but its high ceilings make intimacy nearly impossible. And the 4,400-capacity Palladium has all the appeal of a high school gymnasium. After Saturday night’s Catherine Wheel performance, the Hollywood Grand is the clear winner.

Owned by Slim Jim Phantom (of the Stray Cats) and club-biz veteran Steven Scarduzio, the Hollywood Grand has a new stage, custom concrete drum risers and lighting, and none of the posts and equipment that blocked the stage during its days as Spice a few years back. When the clock strikes 11 p.m., it becomes the Diamond Club again--which on Saturdays is jam-packed with manic dancers. But during live shows (Dokken is scheduled to perform on Saturday), the club is surprisingly comfortable without erring on the side of dullness.

* Hollywood Grand at the Diamond Club, 7070 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. All ages during Hollywood Grand performances; 21 and over after performances conclude. Cover varies. (213) 467-7070 or hot line (213) 243-9448.