BIZ BITES

Iconic dog comes to Newport gallery

The Lonely Dog, a hard-living canine from New Zealand who fronts a rock ‘n’ roll band, will tear into Newport Beach Saturday for his first gig in the United States.

Or his first exhibit, that is.

Ivan Clarke’s cartoon character may be a hit in his home country, where his images and collectible books have a strong following, but he has yet to make it big across the Pacific. On Saturday, the Lahaina Galleries in Fashion Island will have the honor of introducing Lonely Dog to a new audience.

Limited edition copies of Clarke’s book “Alveridgea� will be for sale at the show, along with bronze sculptures and paintings. Clarke will attend to discuss his creation at 5:45 p.m. The show lasts from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the art will remain on display at the gallery until mid-August.

The gallery is at 1173 Newport Center Drive by the Cheesecake Factory. Call (949) 721-9117 for reservations.

� Michael Miller

Sutra Lounge night club to celebrate third birthday

Sutra Lounge, a popular restaurant and night club in the Triangle Square shopping center, plans to celebrate its third anniversary with a party Saturday evening.

From 8 to 9 p.m., the lounge will offer complimentary appetizers and champagne while DJ Splyce, who has been featured on “Larry King Live� and the 2006 Grammy Awards, will provide music. The doors open at 6 p.m.

Sutra Lounge, which opened at Triangle Square in 2004, is at 1870 Harbor Blvd., by the 55 Freeway. Call (949) 722-7103 for more information.

� Michael Miller