BUZZ CLUBS

Cash and carry

So Loyal Pennings colored out -- Vegas-speak for cashed in his chips. The Hollywood club owner sold his Concorde and El Centro nightclubs to a Canadian investment firm called Lucid Entertainment, which plans to keep both clubs running with the same promoters (although El Centro is currently undergoing a much-needed face-lift). Pennings says his immediate plans include an overhaul of Las Palmas nightclub, the golden goose he owns with Chris Pike. And both are scouting for potential Miami properties. In addition, Pennings has teamed up with clubland heavyweight Adolfo Suaya (Dolce, Cobras & Matadors) to develop a down-and-dirty nightclub in the Cahuenga Corridor, where Adolfo owns a building. They also plan to open a tequila bar on Hollywood Boulevard, designed by director Roberto Rodriguez (blam!).

Speaking of designers, Christopher Ciccone unveiled his latest opus, Central, over the weekend. The new restaurant on the second floor of the Sunset Millenium building on the Strip is owned by Nic Adler (the Roxy), brothers Bob and John Long (Georgia, Roxbury) and Ava Fabian (Ava’s). The sexy tropical spot boasts walls of windows, a retractable ceiling and Maine crab cakes to die for.

Gothic wings

If you like fairies, bats and KMFDM, then you’ll love Bar Sinister’s 5th Annual Gothic Butterfly Ball. The glittery event takes place at Boardner’s on Saturday and, along with lovely winged lasses, guests can check out a performance by Joy Revision, a Joy Division tribute band. There will be costume contests.... Got teeth that could chew corn through a picket fence? Then head to the Bigfoot Lodge in Atwater Village tonight. DJ Morgan spins rockabilly till you’re silly.

In black and light

Tomorrow night’s Black Light Ball is hosted by Naked L.A. The dancefest takes place at the Grand Avenue nightclub in downtown Los Angeles.... Pearl in WeHo just launched Tangerine, a tasty new Saturday dance club with DJs Kev E Kev and StoneRokk.... We hear newly single heiress Nicky Hilton celebrated her 21st birthday at Body English nightclub in Las Vegas over the weekend. Guess fashion photographer Ellen Von Unwerth was there to capture the action, which included magnums of champagne lighted by sparklers and people dancing to sister Paris Hilton’s new single “Screwed.” Indeed.