New names keep cropping up in the bar scene lately. Here are a few more, in case you're in need of a change of scenery:

Club Network opened a couple months ago at 420 Central Avenue. It's surrounded by tall fences like a playground, and would be nondescript but for the single, glowing "open" sign in the front window. Inside, you'll find top-shelf liquor, a cushioned lounge area, a digital jukebox, and a dance floor. The club hosts live music (think jazz, funk, soul, and DJs) on weekends, and opens at noon daily. It'll soon offer a lunch menu.

When we stopped in for happy hour recently, there was talk of an upcoming pig roast (it happens May 25), and a "dress to impress" contest (cash prizes to male and female winners). There's a regular dress code here, too: no white T's and no sneakers, says the sign. Call 232-1390 for more info.

There's no sign up yet, but you'll recognize Platinum Lounge (699 South Clinton, at the corner of South Clinton and Gregory) by the Guinness and Heineken signs shining like beacons in the window. Tom Taliento runs the place (formerly Kim's Asia) with the help of his sister Lindsay (the bar manager) and his right-hand man, Savoy Burke.

When we stopped in last Friday, the reports I'd heard from friends were quickly proved false: this is no dive. The handiwork and care poured into the lounge is evident from the marble-topped bar and its stone base, to the low lounge couches and floor-to-ceiling front windows. Go through the arched doorway to get to the dance floor; it's separate from the bar, and complete with DJ booth and sound system.

You can stop by Wednesday and Thursday for specials on well drinks and domestic beer, and on Friday for Uncle Theo's Public House. Platinum usually opens at 9 p.m., but on Fridays and during the summer it'll be open at 4 p.m. for happy hour, Taliento says.

Over in the St. Paul Quarter, Studio 155 (155 St. Paul Street) celebrated its grand opening on Friday, May 2. The club occupies the space where the Liquor Room used to be, and has live DJs Thursday through Saturday. Check out myspace.com/155stpaul for the run down: it's trance and techno on Thursdays (when college kids get in free with ID), reggae, reggaeton, R&B, hip hop, and Top 40 on Fridays, and salsa, Bachata, and Merengue on Saturdays.

And if you're looking for something else to do this weekend, this year's Big Gay Prom happens Friday, May 9, 6-10 p.m. The Rochester Gay Alliance Youth Group puts it on, and if you're between the ages of 15 and 25, you can join the alcohol-and-drug-free party at the Robach Community Center in Ontario Beach Park. Straight allies are welcome, too. The music's by DJ Chuck Argento, and it's 10 bucks to get in. Call 244-8640 x 13 for more info, or visit gayalliance.org.