Nightlife: Weekend warriors
Don't leave all your carousing to the weekend -- that's for amateurs. We scoured the inner recesses of Twin Cities nightlife to find a diverse array of weeknight parties. These bustling affairs happen every week -- same day, same time. Now any day of the week can be your new Saturday.
Sunday
The night: Showtime Sunday at the Lounge.
What to expect: Most Afro-Caribbean dance nights are relegated to ethnic restaurants. But Mezesha Entertainment is still going strong at the Lounge. DJ Xpect and company spin an exciting mix of reggae, dancehall, dub, soca, hip-hop and R&B. They've opened up the stage to Twin Cities artists such as Prince Jabba, Maria Isa and M.anifest, as well as touring reggae acts. Last week they hosted an African-inspired fashion show.
Info: 10 p.m. $5-$8. www.mezesha.com.
Monday
The night: Tom Katt's Rowdy Cowboy Show at Hoggsbreath.
What to expect: The boots. The hats. The ginormous belt buckles. Country night at this Little Canada bar is a sight to see. This is real boot-scootin' boogie country: I'm talking cowboys, line dancing and using the garbage can as a spittoon. While longtime DJ Tom Katt recently took a hiatus, a couple of young guns have kept the night going, beckoning cowboys and cowgirls from across the metro area. Free drink if you wear a cowboy hat.
Info: 9 p.m. Free. 2504 N. Rice St., Little Canada. 651-484-7067.
Tuesday
The night: Triple Double at the Triple Rock.
What to expect: Each week, a different trio of DJs is handpicked by Wes Winship and Mike the 2600 King to move the crowd inside the T-Rock's main room, with everyone from hipsters to hip-hop heads getting down to DJs like Shannon Blowtorch, Jimmy 2 Times and Petey Wheatstraw. Don't be surprised if you hear LCD Soundsystem and 2 Live Crew back to back. Helping matters: two-for-one drinks until 12:30 a.m.
Info: 9 p.m. Free.
Wednesday
The night: Transmission at Clubhouse Jäger.
What to expect: Jake Rudh has ruled Wednesday nights for a long time. The dapper DJ has carved out a niche with his kaleidoscope of New Wave, electro and indie rock. While the crowd skews young, his audience also includes hipster godfathers aching to hear the '80s dance tracks they grew up on. Rudh provides plenty of Blondie, Bowie and New Order. After 15 years of DJing, the man knows what he's doing.
Info: 10 p.m. Free.
Thursday
The night: Pumps & Pearls Drag Revue at the Town House.
What to expect: "This is an old-fashioned drag show," says sassy host Miss Lily White. The night is known for its no-nonsense approach and its penchant for fostering new talent. Drag star Bebe Zahara Benet performed some of her first gigs at the Town House before making it big. "Girls know they always have a chance at the Town House," Miss White said.
Info: 10 p.m. Free.
