Nightlife: Never a dull night

Saturday is just a frame of mind.

Only amateurs leave all their carousing to the weekend. Any day of the week can be your new Saturday. You just need to know where to look.

We scoured the inner recesses of the Twin Cities nightlife universe to find the most diverse array of weekly parties -- one for each day of the week (Friday and Saturday, too). Some will be new to you; others are classics. This list should satisfy all comers: hipsters, Rastas, cowboys, gay, straight and everyone in between.

These are dance nights, drag nights, karaoke nights -- bustling affairs that happen every week, on the same day, at the same time. That means they're reliable, like a bottle of Advil after a hard night of drinking.

You've heard of weekend warriors? This guide will make you a weeklong warrior.

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 ain't fake Taylor Swift country, this is real boot-scootin' boogie country. I'm talking cowboys, line dancing and using the garbage can as a spittoon (OK, they play Taylor Swift, too). The night is named after We Fest host Tom Katt, who has DJ'ed here for the better part of 30 years. While he 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. 21 and older. 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 hand-picked by Wes Winship and Mike the 2600 King (of Burlesque of North America) to move the crowd. The dance floor starts relaxed and then can get pretty sweaty, as everyone from hipsters to hip-hop heads get down to such DJs as Shannon Blowtorch, Jimmy 2 Times and Petey Wheatstraw. The music casts a wide net, too. Don't be surprised if you hear LCD Soundsystem and 2 Live Crew back-to-back. Helping matters are two-for-one drinks until 12:30 a.m. The modus operandi: cheap and danceable.

Info: 9 p.m. Free. 21 and older. 629 Cedar Av. S., Mpls. 612-333-7399. www.triplerocksocialclub.com.

WEDNESDAY

The night: Transmission at Clubhouse Jäger.

What to expect: Jake Rudh has ruled Wednesday nights for a long time. While the scene is filled with Top 40 dance parties, the dapper DJ ("I've always liked to dress up," Rudh said) has carved out a niche dedicated to a different kind of dance music. "Transmission" offers a 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 DJ-ing, the man knows what he's doing.

Info: 10 p.m. Free. 21 and older. 923 Washington Av. N., Mpls. www.myspace.com/transmission.

THURSDAY

The night: Pumps & Pearls Drag Revue at the Town House.

What to expect: "This is an old-fashioned drag show," says Miss Lily White, the sassy host of "Pumps & Pearls." The night is known for its no-nonsense approach (no real stage, no fancy lights) 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 (earlier this year, Benet was named the winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race," a reality show for queens). "Girls know they always have a chance at the Town House," Miss White said.

Info: 10 p.m. Free. 21 and older. 1415 W. University Av., St. Paul. 651-646-7087. www.townhousebar.com.

FRIDAY

The night: TNT Karaoke at the VFW Post 246.

What to expect: You haven't sung karaoke until you've let it all hang out at the good ol' VFW. While you'll always catch a few war vets hugging the bar stools, Friday nights typically are overrun by Uptown beatniks and young bargoers from the LynLake neighborhood. The drinks are dirt cheap, and the night's operators, Tom and Judy Wheaton, still run a tight ship. For karaoke insiders this is old news. For newbies, this place is just waiting to be discovered.

Info: 9 p.m. Free. 21 and older. 2916 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. 612-823-6233.

SATURDAY

The night: Salsa dancing at Picosa.

What to expect: A good salsa night can get by with a DJ, but a great one needs a live band. This Latino restaurant in St. Anthony Main books a live salsa band every Saturday. As for the crowd, it's a wide range, from twentysomethings to old-timers who can still bring the heat. All levels of expertise are welcome, too. Novices should take advantage of the free salsa lesson offered every week at 9:30 p.m. Afterward, the night kicks into full gear.

Info: 10 p.m. $10. $5 college I.D. 18 and older. 65 SE. Main St., Mpls. 612-746-3970. www.picosarestaurant.com.

SUNDAY

The night: Showtime Sunday at the Lounge.

What to expect: Most Afro-Caribbean dance nights are relegated to ethnic restaurants outside of the downtown club scene. 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 such Twin Cities artists as Prince Jabba, Maria Isa and M.anifest, as well as such touring reggae acts as Warrior King and Bushman. Last week they hosted an African-inspired fashion show.

Info: 10 p.m. $5-$8. 411 2nd Av. N., Mpls. 612 702 9802. www.mezesha.com.

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909