eat + drink

JFK is dead. Don and Betty are finished. The agency is back to square one.

This calls for a party. The greatest TV show on Earth -- AMC's "Mad Men" -- is back for another season this Sunday, and so is the official Twin Cities premiere party, hosted by Vita.mn and DJ Jake Rudh.

Last year's '60s-themed soirée was a hit at Jax Cafe, with a few hundred finely dressed people packing the classic Northeast restaurant. What to wear? Might I suggest a Roger Sterling-style three-piece suit or maybe a tweed pencil skirt?

More than a simple viewing party, the night will once again offer all the indulgences that make "Mad Men" deliciously entertaining -- classic cocktails, cigar tastings and retro tunes. This year, they've upped the ante by offering a pre-show, three-course dinner ($45) in Jax's Cosmopolitan Room. (Tickets were selling quickly this week.) If you want to skip dinner, the viewing package is $20, or if you just want to hit the after-party on Jax's main floor, it's $10.

Whichever you choose, make sure to dress the part.

Twin Cities techno trailblazer Woody McBride (aka DJ ESP) has once again assembled an electronic buffet of DJs from around the country.

On Friday, his nine-hour Bassgasm 2 will use every inch of First Avenue (five rooms) to showcase the full spectrum of dance music. Notable among the 60-plus performers are HeavyGrinder, Tommie Sunshine, Terry Mullan and Christian Bruna.

5 p.m.-2 a.m. Fri. 701 1st Av. N., Mpls.

$15-$20. 18 and older. 612-332-1775 or

www.first-avenue.com.

Apparently, it's not just a drunken time-waster. Billy's on Grand is hosting a "Big Buck Hunter" Party and Tournament Wednesday. While the winner only gets a measly $50 bar tab, the glory should speak volumes among your friends.

But be warned, I've heard that some of the top "Big Buck Hunter" players who compete in the world championship (yes, there is such a thing) are from the Twin Cities area, and might be in attendance.

6-9 p.m. Wed. 857 Grand Av., St. Paul. 651-292-9140. www.billysongrand.com.

Looking to laugh this weekend? "Last Comic Standing" alum and Elk River native Dave Mordal is a good bet. He will funny up the Parkway on Saturday as part of the vintage theater's summer stand-up comedy series.

8:30 p.m. Sat. 4814 Chicago Av. S., Mpls. $15.

612-822-3030. www.theparkwaytheater.com.

thorgen@startribune.com • 612-673-7909