Indian dance nights were once just fringe events in the Twin Cities nightlife scene. Now they've become a common trend, as nightclubs become hip to the loyal crowds and amazing music these nights provide. There is no doubt about it: The bhangra and Bollywood remixes coming out of India make for some of the best club music around.
The people behind this weekend's Indian party at Soundbar say their night is different. It's an annual celebration for the Festival of Colors, also known as Holi. The festival is celebrated across India (on March 11), where people are encouraged to "color" their friends and loved ones with tinted powders. They'll do the same at Soundbar once again.
The man behind the night's music will be DJ Raj, who will spin music as Bollywood films are projected on Soundbar's screens. Raj will be joined by a dhol drummer and fire dancers. The promoter of the night, Desi Productions, said it hopes to make the event more than just a night of clubbing. To add to the cultural experience expect free Indian food by Gandhi Mahal and get ready to have your face powdered.
While his ukulele gently weeps If there were such a thing as a ukulele god, it would probably be Jake Shimabukuro. The 32-year-old Hawaiian plays the small stringed instrument like Jimi Hendrix played the guitar -- with ferocity. His tour stops at the Ordway on Tuesday. With only that small Hawaiian instrument, he's able to channel everything from rock to jazz. He even plays with beatboxers. His ukulele version of the Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is a hit on YouTube (type in: ukulele weeps). Or check him out at jakeshimabukuro.com.
7:30 p.m. Tue. 345 Washington St., St. Paul. $15-$25. 651-224-4222. ordway.org.
Crowning You might look at your favorite bartender in a whole new light after Tuesday's Miss Minneapolis contest at Aqua. They might as well have called it "hottest nightclub worker." The second annual event honors the sexiest bartenders, servers and dancers in the Twin Cities nightlife scene. Of course, the contest will be judged by the only celebrities we have: pro athletes. The winners get cash prizes. Expect music by a long list of DJs (including Joe Maz, Strangelove and Cor-E). Cover is free for all industry workers.
10 p.m. Tue. 400 1st Av. N., Mpls. 18 and older. 612-232-3232. aquampls.com.
thorgen@startribune.com 612-673-7909
