Mardi Gras is over. It’s a time for scaling down, for somber reflection and quiet.
For some people, that is.
On Denver’s nightlife scene, the party continues. Tonight, especially, is a little crazy.
The big attraction is rapper Talib Kweli at Vinyl (1082 Broadway). Vinyl’s Friday hip-hop parties are a perennial favorite, but this week’s is going to be extra-big.
Kweli rose to fame in the ’90s as half of Black Star, with Mos Def. The group was influential, famous for its intricate rhymes and “conscious” lyrics.
Kweli continues to perform in that style, writing songs that don’t pander to base instincts but still manage to shake booties.
On his latest album, “Ear Drum,” he raps that hip-hop needs more “songs that stress purpose, less misogyny and less curses.”
A line like that pretty much sums up the Kweli ethos. Add some bangin’ beats, and expect a night of sweaty dancing and positive vibes.
Advance tickets are available for the astoundingly low price of $10 at groovetickets . This is about as cheap as it gets to see Kweli, so buy ’em quick. Doors open at 9 p.m.
Onward to LoDo: It was only a matter of time before Brad Roulier jumped in on Noise! Fridays at Beta (1909 Blake St.).
He owns the club, after all, and he spins now and again with DJ Sabotage as the Manufactured Superstars. Tonight, the Superstars are taking over the decks at Beta for an “Electro-Pop Glam Slam.”
Just like a regular Noise! night, the music will be an unpredictable mix, but with a likely emphasis on the “electro” elements. No matter what, you’re expected to dance and get loud.
Presale tickets are $5 at . College kids get a discount on the cover charge when they flash an ID.
This brings up one of the best things about Noise!: You can enjoy a night at the club and not blow your bank account, especially if you arrive early.
Before midnight, Jagermeister shots and well drinks are $3, an unheard-of bargain at a LoDo nightclub. And, of course, the bar is always well stocked with the hipsters’ favorite beer, Pabst Blue Ribbon, on special for $2.
Swimsuits! At Zen Ultra Lounge (940 Lincoln St.), another student-friendly party is in the works. Tonight, “The Intern Goes Spring Break” will get the young ones excited for their upcoming vacations, guys and girls alike.
It’s a bikini fashion show, so there’s a big part of the fun for interested males. But with swimsuits from designers like super-cute Paul Frank, ladies will no doubt be scoping out looks for their next trip to the beach.
Best of all, college students with ID will get a free drink at the bar. March is pretty much here, so saving those extra pennies is going to come in handy.
Bang a gong. It’s like a dream come true: The oblivious person who’s heartlessly ruining a song on karaoke night gets booted from the stage with a mighty gong hit.
We’ve all fantasized about it, but the Denver Roller Dolls make it reality with their Karaoke Gong Show at Bender’s (314 E. 13th Ave.) on Tuesday.
There’s no cover, but donate $3 to the Dolls and receive the power of the gong. Those heading to SXSW will want to start drinking Lone Star beer — it’s on special for $2 that night.
Then, when that one drunk lady gets onstage to butcher “I Will Survive” for the billionth time, it’s curtains.
