Sunday, March 9: Lovesexy DC, the local Prince fan club, is hosting its monthly Prince dance party tonight at the Velvet Lounge, and DJ Dredd has a special mini-set planned to get people talking at the bar -- "The Revolution vs. the New Power Generation: Who was Prince's best band?" All night long, he'll be spinning songs from each, as well as music from Prince-related artists like the Time, Vanity and Sheila E.

Thursday, March 6
The film "Love Jones" came out in 1997. Yet every time someone starts an event with poetry and music, the Larenz Tate-Nia Long film is invoked. At least the VIP Club's "Love Jones Cafe" tonight features live music by Heather Headley, who won a Tony Award for her role in "Aida" before giving up Broadway for the R&B charts. Arrive before 7 for an open bar and -- most importantly -- free admission.

Don't be alarmed tonight to see contorting torsos and furiously spinning sneaker-clad limbs at Five's usual Grand Groove hip-hop set. The b-boys have the floor for the evening -- or at least until 11:30 -- as part of OutofBreath.com's launch party. DJ Rocktakon of Washington's own Goonies turntablist clique returns from his current NYC base to set it off for the breakdancing crews.

Friday, March 7
Legendary house-funk-disco-acid jazz DJ Doc Martin is rocking Polly Esther's tonight (no, that's not a misprint), but first he's stopping by Yoshitoshi. From 9 to 10, you can hear him spin records in the Georgetown shop while you cruise the racks for his latest mixtape or compilation CD.

For something a little more glamorous (and for a good cause), head for the District of Columbia's Jewish Community Center, where GirlsGoingOut.com is presenting a spring fashion show. Local and national designers will be featured, and proceeds from the event benefit the Washington Free Clinic and Queen St. Clinic, two organizations that provide health care to the poor and uninsured.

Saturday, March 8
If you missed Erasure's performance at the 9:30 club, you can hear tracks from its new album, "Other People's Music," at the official album release party tonight at Bohemian Caverns. DJ sophiafromlondon will be spinning classic Erasure pop songs ("Ship of Fools," etc.) as well as other Anglo rock and pop. Proceeds from the event -- which includes fortunetellers, magicians and matchmaking games -- will be donated to Warchild, an international charity that helps children who have been displaced, injured or otherwise affected by war.

There are only 100 more days until Memorial Day, and you can mark the occasion at the Yenching Palace, with half-priced beers and a Dewey-style atmosphere. Beach attire is suggested.

Or you can "Spring into Paradise" at Ortanique, with tropical cocktails and live music from the Exquisite band.

Sunday, March 9
D.C.'s Fastest Bartender will be crowned tonight at Rumors after weeks of qualifying events. This is no one-trick-pony contest -- bartenders are judged in categories like the accuracy of their pouring and the taste of their margaritas as well as overall speed. It's a fun night, and it might help you decide where to go for happy hour later in the week.

Lovesexy DC, the local Prince fan club, is hosting its monthly Prince dance party tonight at the Velvet Lounge, and DJ Dredd has a special mini-set planned to get people talking at the bar -- "The Revolution vs. the New Power Generation: Who was Prince's best band?" All night long, he'll be spinning songs from each, as well as music from Prince-related artists like the Time, Vanity and Sheila E.

Monday, March 10
Say it with me: "Martini Monday at Murali." Just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? It's a good thing that the drinks are as smooth as the name. All martinis and cosmopolitans are $5 all night, and DJ Sir Wodies spins hip-hop, R&B and neo-soul all night.

Tuesday, March 11
Neo-soul is the buzzword in music these days, from the Grammys to Coke commercials.Soul-singing duo Zwei is maximizing all available opportunities, snagging airtime on WHUR, a slot at the Washington Post Weekend section's Carter Barron series last year and a 2002 Wammie nomination. Tonight at Zanzibar on the Waterfront, the two will be unveiling songs from their new album. The show starts at 7.

The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia is hosting a meet-and-greet happy hour tonight at Ireland's Four Provinces in Falls Church. It's a good chance to visit the bar before the hordes of St. Patrick's Day revelers do.

Wednesday, March 12
Washington was once known as the bluegrass capital of the world, but you'd be hard-pressed to find any of it being played around town today. That's why folks should be grateful for Bob Perilla and the Big Hillbilly Bluegrass Band, holding down the stage at Madam's Organ every Wednesday night. The guys in the quartet are all great players, but if you want to get up and jam, you're welcome to talk to Bob before the show.

Fritz Hahn is the Bars and Clubs editor of washingtonpost.com and a Going Out Guru. Rhome Anderson is a Going Out Guru and performs around town under the name DJ Stylus.