Cool Front

SAT 8/21

For DJs, the most precious of all body parts very well may be the cochlea. That little coil embedded in the human ear is what recognizes phat beats, killer hooks and, quite possibly, the next big craze. DJ Icey ought to consider insuring his, because it helped him become "King of the Funky Breaks" (according to DJ 'zine Mixmag). It also made him realize he had to import the now insanely famous Chemical Brothers to the States. As the resident DJ of Orlando's The Edge in the early '90s, Icey convinced the British duo to spend a week stateside to promote their initial releases. "We did 5,000 people for their first show; the crowd went insane," says Icey, whose real name is Eddie Pappa. "The Brothers have said after that show they realized that they could break America and set their minds to do it."

Icey currently is cooling clubs everywhere with his latest System Recordings compilation, For the Love of the Beat. "It's special to me as I either produced, remixed or re-edited every song on the label," he says. He'll unleash his breakbeats here at the venue formerly known as Rich's, one of the many stops that adds up to his more than 150 live appearances per year. But spreading the chill to audiences is no biggie for Icey. "I love breakbeats," he says. "The crowds can feel the vibe flowing from me to them on the dance floor. You gotta keep dancing." 9 p.m. Saturday, August 21. 2401 San Jacinto. For information, visit www.wantickets.com. $10 to $15. -- Steven Devadanam

Vic & Anthony's Sour French Apple Martini

I went to an Astros game. It was boring, but the talent off the field was astonishing. My neck suddenly possessed Jim Carrey qualities, swiveling 'round and 'round to check out the eye candy. I wasn't in the best form, though -- my shirt was soaked with overpriced beer that once had been in my cup. When the game finally ended, I found myself being practically carried out of the park by the throngs of exiting fans. I had no intention of going home, so I let the masses guide me to the entrance of Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse (1510 Texas Avenue, 713-228-1111), where I wedged myself between two overfed good ol' boys. Josh behind the bar set me up with a sour French apple martini, a total frou-frou drink if there ever was one. With Tex on my left and Bubba on my right, I struggled to turn around and survey the room. "Excuse me, would you happen to have a light?" As loud as it was in that bar, the voice whispered right into my ear. I could feel her breasts brushing up against my shoulder blade. I swung around so hard I knocked Bubba's beer out of his hand. "Sorry, dude..." The girl could've stopped 610 traffic, but I had something more important to deal with. As the ape reached for my shirt collar, I slithered off my barstool, slipped the girl some matches and bolted for the front door.

1 ounce Grey Goose vodka
1 ounce Citadelle gin
1 ounce DeKuypers Sour Apple Puckers

Chill your favorite cocktail mixer with ice and measure out equal parts of above ingredients. Shake well and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with an apple slice, a maraschino cherry or a tiny blue pill. -- J.W. Crooker

Brunch Drunk Love

Sunday brunches are all about getting messy and meeting up with Mr. or Ms. Right Now. Hell, it's your last chance to party before the humdrum of the workweek starts, so you may as well kick it into overdrive. That's why we gotta give props to the folks over at Union Bar and Lounge, if only because of what they've chosen as the name of their Sunday event: WGMO, or Wanna Go Make Out? Featuring DJs and drink specials, this happening just might be the perfect way to end your weekend with a bang. 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. 202 Tuam. For information, call 713-529-5296 or visit www.unionbarandlounge.com. Free. -- Lance Scott Walker

Party by Numbers

SAT 8/21

Given Houston's Darwinian club scene, kudos are in order for Numbers (the spot that's clearly been on the Cialis pill for club longevity) for its 26th year of existence. It's been quite a run for the lower Westheimer alternative haven: How many places can boast hosting the Village People in 1979, a blossoming R.E.M. in 1981 and Dogstar, featuring Keanu Reeves, in 1995? (Well, two out of three ain't bad.) At tonight's 26th anniversary party, you'll be treated to door and drink specials, giveaways and music supplied by Danseparc, Wes Wallace, Robot, Morado and James. (Our fingers are crossed for a Village People appearance.) 9 p.m. Saturday, August 21. 300 Westheimer, 713-526-6551, www.numbersnightclub.com. $7. -- Steven Devadanam