This Week's Day-by-Day Picks

Thursday, June 2

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when scensters flocked to Rich's for its legendary Thursday-night parties. But then the club closed and underwent a makeover and a couple of ownership changes. The new Rich's regime, under co-owner DJ Mark D, is trying to travel back in time, bringing back the pre-weekend love with Ridiculous Thursdays, an 18-and-up college party. "It was predominantly house five years ago," says promoter Mazen Baltagi of the club's Thursday-night scene, "but everyone loves hip-hop, so we're bringing that, too." Gaze at the mammoth video wall, or chill with the hipsters as they take in the drink specials and the sounds of resident DJ Severin. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 2401 San Jacinto. For information, call 713-759-9606 or visit www.richs-houston.com. $5 to $10.

Friday, June 3

It's Friday. Get some inspiration before you hit tha clubs with a free outdoor performance by City Dance Studio. The studio is a showcase of visual diversity, utilizing dancers who look like club kids rather than waifs, and fusing styles from ballet to hip-hop. Tonight's show promises sensual, classic movements from the ladies and showstopping street moves from the men, as well as the kicking, jiving, twirling and dancing that have made the company a darling of the local dance scene. Kick it at 8 p.m. Miller Outdoor Theatre, One Hermann Circle Drive. For information, call 713-529-6100 or visit www.houstoncitydance.com. Free.

If you own a pair of cutoffs (and look more like Daisy Duke and less like Tobias the "never nude" from Arrested Development), throw 'em on and head over to HUSH. Them sweet Daisies will get you in free to the Summer Beach Bash, which promises all the volleyball, go-go dancing and kiddie-pool wading your sun-scorched heart could possibly desire, not to mention dollar drafts. Show off your best beachwear and new tan at 9 p.m. 15625 Katy Freeway. For information, call 713-330-4874 or visit www.hushonline.com. $10.

Saturday, June 4

Thanks to the outdoor dance show and late-night volleyball, you're ready to hit the great outdoors. Enjoy the weather before it kills you this morning at Celebraciõn! -- A Moveable Fiesta. Mayor Bill White, Congressman Gene Green and folks from the Buffalo Bayou Partnership will be on hand to celebrate the opening of the Buffalo Bayou East Sector Hike and Bike Trail with a bike parade, bike decoration contest, free bike helmets for the first 100 kids (starting at 9:30 a.m.) and bicycle safety inspections. Entertainment (in case the bike stuff doesn't spin your wheels) comes courtesy of hip-hop dance performers, and there'll be plenty of grub and drinks. Watch the ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m. at Jensen Drive and Navigation; party starts at 11:30 a.m. at James Bute Park, 512 McKee. For information, call 713-752-0314 or visit www.buffalobayou.org. Free.

Now that you've sweated off a few pounds outside, it's time to chill. If you're up for a cerebral but hip blend of jazz and chamber music, catch the Rosta Jazz Avengers as they perform a new chamber work written especially for them by local composer Joel Stein. Among the offerings are Erwin Schulhoff's "Duo for Violin and Cello" and Joseph Koykkar's "Music for Mallet Instruments and Strings." The show is part of the progressive chamber music collective barmusic's ongoing series. The heady mix of musical genres starts at 8 p.m. The Axiom, 2425 McKinney. For tickets and information, call 713-522-5356. $10.

Sunday, June 5

If your summer plans involve more than just tanning and ogling, head to SEASPACE, the sprawling exotic travel and scuba-diving expo hitting Reliant Center this weekend. Check out thousands of exhibits, or grab a swimsuit and try out some scuba-diving or snorkeling equipment in the gigantic pool. Not up for getting wet? Catch a gallery of underwater photography and a presentation of the shimmering film Under Antarctic Ice by underwater cinematographer Norbert Wu. Enjoy the water and make nice with the "live mermaid" who'll be hosting (ummm...okay) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. 1 Reliant Park. For information, call 713-467-6675 or visit www.seaspace.org. $6; free for kids under 12.

Monday, June 6

Calling all metal dudes! Death and degradation not doing it for you anymore? Blood and guts got you bored and grumpy? Well, Anal Blasthas the antidote. The self-described "brutal pornographic hyperblast deathmetal grindcore" band from Minnesota is bringing its magnificent stench to Cardi's Monday. And in case that's not enough anal acting-out for you, relax that sphincter muscle, Butt-head, 'cause Explosive Diarrheawill be rocking the house earlier the same night. Whew, we feel about ten pounds lighter already. 10 p.m. 9301 Bissonnet. For tickets, call 713-270-0053. $5.

Tuesday, June 7

Ready, set, aestheticize! You can always expect novelty and cheap art from the DiverseWorks summer auction fund-raiser. No fast-talking emcees or obscure semaphore at the "Fourth and Final Luck of the Draw," just numbers in a hat. Those who've paid the hundred-buck fee will wait to hear their randomly assigned digits called out and then race over to the wall and grab whatever work most appeals to them. Or happens to be closest. Or is left, depending on when their number is called. More than 100 artists, both emerging and established, have contributed work to the event. May the best art lover win! 7:30 p.m. 1117 East Freeway. For information, call 713-223-8346 or visit www.diverseworks.org. $20 admission; $100 for an "artwork chance."