Bikini Wax

FRI 7/1
It's so hot outside, clothes are a real burden. But there's good news: 1415 Bar and Grille feels your pain. At the Summer Skeet Skeet party happening there this weekend, folks will be partying in their skimpiest summer attire. As if the dance floor couldn't get any hotter from the sounds provided by DJ Witnes, Stiletto, Fred and 7000 Ft. Tall, there will also be a wet T-shirt contest, and the burlesque group Concrete Rose Cabaret and a crew of break-dancers will make a special appearance. "People can slut it up summer-style," says party organizer Amber Lanphier. "We give people a reason to go out and be different for one night."

Judging from their recent Porn Dance Party, where a six-inch inflatable penis was floating around the dance floor and hard-core porn was projected on the wall, Summer Skeet Skeet should get pretty steamy. So slip into your Speedo -- this wet, hot American summer night kicks off at 9 p.m. Friday, July 1. 1415 California. For tickets, call 713-522-7066 or visit www.1415barandgrille.com. $5. -- Travis Ritter

The State Grille's Old-Fashioned

Never judge a bar by its cover. From the outside, the State Grille (2925 Weslayan, 713-622-1936) looks like a nice, quiet little neighborhood restaurant, but on Friday nights, the happy-hour crowd is loud and boozy. When we join the ruckus, my drinking partner recommends I get an old-fashioned. I order one and watch the bartender pour a hefty serving of bourbon into the glass. I like that. I also like the pictures of Astros and cattle rustlers on the walls. The inside of the bar looks so '80s-oil-boom-retro, I don't know if I should feel really old or really young. But my drink goes down easy, and pretty soon I quit worrying about my age. Instead, I focus on what's important in life: the goth girl greeting people at the door, who looks like she should be the hostess at Numbers.

2 ounces Jim Beam bourbon
1 orange slice
1 maraschino cherry
1 packet of sugar
Splash of bitters

In the bottom of a rocks glass, combine the orange slice, cherry, sugar and bitters. Crush with a blunt object. Add ice and pour in the bourbon. Garnish with a citrus twist. -- Jason Kerr

Rocky Start

SUN 7/3
We love it when a holiday falls on a Monday. Sunday night suddenly becomes Saturday. On Fourth of July eve, head down to Six Degrees Lounge, where house DJ Rocky B will join DJ Alex T for their new Sunday-night gig, Blend. Rocky B's style combines deep house, Latin beats and hefty percussion. Scenesters will recognize her from one of the many residencies she's held around town during the past 15 years, most recently at Club Eve, Bartini, M Bar and Opus. 9 p.m. Sunday, July 3. 911 Franklin. For information, call 713-228-2990 or visit www.sixdl.com. Free. -- Travis Ritter

Fela Riddims

FRI 7/1
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti was something like a combination James Brown, Bob Dylan and Bob Marley in his native Nigeria, except none of those guys ever had the juice to form their own political party and declare themselves president. The Fela Party this Friday will have dem walls shaking with the late master's intricate polyrhythms, courtesy of DJs Kool Emdee and Simiyu. Sure, we think it's a bit odd that a celebrated African political and musical icon is being celebrated at a place named after the Lion King's "no worries" anthem. But whatev. 10 p.m. Friday, July 1. Hakuna Matata Bar & Grill, 6535 Dumfries. For information, call 713-533-0395. $7 to $10. -- Scott Faingold