by Christopher Cappiello

Thursday, feb. 7

Electric Youth

The Arena is ground zero for the 18-and-over pulsating pop party Tiger Heat with DJ Ray Rhodes. $8 cover. Every Thursday, 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Hollywood Arena, 6655 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd. www.clubtigerheat.com

Smack Attack

Gulp, don’t sip the cocktails served up tall, cold and free for five minutes each hour at Smack, the world’s fastest open bar. Every Thursday. Free. 9 p.m. O-Bar, 8279 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.tomwhitmanpresents.com

Can you feel the heat?

Ladies—in the mood for some Heat? Check out here lounge’s Thursday night party featuring loads of luscious lesbians and the illest mixes of your favorite hip-hop, Latin dance and reggaeton songs. 696 Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.herelounge.com

The Wetter the better

Get an eyeful at Thursday night’s Wet-and-Wild Shorts Contest. Winner takes home $100—and most likely a few phone numbers. Eagle L.A., 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. (323) 669-9472 or www.eaglela.com

Friday, feb. 8

knockin’ on fortune’s door

Take in more than 160 artifacts, recordings and images from the early, Cate Blanchett-era of Bob Dylan’s career in Bob Dylan’s American Journey, 1956-1966, at the Skirball Center. The exhibition, organized by Seattle’s Experience Music Project, includes handwritten lyrics from classic songs and a never-released recording of his first concert. Through June 8. $10. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. www.skirball.org

a spring breeze in winter

Jeffrey Sanker and Paul Nicholls freshen up the end of the week with Fresh Fridays at Eleven, a night with resident DJ Morningstar. 9 p.m. cocktails, 11 p.m. dancing. 8811 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.jeffreysanker.com

Pull Over

You won’t find any 18-wheelers, blue-plate specials or squawking CB radios at this Truck Stop—just a bunch of hotties dancing on the bar to the tunes of DJ Herrick Hell. Every Friday. here lounge, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.herelounge.com

Saturday, feb. 9

and we’re walking …

Lace up those hiking shoes and head out into the sun with Great Outdoors, an LGBT recreational group organizing a Silver Lake Reservoir Walk, a two-mile adventure followed by lunch at a local eatery. Meet at the Silver Lake Rec Center at W. Silver Lake Drive and Van Pelt Street. 11 a.m. Free (lunch at own expense). www.greatoutdoorsla.org

hook-ups without hang-ups

Therapists Doug Sadownick and Chris Kilbourne present February’s Gay Soul Talk, “Hook-ups, Dating and Intimacy: How Gay-Centered Inner Work Can Help Erotic Love and Soul Bloom in the Unlikeliest of Places.” That’s a long way of saying, learn how to maintain your self-worth in the chat room or sex club. Audience participation encouraged. 7-9 p.m. $20 suggested donation. Plummer Park Community Center, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.uranianpsych.org

eleven at 11

Cure your Saturday night fever at Discotheque, Eleven’s new weekly night of primo dance music from the disco era to today. DJ Paulo Ramirez picks the tunes starting at 11 p.m. 9 p.m. cocktails; 11 p.m. dancing. No cover. 8811 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.eleven.la

Sunday, feb. 10

me for you, and you for me

Make it tea for two this pre-Valentine’s weekend at the Valentine’s Tea Festival in Venice. Tea tastings and ceremonies along with dim sum, calligraphy, herbal medicine workshops, music and dance make for a celebration of all things Chinese. 3-8 p.m. $15. Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice. www.kulovteafest.com

size does matter

Whoever said size doesn’t matter hasn’t been to here lounge on Sunday evenings for the big DJs, big drinks and big fun at Size. Kristine W performs in the first edition of the Stoli Music Series tonight, with DJ Paulo taking over on turntables. 696 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.tomwhitman.com

not any given sunday

… But two Sundays a month, David Cooley and Jeffrey Sanker bring their sabbath dance party to Area. DJ Derek Monterio handles the sonic beats. Doors open 9 p.m. $10 after 10 p.m. 643 N. La Cienega Blvd., WeHo. www.jeffreysanker.com

Monday, feb. 11

on the right foot

Start your week right with a stop at Eagle LA’s Monday Mayhem. Miss Kim keeps her “malicious margaritas” flowing till 9 p.m., when former IN coverboy Marcus takes over the bar. Free pool and the usual Eagle madness is part of the fun. 4 p.m.-closing. Free. 4219 Santa Monica Blvd., L.A. www.eaglela.com

Tuesday, feb. 12

the naked truth

The Getty Center continues to present In Focus: The Nude, a fascinating jewel of an exhibition examining the many ways photographers have used the nude body as a subject. From early Daguerreotypes to works by pioneers like Alfred Stieglitz and contemporary masters like Diane Arbus, the nearly 30 photos of male and female subjects are very revealing. Through Feb. 24. Free ($8 parking). 1200 Getty Center Dr., Brentwood. www.getty.edu

Wednesday, feb. 13

mix for marriage

DIVA (Diverse and Inclusive Visionary Artists) hosts Hearthrobs 2: Kiss the Pride, a fabulous fundraiser benefiting the “Let California Ring” campaign tonight at the Standard’s Purple Lounge. Photographer-to-the-hotties Adam Bouska donates some pics for the silent auction and www.onegoodlove.com, a new LGBT dating service for relationship-seekers, are sponsors. Look for a new night, Hotel, at the Standard on Wednesdays. 8-11 p.m. $10 suggested donation. 8300 Sunset Blvd., Hlywd. www.myspace.com/queerdiva

the write stuff

Discover rising writing talents in our community as A Different Light bookstore resumes its Promises Series tonight. Featured writers include novelist Frederick Smith, filmmaker/poet Hilary Goldberg, young adult author Peter Varvel, and songwriter/poet Margaux Permutt. Noël Alumit hosts. 7:30 p.m. Free. 8853 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.adlbooks.com

Looking Fierce or Fiercely Looking

Club Girl Talk at Encounters in Pasadena offers transgenders, cross dressers and their admirers a night to mingle while DJ Tony spins top 40 and dance hits into the night. No Cover. 203 N. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena. www.encountersnightclub.com

Go Metro

Get over the hump with Club Metro at Ultra Suede as DJ Ben drops the hottest hip-hop, reggaeton and R&B beats, and L.A.’s hottest go-go dancers shake their stuff. Free with guest list before 11 p.m. $7 otherwise. Ultra Suede, 661 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. (323) 769-6333

Sing Out, Louise

What better way to get over the mid-week hump than guzzling two-for-one drinks at Fiesta Cantina and captivating your friends with your own rockin’ renditions of old karaoke standards? Karaoke with Kenny, 10:30 p.m.-1:45 a.m. 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.karaokewithkenny.com

Set ‘em Up and Knock ‘em down

Half-price specials on some of the best-tasting cocktails in West Hollywood? We’re there. Don’t miss Wednesday nights at East/West Lounge with its Premium blend of two-for-one drink specials running from 9-10 p.m. and again from midnight-1 a.m. 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.eastwestlounge.com

Thursday, feb. 14

unshakeable faith

Broadway belter Faith Prince trades the 1,200-seat palaces of the Great White Way for the O.C. Performing Arts Center’s intimate Samueli Theatre for a few nights of cabaret-style magic. Get up close and personal with the charismatic star of Guys and Dolls, Bells Are Ringing and this spring’s A Catered Affair. Through Feb. 17. $62. OCPAC, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. www.ocpac.org

best man money can buy

Don’t have a date this Valentine’s Day? No worries. Stop by Friction at Vegas Nightclub and bid for a date with one of the hot dancers, all the while supporting the Center Orange County. Other lots include a personal trainer, pole-dancing lessons and a helicopter ride. 9 p.m. doors open; 11:30 p.m. go-go auction. $10. Vegas, 1901 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa. www.thecenteroc.org

dinner for two

Cuddle up in a cozy booth at Mark’s Restaurant tonight and treat your sweetie to a special three-course meal specially designed by Chef Wayne for V-Day. $60 per person. 861 N. La Cienega Blvd., WeHo. www.marksrestaurant.com

hot men from yemen

Thursday nights are Arabian nights at Club Fuel with Club Nur, L.A.’s only weekly LGBT Middle Eastern club night. Indulge in Lebanese and Armenian beers inside and the free hookah bar on the outdoor patio. 9 p.m. $5 cover. 11608 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. www.clubnur.com

you can’t stop the beat

Join the one and only Jackie Beat as she hosts Thursday night karaoke at WeHo’s Hamburger Mary’s. $5 gets you a Texas maragarita or a martini. Refusing to sing gets you the wrath of Jackie. 8-11 p.m. No cover. 8288 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.hamburgermarysweho.com

IN the land of women

Get your weekend started early with Platinum at East/West Lounge, bringing the sexiest birds out for a sophisticated Sapphic soiree. 8851 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.eastwestlounge.com

Dinner and a Dance

Eleven offers lovebirds a special Valentine’s night out, with a three course dinner and dancing after. Douglas Roegiers croons some classics during dinner, and DJ Casey Alva takes over for some after-dinner dancing. 6-10 p.m. dinner; 10 p.m.-2 a.m. dancing. $70 per person. 8811 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.eleven.la

Friday, feb. 15

hitting the high notes

Big Apple cabaret mainstay Craig Pomranz hits the Gardenia stage this Valentine’s weekend to bring his effortless, crystalline tenor to a host of standards and songbook favorites. 9 p.m. tonight and tomorrow. $15 cover. Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge, 7066 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.craigpomranz.com

desert decor

Looking for that sleek lamp or audaciously angular armchair to complete the all-glass living room of your fantasies? Head to the desert for the Palm Springs Modernism Show and Sale, a weekend of 20th-century design delights, including furniture and decorative arts. Feb. 15-17. $60 preview tonight; $15 Saturday or Sunday. Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs. www.palmspringsmodernism.com

Weekly Bible Study It Is Not

Join Tom Whitman for Drunk and Horny, West Hollywood’s sexy Friday night party at Fubar where DJ Josh Peace keeps the party bumpin’ with his hot mix of dirty pop, trashy house and party music. Free. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. 7994 Santa Monica Blvd., WeHo. www.tomwhitman.com

Saturday, feb. 16

So Effing Popular

Anybody who’s anybody will be at Popular—winner of the 2006 WeHo Award for best nightclub event. Half-price drink specials offered until 10:30 p.m. Free. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Every Saturday. here lounge, 696 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.tomwhitman.com

Bumpin’ the night

Tune in to Indie 103.1 FM at midnight for Neon Noise with DJ Paul V. His weekly radio show features all the dirty electro, indie rock remixes and mashups you can shake a

stick at. It’s the next best thing to being at the club! www.myspace.com/smashmix

Sunday, feb. 17

executive privilege

Knock some back for Honest Abe and Tricky Dick, since the President’s Day three-day weekend lets you spend all night at Avalon for Masterbeat’s World Tour 2008. DJ Brett Henrichsen keeps the beats pounding, and the hot crowd should be good for some impeachable offenses. 9 p.m.-6 a.m. $60-70. Avalon Hollywood, 1735 Vine St., Hlywd. www.circuiticket.com

Knock Down, Drag Out

Grab a stiff bevy, sidle up to the stage and prepare for the sequins and double-sided tape to fly as your favorite drag divas battle it out for $4,000 in cash prizes as the 21st cycle of Drag Idol heats up. 10 p.m. Oasis, 1386 E. Foothill Blvd., Upland. www.oasis-nightclub.com

far east on the east side

Following the Leftover Sundays beer bust, MJ’s gives us MasterBasian, an Asian-themed night from the folks who brought us Buddha Lounge. DJ Mike Bryant spins as Asian go-go boys strut their stuff for the mixed crowd. 9 p.m. 2810 Hyperion Ave., Silver Lake. www.mjsbar.com

Monday, feb. 18

Mondays are a Drag

Drop in to here lounge for Here’s Jackie!, the Monday night show featuring that sharp-tongued chanteuse Jackie Beat, who will have you rolling with her sassy shenanigans. Tonight, Jackie welcomes DJ Paul V. who will keep the party bumping. 696 N. Robertson Blvd., WeHo. www.herelounge.com

Tuesday, feb. 19

High-Octane Hangout

Looking to get your party on in the 818? Check out Club Fuel with its Twisted Tuesdays, Re-Fuel Thursdays, Commando Saturdays and Beer Bust Sundays. 11608 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. www.clubfuel.us