Using the Force

Sat 2/21
People under the age of 21 need to see and be seen, too, so it's cool that every once in a while an event like Empire's Revenge comes up. Empire's Revenge is an all-ages hip-hop and dance party being thrown at the Icehouse by local DJ Astonish and his Drastics crew. The event will feature three rooms of hip-hop, house, R&B, funk, salsa and Latin grooves, spun and performed by a bevy of local artists. The highlight for many will be the latest appearance by DJ Yeah, the 5-year-old turntablist sensation. DJ Yeah's cute but solid scratching and juggling skills have gained him a fan base that includes some of the biggest names in turntablism, so you won't want to miss his 10:30 p.m. set.

Empire's Revenge takes place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, February 21, at the Icehouse, 429 West Jackson. Admission is $10 before 10 p.m., $12 after. Call 480-539-3217 for more information.

Eclectic Boogaloo
Get your groove on at Eclectiquelounge

Sat 2/21
A wise woman in a one-hit-wonder band once opined, and we quote, "Groove is in the heart." While she's most likely been relegated to tearing the lid off karaoke night at an old folks' home, the spirit of her prophetic words will live on when bodies hit the dance floor at Eclectiquelounge, set for 9 p.m. Saturday, February 21, at Priceless Inn, 5014 South Price in Tempe. Ian Frost, Jason Rudolph Pena, and DJ Uriah headline a night of hip-hop, acid jazz, drum 'n' bass, Brazilian, dub and other variations on the eclectic music theme. For details visit www.eclectiquelounge.com. -- Craig Wallach

Master Peace
The body is the subject of new exhibition

2/19-3/3
Since when is tranquility to be intentionally found in a contemporary art gallery? Since, it seems, artists James T. Larson and Ellen Skidmore exhibit together at Scottsdale's Bonner David Galleries.

"As the world is so busy," says Clark David Olson, co-owner of Bonner David, "we need time to slow down and appreciate true beauty." True human beauty, that is. Larson, who was formally trained in anatomy, exhibits the bronze odes to humanity for which he's famous. Skidmore balances Larson's anatomically precise work with her fanciful images of twisting, floating (and fully clothed) women in Chagall-like paintings, musical instruments taking the place of goats.

"Quiet Moments: The Quintessence of James Larson and Ellen Skidmore" opens with an artist reception at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 19, at Bonner David Galleries, 7040 East Main, and runs until March 3. For more information, call 480-941-8500 or visit www.bonnerdavid.com. -- Elizabeth Exline