HIP HOP 101: Ludacris and Common are at the top of the bill of this mondo night devoted to all things hip-hop (event's full name: Hip Hop 101 Music & Arts Festival). Keri Hilson (who just chatted at the informative, sorry-we-missed-it "How I Wrote That Song" Grammy panel at Key Club) and Mixmaster Mike are on the bill. Feel like you need some brushing up? Then heading back to class is the way to go... Saturday, February 21, 6:30PM doors. The Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, 3939 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles.
BRAZILIAN CARNAVAL: When you can't go Rio, Rio can go Hollywood, as is proven when this feather-y, fabulous spectacular dances into the Palladium. A host of musical guests and DJs summon Samba and other sun-drenched rhythms of Bahia, while Tropidanza dancers shimmy in the sequined costumes traditional to the carnaval parades. Plus, caipirinhas! Raise a toast to a grand, shake-it-shake-it party... Saturday, February 21, 8PM-2AM. The Hollywood Palladium, 6215 Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood.
ALSO ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21: The Ragamuffins Festival celebrates reggae greats in Long Beach. DJ Extraordinaire Steve Aoki is at Vanguard. And the Pasadena Dance Festival leaps into the Pasadena Civic.
