Yeah, it's been damn cold out, and the idea of romping around in the big icebox called the East End and workin' your ladies for beads doesn't sound all that appealing. So it's a good thing that the East End Mardi Gras takes place inside - six insides, to be exact - and each venue has its own band. Salingers will host Park Avenue Band; Temple will present Dean's List; Havana Moes will have Jen Heieck; Sagamore Grill features Soul Express; Easy on East hosts Jumbo Shrimp; and Matthew's has a band TBD at press time. Hey, it may not really be Mardi Gras, but having it on a Friday night - and free - is convenient, and a good way to start the weekend.

If you're a die-hard purist, Water Street Music Hall holds its annual Fat Tuesday Celebration - the $10-$15 tickets benef the March of Dimes - on the real Fat Tuesday, February 16. Doors open at 5 p.m. and you must be at least 21 to partake in the par-tay. Brian Lindsay & the Bootleggers, Download, Atlas, The Taint, Small Town, Different Every Time, and Wild Horses fill up the double stages. I've heard this is a wild one, and that while beads can be bought, many seem to ignore that fact and stick with tradition.

East End Mardi Gras takes place Friday, February 12 at 6 p.m. at the East End (East Ave, between Alexander and Chestnut). Free. eastendmusicfestival.com