Presidential Party

It's President's Day weekend—that time of year when everyone gathers together and remembers their favorite president; Millard Fillmore right here, in case you were wondering. Oh wait...you weren't? Am I the only one that rises at dawn on Feb. 21 and reads inauguration day transcripts? That's why Monday is a federal holiday! Just me? Oh well.

If you'd prefer a more traditional way to celebrate the weekend, and would rather spend your Monday off nursing a hangover and/or headache, then you have a few options.

Friday night at the Ottobar, Say Anything lead singer Max Bemis is playing a sold-out show. If you're one of those rabid Say Anything fans I've encountered a few times, then you probably already have a ticket. If not, I suggest going upstairs, having a drink or two and then playing some Velvet Underground and Deadboys on the jukebox and evaluating the musical choices you've made with your life.

After you've come to terms with being an emo fan without a ticket to see Max Bemis, cheer yourself up with four hours of funk (and that's just one Curtis Mayfield remix!) by way of DJ's Excleime and Fleg at the Windup Space. Redeem yourself with Bootsy Collins and start your President's Day weekend off right.

On Saturday Philly prog rock trio Phantasm is playing the Hexagon with Rio Linda and Neutron Bomb. The Young Jaguars, another trio, are also on the bill. An all-instrumental rock band from Baltimore that cites Link Wray and Mickey Baker among its influences, the Young Jaguars will provide an interesting contrast to Phantasm, who have been known to rock a power tool on stage.

If the idea of Home Depot as a music retailer doesn't appeal to you and you feel like gettin' your President's Day dancin' shoes on, Taxlo DJ's Uncle Jesse, Simon Phoenix and Cullen Stalin will be at the Golden West Cafe to accommodate you. Starting at midnight President's Day, Dance Mania begins. Don't forget your tri-cornered hat and copy of the Constitution—they're great conversation pieces on the dance floor. Prices are $5 for 21, $7 for under 21.

Since some of you will be off on Monday, return to the Golden West on Sunday, February 20 for Massachusetts' Those Wolves Actually Happened, The New Media and Frontier Myth at midnight. If you're looking for a more mellow way to usher in your President's Day, catch Dan Evans of Sick Weapons as he Djs upstairs at the Ottobar Sunday night, playing a mix of psych rock, '70s, screamo and punk. Abe Lincoln would be proud.

Other presidential offerings this weekend:

• Friday, at Charm City Art Space: Art Opening for Evan Petersen Shoenly. 6-8 p.m., free. Another opportune moment to break out the tri-cornered hat and lecture on the presidential role in artistic freedoms.

• Saturday, at Ottobar (upstairs): Bang! Bang! Heavy Soul and R&B party with Selector Robbie Fearless. Follow up your four hours of funk from the Wind UpSpace the night before with some soul.