It’s Wednesday and my friends are ALREADY asking me what’s up for the weekend. Indy’s got some fab cultural events on the scene… oh and you can always shake yo’ groove thang, too. Here’s a list of hot happenings on the Indy multi-cultural scene. Stay tuned!

Thursday, Feb. 19

It’s live THIS Thursday night!

Bring your friends to Thursday Night Live – Indy’s Premier Networking Mixer for Young Professionals at Sangiovese Restaurant, 4110 East 82nd Street in the Clearwater Crossing Shopping Center.

Indy favorite, DJ Limelight, on the 1’s and 2’s spinning Neo-Soul, Classic Hip-Hop, R&B and House.

Doors open at 10 p.m. Party goes until 1:30 a.m. $5 martini specials. No cover.

Friday, Feb. 20

Mardi Gras with a Latin flair at the Jazz Kitchen!

Noche de Carnaval featuring the Mundo Beat All Star Band

Stacie Sandoval, leader and lead singer of ‘Best of Indy’ salsa band, Orquesta Bravo!, presents her first musical production, “Noche de Carnaval,” a Latin perspective on Mardi Gras.

The interactive show features her Mundo Beat All Star Band, with top musicians from the region, and the collaboration of regional dancers. It is a musical tour of Latin American carnivals and it is geared to giving the audience a very fun time.

Two shows at the Jazz Kitchen: 8 and 10 p.m. Tickets $15. Doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner. Reservations strongly recommended. To complement the show, The Jazz Kitchen will be offering food and beverage specialties from Latin America.

After 11 p.m., the after-show salsa party starts in the new back room of The Jazz Kitchen. Admission after 11 p.m., $8.

For more information, visit online at www.orquestabravo.com.

Happy birthday fishes! – Pisces birthday party at Ice Lounge

Pisces birthday peeps in free all night.

Come celebrate or wish happy birthday to your friends featuring DJ Paul Bunyon on the turntables. Doors open at 10 p.m. Party goes until 3 a.m.

Ladies $5 before 11 p.m. Dress to impress. See official dress code for details.

Saturday, Feb. 21

Get some culture in your life – Dat’s my ‘ish

The color for a 25th anniversary is silver… but expect swirls and explosions of bright shades at the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art when “Ish” celebrates 25 years as an abstract graffiti artist.

For Das my i$H, open now through April, the artist (Ismael Muhammed Nieves) will transform the iMOCA galleries into his “crib.” This unofficial retrospective features such paintings as “Babylon Gone #5” and “Clap Your Hands,” along with several installations and even a sculpture of a chair with wild, flowing lines.

The exhibition of paintings and sculpture is sure to recharge the soul during the grey, dreary Indiana winter.

Go now to iMOCA! It’s free to the public and open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday and is located in the Emelie Building at 340 North Senate Avenue.

Sunday, Feb. 22

United Way’s Oscar Night America
Lights, Caring, Action!

Here’s your chance to watch the 2009 Academy Awards in style-at the only officially sanctioned Oscar party in the state! Don’t let Hollywood have all the fun. Show off your finest at United Way of Central Indiana’s Evening at the Oscars. Best of all, proceeds from the event benefit United Way of Central Indiana’s Ready to Learn, Ready to Earn priority-helping kids get a better start in school so they will succeed in life.

Tickets are $50. It includes two drink tickets, appetizers, swag bag, FREE parking and an official Oscar Program. Tickets will be available at: www.uwci.org/oscars or call United Way at: 317.920.3460

Did I miss anything? Comment and let me know. I’ll add it!