Tues. Feb. 16

OK, we know they're dancing (or dropping) in the streets down in New Orleans. How about in Boston? Well, have you looked outside. Yep, another freakin' snow/sleet/rain affair, blanketing our fair city in a depressing layer of ick. Fortunately, we tend to plan our bastardized Northern-style Mardi Gras celebrations indoors and that's what the House of Blues has tonight, a combo affair celebrating the club's first year on Lansdowne street. Our pal, comic Steve Sweeney, (in photo) is the Mardi Gras King of the Day, and he's a good bet to get through the night in far better shape than most of the celebrants. That is, Sweeney's been clean and sober for many years now, so he can look out at the debauchery with perhaps some detached amusement. He also has some terrific, bittersweet jokes, about those who drink to excess, so that might make for some dissonant fun. Entertainment? Well, Mardi Gras is supposed to be sexy right, so, the HoB has not one, but two, of Boston's new burlesque troupes in the house, Black Cat Burlesque and Babes in Boinkland. (One of the Babes, Sugar Dish, is the brainchild behind the smash hit, "The Slutcracker.") Live music provided by the Hot Tamale Brass Band. Djing by Master Millions. The night starts at 8 and here's the nice part for y'all. It's free admission. That's right. It you're 18-plus of course. Now, you just have to find a way to make it to Kenmore Square amidst the storm.

15 Lansdowne St., 617-693-2583 www.houseofblues.com