DJ Rekha

Though its roots are in the Indian region of Punjab, bhangra was created in the mid-70s UK, where South Asian immigrants transformed traditional harvest music from back home with Western pop aesthetics and instrumentation. Eventually it became the official Desi club music, fusing neatly with dancehall and, later, hip-hop. In 2003 Jay-Z remade the massive Panjabi MC hit “Mundian to Bach Ke,” exposing statesiders to the style on a massive scale—but North America had been cultivating its own bhangra scene since well before that, and no one’s done more to nurture it than New York’s DJ Rekha. For more than a decade she’s been throwing monthly parties at S.O.B.’s in SoHo, spinning the latest hits and offering the stage to British producers, DJs, and singers. Now Rekha’s finally released a legit mix CD, Basement Bhangra (Koch), that despite an unfortunate collaboration with Wyclef Jean presents a vivid and accurate snapshot of the state of the style, with killing tracks by the likes of Panjabi MC, Tigerstyle, and Hard Kaur. If you want to dive in, this is where to do it. Jimmy Singh spins first. Smart Bar, 3730 N. Clark, 773-549-4140 or 312-559-1212, $10, $5 before 11 PM. —Peter Margasak

Snow Angels

Snow Angels are a seasonal treat, like those tasty spiked eggnog concoctions they sell at the liquor store. Made up of members of Vee Dee, Mannequin Men, and the Krunchies, among others, these garage carolers destroy Christmas classics (emphasis on the rock ones) with holiday spirit, gusto, and absolutely no taste. This is the group’s third Christmas, but rest assured they’ll have a lot of new jokes. DJs Santa Coz, Nick D’Vyne, and Sara spin between shows. 9 PM and midnight, Delilah’s, 2771 N. Lincoln, 773-472-2771. Free —Monica Kendrick

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