Monday night is typically the deadest night of the week for night clubs, yet DJ Casp3R has managed to build a loyal following over the past three years with his Monday Night ReToXx dance parties, originally at the Cardiff Lounge in Campbell, now at Johnny V’s in downtown San Jose.

He also hosts TH3RMAL on Thursdays with ViLLAN at Fahrenheit. Here are his his favorite dance tracks of 2013:

The Bangerz – “Stars”
By far, one of my favorite high-energy rager tracks of the year. It’s catchy, melodic and just an explosion of energy after the buildup. Personally, I’m a big fan of songs that can change into a down-tempo beat and then bring the energy right back up seamlessly, and this one has that in spades. The whole album is fantastic, and I really can’t wait to see the live show in Vegas.

A few years ago, you couldn’t have done an Iron Bartender competition in the South Bay. Or rather, you could have, but few would have cared. Slowly, though, the mixology madness that swept New York, L.A. and San Francisco has changed the mindset of bartenders here, too.

“People want to show their skills now,” says Fahrenheit’s Steven Renteria, organizer of the Iron Bartender contest. “rather than just say ‘I pour vodka crans.’”

Fahrenheit already has an Industry Monday event, so Iron Bartender was originally conceived as a way for local bartenders to entertain themselves.

“We just wanted to add a little friendly competition,” says Renteria.

Four bartenders will face off every first Monday of the month, beginning July 2. They’ll use a sponsored alcohol (the first one is Ketel vodka), and—in the grand tradition of Iron Chef—a secret ingredient. They’ll be asked to create three different cocktails—one on the rocks, one up/strained, and one of their own choosing.

The bartenders will be judged by a panel of three on originality, presentation and taste. There will be a weekly cash prize (“a couple hundred dollars,” says Renteria) and each week’s winner gets a spot in the finals Nov. 5.

“I know we have a lot of talented bartenders here,” says Renteria. “Some of these guys consider themselves real mixologists.”

Fahrenheit, the slick downtown restaurant and lounge, really hit its stride in the last couple years with inspired cuisine, a rarefied but relaxed ambience, and a series of DJ monthlies that’s breathed some life into an occasionally stale downtown scene. Tomorrow evening they’re celebrating their seventh anniversary with champagne, of course. And live music, giveaways, and assorted drink specials all night – which, judging by the weather, promises to be a hot one.

Luckily this might be the only place where you can get something called a “bison grass martini,” a ginger sazerac or a strawberry caipirnha. Is that what the “ultra” in “ultra lounge” means?

Even if the weather and decor are lost on you, DJs Nasty Nick and Charly Fusion promise to hold the movers and shakers to their namesake. If things get too fancy, just remember: Cinebar is only two doors down.

The party starts at 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at Fahrenheit Restaurant and Lounge, 99 E. San Fernando. Complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres served from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Guestlist available for a limited time.