Saturday Happenings

Hip Hop

-- Rock the Bells, a touring hip hop showcase, might blow out Mansfield's metaphorical speakers; expect a lot of bass. The bill includes artists who have done the damn thing (A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde), artists who can't stop (Raekwon and Ghostface), and those who are just getting started (Washington, DC's Wale, Spank Rock and Amanda Blank). ComcastTweeterGreatWoodsCenter, Mansfield, 2:00pm. $30-$80.

Dancing Hipsters

-- Technolust is a dance party that makes you want to copulate like a robot. Featuring two members of the Make It New crew, Alan Manzi and DJ Baldur. Alchemist, 435 S. Huntington Ave., Jamaica Plain, 10:00pm. Free.

-- Dancing on the Charles could not be more self-explanatory. You dance. On the Charles. The event only happens during the summer, so your chances to participate are growing scanty. Presented by Marz Entertainment's stable of DJs and featuring barbecue. Marsh Post 442, American Legion Hall, 4 Gerry's Landing, Cambridge, 7:00pm. $10.

Cheesecake

-- Tonight, the Boston Babydolls offer you the choice of throwback entertainment: classic cars or burlesque strippers. For those of you who can't decide between fuzzy dice and pasties. Basta Bar and Grill, 1166 Washington St., Weymouth, 9:00pm. $10/$15.

Glass Harmonic Concert

-- Bostonian of the Week Vera Meyer plays early American melodies on the intriguing instrument that Ben Franklin invented. The ethereal, haunting tones Meyer creates as she places her wet fingers on the rims of rotating glass bowls will mesmerize all who listen. 1-4pm. Free with admission to the Revere House. (KS)

Booze for a Cause

-- The 5th Annual HopHead ThrowDown combines spicy food with unbearably bitter beer. Just reading the list of available brews caused Bostonist's salivary glands to go on strike. Sponsored by BeerAdvocate. The Publick House, 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, Noon-5:00pm. $15. More information.

Music

-- Aimee Mann with The Submarines. Magnolia soundtrack writer is out with new, more defiant material. Berklee Performance Center, 136 Mass Ave. (KS)

Kerry Skemp contributed to this post.
Image of Wale from his Myspace page.