what's going on this weekend?

First, some bar-hopping options:

*Nightlife newbie Aqua Nightclub, 1812 Midtown Drive, heeded my advice and reduced their Friday night cover charge. To nothing. Yes, the hot spot now has no-cover Fridays, so check it out. You have nothing to lose. Visit Aqua's Web site here.

*Speaking of new kids on the block, The Roadhouse -- formerly Knockin' Boots -- debuts this weekend. It will be a rock bar featuring no local bands. The hot spot is at 1047 Broadway.

*Also, if you're brave enough to join me, I'm venturing to Gray's Bar for a bar profile this weekend. It's at 1698 S. Lumpkin Road and it opens at 9 a.m. That should tell you a lot.

And finally...SpringFest, SpringFest, SpringFest. Here's the entertainment lineup for the downtown arts and music festival:

FRIDAY

7 p.m. Eileen Desterno/Donald Tipton (traditional Ma Rainey covers)

7:15 p.m. Peggy Jenkins (special Ma Rainey showcase)

8:30 p.m. Geoff Achison (blues)

SATURDAY

10 a.m. Kent DuChaine (delta blues)/Bibb City Ramblers (bluegrass, Americana)

11 a.m. Callab (hip-hop)

12 p.m. Levi Rose (country, Americana)/Ruby James (acoustic, blues)

1 p.m. Ed Cox and The Tender Blenders (jazz)

2 p.m. Jonathan and Lisa Moore (Christian)

3 p.m. Music in Columbus showcase featuring Donald Tipton, Brent Lindley, Josh Becker, Jason Ezell, Marshall Ruffin

4 p.m. Peggy Jenkins (soul, R&B, funk)

5 p.m. Whisky Bent (alternative country, rock)

6 p.m. Marshall Ruffin (roots music, blues)

7 p.m. Delta Moon (blues, rock)

7:30 p.m. Cowboy Crush (country) -- ticketed act @ RiverCenter