• Concert listings and reviews

Gwinnett's status as a cultural melting pot is evident in several ways, one of which is its selection of nighttime entertainment. Sure, there are the expected strains of rock 'n' roll, the popish twang of contemporary country and the thump of dance music. But international flavors are percolating as well. Here's a sampling of a few places where music can be found, both performed live and spun by DJs.

• Rock/pop dance music

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Barnacle's, 2125 Market St., Duluth, 770-418-9510, www.barnacles.net (pull down "locations," then "Duluth").

This seafood, oyster bar and televised sports palace boasts its "Largest Dance Party North of the Perimeter" on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. Dancing also takes place Wednesdays and ladies' night Thursdays. Wannabe Gwinnett idols can take the mike on Tuesday nights for karaoke.

• Original rock

Sweetwater Bar & Grill, 2920 Old Norcross Road, Duluth, 770-921-5556, www .sweetwaterbarandgrill.com.

Sweetwater forgoes the easy cover band route on Fridays and reserves the evening for original rock. Dubbed Sweetwater Live, you'll find local groups such as Gbanjah, Mayberry and Rollerphone performing. Live music is also on Saturdays and with karaoke on Tuesdays and Sundays.

• Country

Wild Bill's, 2075 Market St., Duluth, 678-473-1000, www.wildbillsatlanta.com.

A sprawling country music dance hall and live music venue, Wild Bill's boasts a massive dance floor for plenty of boot scootin', a bevy of bars, pool tables and more to keep guests' attention. Drawing a bit of that attention away are the scantily clad "Wild Girls," a glorified name for the club's waitresses. Weekly events include Wednesday's ladies' night with a $2,000 balloon drop. House band Bill Gentry and the 35 Cent Rodeo share the stage with national acts such as Darryl Worley, LeAnn Rimes, Big & Rich and Montgomery Gentry.

• Eastern European

Verdi Restaurant, 6275 Spalding Drive, Norcross, 678-646-4600.

Gwinnett's growing Eastern European contingent gets props on Saturday nights at this restaurant, which serves a mix of Italian and Eastern European cuisine. Starting at 9 p.m., a DJ spins international dance music with an Eastern European emphasis. If the music moves them, diners are invited to get up from their tables and shake things up.

• Latin

Las Recuerdas, 5385 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, 770-582-2511, www.lasrecuerdas .nv.switchboard.com.

A variety of Latin-style bands, from Mexican to Colombian to Puerto Rican, sets up shop on Saturday nights at Las Recuerdas. The music usually begins at 10 p.m. and typically doesn't have a cover. Those not interested in the entertainment can rack up a game of pool, watch music videos or feast on a menu of Mexican and Colombian cuisine.

• Rock and country

Uncle Woody's Party Place, 4200 U.S. 78, Lilburn, 770-979-0011, www .unclewoodyspartyplace.com.

It's like a landlocked version of a spring break nightclub. Uncle Woody's throws a bikini contest on Wednesdays. DJ Superdon spins dance-floor favorites and live bands, including former Ted Nugent axeman Derek St. Holmes and country outfit the Ron Kimble Band, throw down for the crowd.