CLUBBING

Renaissance Fifth Birthday Party, The Que Club, Corporation Street, Birmingham (01782 717872) tonight. 9pm-6am, pounds 30

Clubs rise (and fall) as regularly as the sun, but tonight, Renaissance proves its mettle by reaching the age of five.

It has toured the UK for the past two years, staying at the cutting edge of nocturnal entertainment, and boasting the ability to present mainstream house in a flawless package, regardless of venue.

All the top clubs tour the country, but Ministry of Sound and Cream seem to offer an extra dimension in their home venues. Yet Renaissance uses its homelessness to full advantage. Footloose and fancy free, the events are equally feted at The Tunnel in Glasgow, or at The Cross in London. Its peripatetic status keeps the punters guessing.

Despite being renowned for innovation, Renaissance events are predictable in many respects. Regardless of location, presentation is groundbreaking, the featured DJs well known and the clientele chic.

"The basic philosophy behind Renaissance is quality," explains creator Geoff Oakes. "I just try to provide the sort of event that I would enjoy attending."

The lavish Que Club in Birmingham hosts the fifth birthday celebrations. Dave Seaman, Paul Van Dyk and Jon Pleased Wimmin all feature on the decks, in addition to live performances by the Propellerheads and Les Rhythmes Digitales.

Tickets are pounds 30, but you won't hear many complaints. Renaissance events are popular as they're guaranteed to go that extra mile. Hundreds of revellers will be travelling with them tonight.

EYE ON THE NEW

London's biggest ever indie all-nighter comes to south London tonight. Marauding hordes of aliens are set to be replaced by marauding sets of Goths as the country's best indie promoters present a truly gargantuan event: Indiependance Day. Spectacular monster-visuals and a Mindwarp room feature, in addition to a breakfast bar to satisfy those midnight munchies. There are three dance areas and a specially constructed dance floor to absorb the impact of 1,000 pairs of DMs.

Head for the southern end of the Victoria line, this event looks set to raise the roof.

Indiependance Day, Brixton Academy, London SW9 (0171-274 1525) tonight 9am-5am pounds 8 in advance/pounds 10 on door

Jackpot's "Unknown DJ Tour" commences this Thursday (20 Mar). Coinciding with the imminent release of their debut album, "The Winning Ticket", the tour will visit small venues in towns that are usually bypassed by such happening events, and showcases the talents of up and coming DJs. Danny Campbells, Danny Howells and Rob Green feature on the decks. Enjoy.