Tributes to the King of Pop, Pride events, and following in the steps of the governor of South Carolina, amonst many other events in the O-Town.

Friday, June 26
Michael Jackson Tribute + Northern Soul
It’s the day after the King of Pop died. Mourn his loss and celebrate his music with other fans at the Ruby Room. Supersonic Soul and Michael Jackson will play all night long — until 2 a.m., that is.
Michael Jackson Tribute + Northern Soul
Free
10 p.m. onwards
The Ruby Room, 132 14th Street; 510-444-7224
Dancing Under the Stars, Argentine Tango Night
Dinner and a dance, anyone? This would seem like it were an event in honor of the governor of South Carolina. Come to Jack London Square tonight to learn the Argentine Tango from the instructors at Linden Dance Studio. The dance is sensual, beautiful, and not as hard as it seems. Try it. It’s free.
Dancing Under the Stars, Argentine Tango Night
Free
8.30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Foot of Broadway in Jack London Square (Broadway at Water Street)

Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
Poncho Sanchez has been hailed as the leader of one of the most popular Latin jazz groups in the world. If you haven’t heard their music before, hear this ensemble’s incredible sound by clicking here. And if like it, go hear him at Yoshi’s tonight.
Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band
June 26-June 28
Friday – Saturday
8 p.m. & 10 p.m. $24
Sunday 2 p.m. – sold out
Sunday 7 p.m. $24
Saturday
The Vibe Pride Party
It’s been 40 years since Stonewall and a year since the Vibe opened in Uptown. Celebrate Pride in The Town Saturday night at the Vibe’s White Party. Joe Hawkins, the owner of Club Rimshot and the Grand Marshall of Sunday’s SF Pride Parade will be there for cocktail appetizers and reception from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Then DJ Dedan, DJ Rum will be spinning and The Mighty High Dreamers drill team will perform.
The Vibe Pride Party
The Vibe, 2272 Telegraph Ave
(510) 451-8423
Pride ’09
Our correspondents tell us that the parties at Velvet are getting hotter with each passing week. The Laurel bar is celebrating Pride with parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday, it’s Candy, Saturday, it’s DJ Luna and the Butterfly Lounge and Sunday, it’s the All Star Pride.
Pride ’09
$10
Friday and Saturday: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sunday: 6 p.m. to midnight
Velvet, 3411 MacArthur Boulevard
510-531-3321
Sunday, June 28
Kambale Musavuli
Before it became infamous for out of control kleptocracy and then utter social breakdown, Congo was the birthplace of Africa’s finest electrified 20th century music. When you think of Congo don’t think of child soldiers with painted nails, think of Tabu Ley Rochereau the king of soukous and the composer of the peerless 14-minute masterpiece, Sarah.
On Sunday, the Humanist Hall hosts Kambale Musavuli from Friends of the Congo for a free afternoon of Congolese music, dance, and food. To be sure, there’ll be talk about the current situation in Congo, but the music is irrepressible.
Kambale Musavuli
Free
2 p.m – 4:30 p.m
Location:
Humanist Hall, 390 27th St.
Meeting Barack’s Teachers
Remember how the Republicans made nasty cracks about community organizers right up until the Community Organizer-in-Chief kicked their asses back to Alaska and Arizona in November?
Well, the community organizers who 25 years ago taught President Obama the art he put to such fine use last year will be speaking at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral Sunday afternoon. Greg Galluzzo, Jerry Kellman, and Mike Kruglik will talk about their time with Obama as well as “how community organizing is creating powerful community leaders who will transform the Bay Area.”
Greg Galluzzo, Jerry Kellman, and Mike Kruglik
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 4700 Lincoln Ave.