WEEK HIGHLIGHTS: Feb. 6–9

**MONDAY, FEB. 6

SPICE SHRAPNEL Union Square turns red when Aaron Cohen, with Eat, presents Ginger Explosion 3. Ginger dishes will be offered from restaurants including Petit Robert Bistro, Dosa Temple, Bambara, Herb Lyceum. Complimentary ginger cocktails by Domaine de Canton come with the purchase of a ticket. You’ll have ginger coming out your ears! Feb. 6, 6:30—8:30 p.m. Tickets $13. Proceeds go to Somerville Arts Council. Union Square. www.somervilleartscouncil.org

LAUGH TRACK The stage is now open for jokes, silly, offensive, what-have-you, at Cheapshots Comedy Club Open Mic. Feb. 6, 7—9 p.m. FREE. Sally O’Brien’s Bar, 335 Somerville Ave. www.sallyobriensbar.com

**TUESDAY, FEB. 7

FURRY FILMS Ever imagine a world where Benji is Quentin Tarantino’s muse instead of Uma Thurman? Frankie Symonds, of Boston, programmed this evening of short experimental films with a focus on dog and cat themes. Feb. 7, 7—9 p.m. Tickets $5, $4 for students, SCATV members. Somerville Community Access TV, 90 Union Sq. www.access-scat.org

SWERVE ON Rakiya, an eight-person band from Boston, plays loose gypsy music from the Balkans with jumping enthusiasm. Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Cash cover at the door. Johnny D’s Uptown Restaurant & Music Club. www.johnnyds.com

**WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

FUNKY GORILLA Boston’s furious funk five-piece, KONG, strives to blow a hole in your ear drums as you dance to real drums. Feb. 8, 10 p.m. Cash cover at the door. Bull McCabe’s Pub, 366 Somerville Ave. www.bullmccabesboston.com

**THURSDAY, FEB. 9

HOT IN HURR The best way to rid the winter flu is to sweat and the best way to sweat is to eat spicy foods. Enjoy a night of chili spice and different hot dishes and wash it down with some cold calming beer. Feb. 9, 7:30—9 p.m. Tickets $40. Dave’s Fresh Pasta, 81 Holland St. www.davesfreshpasta.com

LIPSTICK LIFE Doors open for free for the women in the city for L80’s Night. Scatter Shot plays all the hits from 80s. “Ladies of the 80s” singing contest with the band and drink specials all night. Trivia and prizes available. Feb. 9, 10 p.m. Cash cover at the door (for the men). The Burren, 247 Elm St. www.burren.com