If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then what does that make idolatry? Well, on TRIBUTE Thursdays at 28 Degrees (1 Appleton Street, Boston, 617.728.0728), it's an excuse to pay homage to the legends of the music world, those stars that have had you belting out Idol auditions into your hairbrush more times than you'd like to admit over the years. The series, which has seen a heavy turnout since it launched earlier this summer, features a different beloved artist each week, turning the DJ loose to run through his or her full catalogue of hits while guests sip, socialize, and sing along. For those of us who grew up in the MTV generation ("Back when they used to play music videos!" yelps the curmudgeon within), it's also an excuse to watch some of the artists' most famous music videos and live-performance clips projected across the bar. Since TRIBUTE Thursdays are thrown by tobie, the event producer behind the twice-monthly gay Paparazzi Patio Series on Fridays at Rocca (500 Harrison Avenue, Boston, 617.451.5151), the artist selections are heavy on the divas: think Cyndi, Cher, and, in honor of her weekend concert, tonight's icon, Britney Spears (you need a sleeping bag for that camp?). Drag queens occasionally stop by for an impromptu performance, and guests can get free passes to Thursday's gay dance night, Glamlife at The Estate (1 Boylston Place, Boston, 617.351.7000), to keep the party moving. TRIBUTE runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. tonight, and tomorrow, you can party on the Rocca patio for that event's season finale from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
