{image1}When the cat's away, the mice will play. Such is the case this weekend at Art Bar, 722 E. Burleigh St. Owner Don Krause went to San Francisco for a week, leaving the staff to keep the martinis shaking.

Before he left, the crafty Krause pitched the idea of a competition between bartenders: who could make the most money in a single night. He promised cash prizes to the top-grossing team of drink slingers.

"It's basically a competition of who can throw the best party," says bartender Erin Fritsch.

To allure customers -- and hopefully win the booty -- Art Bar bartenders Meghen Anderson and Billy Harlow planned a free, ol'-fashioned "Pajama Jammy Jam" for Friday night, complete with DJ Brian Small, horror movies, games, drink specials and, of course, pajama wearing.

Anderson was out the door to buy Twister for the party when OMC tracked her down. She says she hopes to wear mom-made pajamas to her Friday night event.

"My mom always made my pajamas as a kid, so I'm hoping she'll make some for me now, 'feeties' and all," says Anderson. "We're hoping to see lots of pajamas, smoking jackets. The more decked out the better."

For the Saturday night party, Fritsch will hostess a "Surf's Up Saturday" tiki-themed fiesta, complete with cheap beer, tiki drink specials and the instrumental surf band, REV500. The cost is $5 and the kitschy fun starts at 8 p.m.

"There a resurgence of surf that's been happening for a while," says REV500 drummer Scott Hermann. "And people seem to love it."

Who will win this "battle of the bartenders" contest? Who knows, but Fritsch promises on thing: "Everyone gets 'leid.'"

Unfortunately, she's referring to flower necklaces, but who knows? There's a near-full moon this weekend.

For more information, call Art Bar (414) 372-7880.