Electronic mash-ups, even when they’re good, have the unfortunate habit of sounding like their parent elements.

Part of the enjoyment comes from the novelty of hearing Jay-Z rap on top of a Beatles tune. But Greg Gillis, aka Girl Talk, does something different: He warps his mashed-together songs into something unrecognizable and new, creating a sweaty, organic electro-boogie that’s thoroughly danceable and massively fun to listen to.

A critics’ darling for good reason, Girl Talk pushed the boundaries of electronic music in ways not seen since DJ Shadow on his debut, “Night Ripper.” He’s back with “Feed the Animals,” and this is your chance to see border-breaking electronic music — or just dance your ass off.

What: Girl Talk performs.
Where: Fox Theatre.
When: 9 p.m. today.
Cost: $15.
Info: www.foxtheatre.com or 303-443-3399.

Why wait till St. Patrick’s day to dance a jig, grab a pint, and celebrate the Irish?

The Colorado Irish Festival springs forth on Friday, unleashing the best in Irish music, dance and food on those of the clan and those who simply wish they were Irish (you know who you are).

In addition to food and drink vendors, dance performances, athletic showcases and cultural exhibitions, Irish heroes Gaelic Storm will kick off the the festival in fine style.

If you happen to actually have an Irish surname, a new booth will explain all about the origin of your family name, and when possible, how they lived in the old country before spreading their wings beyond the Emerald Isle. This way, you can find out once and for all if your ancestors actually had any Irish luck rub off on them.

What: Colorado Irish Festival.
Where: Clement Park, Littleton.
When: Today, 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $8-10 today, $10-12 Saturday and Sunday. Kids under 12 free.
Info: www.coloradoirishfestival.org or 303-777-0502.

Ah le, summer, she belongs to the French, oui oui?

Regardless of what you really think of those Frogs, they sure know how to throw a decent garden party.

Denver Botanic Gardens knows this, so they’re joining forces with the Alliance Française de Denver to offer the best immersion possible into summer food, fun and music, French-style, at their French Summer Soiree.

The festivities will take place in the Monet Gardens, a living tribute to the impressionist’s flowers of Giverny painting, and guests can enjoy music, mimes, magicians, live statues, a fortune teller and a caricaturist. But that’s not all, mon cherie: Denver’s six best French restaurants will provide food, and your cup shall overfloweth with wine from several different wineries. Life, she is good, non?

What: French Summer Soiree garden party.
Where: Denver Botanic Gardens.
When: Saturday, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $57-75.
Info: 303-831-0304 or visit www.afdenver.org.

No one beats Brazil in soccer, right? Wrong: If this were a men’s match, we’d tell you to stay home, but the ace American women’s team is actually awesome, and they’ve got three Women’s World Cup Championships in a row to prove it.

It was almost four, until Brazil’s female squad quashed those dreams with a crushing four-nil defeat over us. Thus sprang a fierce rivalry: Though this match is billed as a “friendly” one, expect it to be the exact opposite. Soccer fans will get their chance to see two unbelievable teams at the top of their game trying to grind each other into the dust — friendly indeed. Play nice, ladies.

What: U.S. Women’s Soccer Team vs. Brazil.
Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City.
When: Sunday, 2 p.m.
Cost: $18-150.
Info: 866-461-6556 or www.DicksSportingGoodsPark.com.

Eclectic singer-songwriter Feist has loads of legit accolades, including two critically-acclaimed albums, membership in Toronto’s excellent musical collective Broken Social Scene, and a reputation for consistently engaging live shows. But most people will recognize this Canadian performer from her song “1234,” prominently featured on those silhouetted iPod Nano commercials.

The song itself grew so huge that Feist herself performed it on Sesame Street. But the interested shouldn’t let the song’s ubiquity scare them off; Leslie Feist writes brilliant, catchy melodies with poignant lyrics, and her most recent album, “The Reminder,” showcases this perfectly. Feist herself has reportedly mentioned she’s sick of the song; this could be your last chance for a while to see her live, before she holes up to write another incredible batch of tunes.

What: Feist performs.
Where: Fillmore Auditorium, Denver.
When: Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Cost: $30.
Info: www.livenation.com/venue/getVenue/venueId/1380.