Say “tap dancing” and most people will flash uncomfortably on their grandma’s inexplicable Fred Astaire fetish. (Not so inexplicable, really - tap shoes and tuxedos are always hot.) But tap clatters exuberantly on, now fused with hip hop and history - and accomplished tap dancing is always impressive. If you want to hear that sharp volley of sound from quick-moving feet, the world’s great tappers are descending on Herbst Theater this weekend.

Featuring Melinda Sullivan of So You Think You Can Dance and tap stars from Hollywood and Broadway, Bay Area Rhythm Exchange is an annual event and the best place to see tap in the Bay Area. Channing Cook Holmes (think Riverdance and Gangs of New York) will be on stage, along with Mark Mendonca and Jason Rodgers of Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk. The Barbary Coast Cloggers will also make an appearance. 

August 19-20. Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness. Tickets are $17-25 at 415-392-4400 or cityboxoffice.com.