Crackling hot

They say lightning never strikes twice. How about five times? This summer, hotel hotspot W Boston (100 Stuart Street, Boston, 617.261.8700) is energizing its nightlife scene with the Electric Summer Music Series. Largely curated by Boston Phoenix music editor Michael Marotta, the quintet of live performances and dance parties will kick off on Thursday, July 26, with a 10 p.m. show from experimental electro-rock trio Into the Alpha in the W Lounge. Then on Thursday, August 9, is an evening inspired by The Donkey Show, the American Repertory Theater’s disco-era reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream; expect a Midsummer-themed menu in the W’s refined Market restaurant, plus “mini performances” by Donkey cast members in the W Lounge at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. For the full series lineup, including details on DJ-driven parties at the W’s nightspot Descent, check out facebook.com/wbostonhotel.