DJ Brook B will be a part of the final Social tonight at Incog.
There's a certain dilemma involved with this weekend. Should one go all out and spend the next 48-72 hours living it up? Or do you pace yourself and conserve some energy since there's only three days or work (if that) next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday?
Either way, there's gonna plenty of stuff going on. Third Friday is tonight (so make sure to peep Arty Girl's blog from earlier for a guide of what to see and do) in addition to the 10 cheap-ass events we're profiling in this post.
Check back on Wednesday morning, as Up on the Sun will present a special edition of "10 Things" for the T-Day vaction.
Social Finale at Incognito (Friday)
There's gotta be something in the water. First Shake! wrapped up it's five-year run, and now house music night Social is calling it quits. The resident DJs of the bi-weekly dance party (such as Steve Edwards and Spyder) have decided "the time has come to close this chapter of our lives and move on to what comes next," and are giving Social a "proper burial ceremony" tonight with appearances by guests Brook B, D-Frag, and NYC's BDC. Drink specials include $3 domestic pitchers and the $10 "Social Jug." 9 p.m., $5 after 10:30 p.m. (2424 East Thomas Road, 602-955-9805)
Turn Back O Man is scheduled to perform tonight at Fifth and Roosevelt streets.
Downtown Phoenix is gonna be a hotbed of activity this weekend. Of the 10 different low-cost/no-cost events getting pimped in this blog post, eight will be taking place within the confines of P-Town's urban core. There's tonight's Green Streets Festival along Roosevelt Row, tomorrow evening's diverse Phoenix Annual Parade of the Arts, and Sunday's Civic Space Jam, just to rattle off some of the highlights.
Oh yeah, and to ensure maximum hipster cred and irony, be sure to be wearing your "Downtown is Ovah" tee shirts when attending many of these events.
Green Streets Festival on Roosevelt Row (Friday)
Besides all the earth-loving artists and vendors that this eco-friendly extravaganza is promising, Psyko Steve Chilton has booked the triumvirate of Snake!Snake!Snakes!, Turn Back O Man, and Snow Songs to provide some indie-flavored sounds to go along with tie-dyed tee shirts and granola munching that will be going on. 7 p.m., free (Fifth and Roosevelt streets)
Obscura at the Ruby Room (Friday)
Make sure that your sugalumps are in order, as the DJ duo of Roya and Funkfinger are celebrating the Flight of Conchords during the latest edition of their popular Ruby Room monthly. Copies of Bret and Jemaine's latest disc I Told You I Was Freaky will be handed out (as will CDs from Kings of Convenience, Cold Cave, and Snow Patrol) and DJ FLNGN will also be on hand to spin a selection of indie, New Wave, Britpop, and retro music. Hopefully there won't be too many dicks on the dance floor. 9 p.m., $5 (717 South Central Avenue, 602-258-6900).
Man-candy mixmaster Jared Alan will be holding court tonight at Sanctum.
Officially, the re-launch for Jared Alan's notorious fauxShow Night at its new home isn't taking place until next Friday.
Unofficially, however, the hunky hipster DJ is kicking things off a whole week early with an under-the-radar members-only grand opening affair later tonight at Sanctum. It's sure to be quite the fashionable fete, drawing in a select crowd of beautiful types to the gothy Melrose District dance den
So how does one get in? UPDATE: You don't. Mr. Alan just sent us an e-mail stating that they're past capacity and outta room, which means you're outta luck...at least until next Friday.
Check out the 411 below on all the ugdet bashes and other low-cost ways to while away the weekend. (And if you're still at a loss as to what to do tonight, be sure to peruse our rundown of what's on tap for First Friday).
FauxShow Friday Night VIP Party at Sanctum (Friday)
If you wanna to gain access to this secretive soiree (which you can read about on fauxShow's Facebook page) e-mail the promoter, but be quick about it as only 200 peeps will be admitted. Alan and Goldsmith will provide the beats. 9 p.m. (4343 N. 7th Street)
Anniversary Party at Hanny's (Friday)
Speaking of happening hootenannies, this chic downtown Phoenix swanketeria opened 12 months ago and is feting the occasion in style with a First Friday celebration. The DJ trio of Josh One, Mark 5, and bartender Shane Hiner will provide a little triple-team action during their 2x4 set while spinning up "an eclectic mash-up smokin' rare grooves and urban funk" on a quartet of record decks. Meanwhile, there will also be drink specials aplenty coming from the bar, including $6 Dewar's, $5 classic martinis created with Smirnoff or Beefeater, and $5 Bacardi Silver and Sauza beverages. 7 p.m., free (40 N. 1st St., 602-252-2285)
Pretty Young Things at Majerle's (Friday)
Former Shake! spinsters Prince $$, Disco Tex, and Funkfinger are nothing if not expeditious. Less than a week after the finale of their former night, the turntable trio are debuting a brand new party at Dan Majerle's downtown Phoenix sports bar. This monthly affair, which will take place every First Friday, also features plenty of bubbles and girly cocktails. 9 p.m. (24 N. 2nd St., 602-253-9004)
Barred for Life Book Tour at Jugheads (Saturday)
Henry Rollins might not dig Black Fag, but don't let that dissuade your from attending their gig this weekend at Jugheads. (According to the MySpace blog for the over-the-top gay Black Flag tribute act, Hank was reportedly a little gruff when frontman attempted to invite him to participate in one of their shows earlier this year.) If you didn't happen to catch BF when they passed through Phoenix back in June, the band offers a rather catty and mincing take on the legendary punker iconoclasts, complete with drag outfits. They're in town for the Barred for Life book tour and are encouraging Black Flag fans with tattoos of their infamous black bars logo to show up and be photographed for said tome. The Tight Holes and Barred for Life open the show. 8 p.m., $8. (5011 E. McDowell Rd., 602-275-1039).
You can find Chuey the Rock 'n' Roll Midget hanging out at Giligin's Halloween Block Party in Scottsdale this weekend.
Halloween Block Party at Giligin's (Friday)
If the Ghost Ball proves too crowded or too douchey for your tastes, Cap'n Mike and his kooky crew have a more unpretentious option for your All Hallows Eve. A big chunk of Winfield Scott Plaza will be fenced off for a two-day indoor/outdoor extravaganza of live bands, drunken distractions, and bizarre behavior. A costume contest will also be offered with prizes (including a Jägermeister dispenser) for the best-dressed guy and girl as well as the "most offensive outfit." The always-popular Chuey the Rock 'n' Roll Midget will also be in the house and will likely sporting a fairly bizarre costume (last year he dressed as John Wayne Gacy-esque clown). Beat that Axis-Radius. 8 p.m., $5. (4251 N. Winfield Scott Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-874-2264).
Rev Theory at Tempe Marketplace (Friday)
Here's a deal that's sweeter than any Snickers bar stolen from your kid's trick or treat bag: alt-metal act Rev Theory ("Light it Up," "Far From Over") is scheduled to perform on the outdoor mall's District Stage and the gig is absolutely free of charge. Beezlewood (the newest band from Opiate for the Masses Ron Underwood) and local boys Howitzer open the show. 8 p.m. (2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe)
Burlesque singer Melody Sweets will perform at the Venue of Scottsdale tonight as a part of Most Interesting Show in the World.
While next week gonna be packed wall-to-wall with Halloween events aplenty -- from vampire parties to dire deathraces -- this weekend ain't too shabby when it comes to things to see and do.
Dos Equus is putting on a rather primo party in Scottsdale, the creators of local web comic Monster Commute are holding a celebration of their own, and there's a bit-time pop-punk shindig over in Mesa.
Read on for the full details.
The Most Interesting Show in the World at Venue of Scottsdale (Friday)
Freaks and geeks alike will likely both enjoy this whacked-out variety show presented by Dos Equus. It's an evening-long bazaar of the bizarre hosted by Angelo Moore of Fishbone and featuring burlesque singer Melody Sweets, renowned contortionist Mei Ling, comedian Mark Faje, the "Human Beat-Box" Butterscotch, and other entertaining oddities. Admission is free, but you gotta RSVP via this site in order to get in. 8 p.m. (7117 E. Third Ave., Scottsdale, 480-945-5150)
R.E.M: This Is Not A Show at MADCAP Theatre (Friday)
Back in July 2007, Michael Stipe and the other members of alt-rock legends R.E.M. traveled to Ireland and engaged in a five-night experimental "live rehearsal" series at Dublin's Olympia Theatre for its fans. These non-tradition performances yielded some interesting results, which were captured by filmmaker Vincent Moon in his 2009 documentary/concert film. 8 p.m., $6. (730 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480-634-5192)
The Sugar Thieves are scheduled to perform tonight at Civic Square Park.
While the jury's still out over whether or not downtown Phoenix's music scene is "ovah," our city's core appears to be alive and well when it comes to culture. Need some proof to back up that statement? Take a look at the number of downtown-centric events we're hyping in this week's edition of 10 Things Under $10.
From free concerts to off-the-hook dance nights, there's many an event to participate in this weekend in and around Copper Square.
Libra Party at Stoudemire's Downtown (Friday)
If you're astrological forecast for today indicates "rewards will flow your way," chances are good that you're a Libra. And if that's the case, the promoters behind Flash Fridays are gonna make good on that particular prognostication by offering you a no-cover admission into their party tonight. It gets even better as Libra ladies will also get a free bottle of bubbly as well. Everyone else can also get in free before midnight. DJ Deuce will be on the ones and twos during the evening, so be sure to shake a tailfeather to the R&B and hip-hop tracks he'll be laying down. 9 p.m. (3 S. 2nd St., 602-579-4518).
The Sugar Thieves at Downtown Civic Space Park (Friday)
There are some pretty picturesque locations in downtown Phoenix, chief among them being the Civic Space Park. Between Janet Echelman's unique aerial creation Her Secret is Patience and the glowing columns of light, it's quite the colorful setting. Here's another major plus for the urban park: Every few weeks it's the site of an ongoing outdoor concert series where the best indie bands from the Valley scene conduct an al fresco performance. (Read Lilia Menconi's "Arty Girl" blog for more info on the other artistic activities that will be taking place at the park this evening.) Tonight's act is The Sugar Thieves, the local blues/roots ensemble featuring the über-talented Mikel Lander and Meredith Moore. The duo impressed us to no end when they showed up for an edition of the Sun Sessions and also blew away the competition during our Summer of Sound Americana show back in June. 7 p.m., free. (424 N. Central Ave.)
The Janks are scheduled to perform tonight at MADCAP Theaters in Tempe.
Archaic Cessation at Joe's Grotto (Friday)
Halloween's not for another couple weeks, so get yourself in the mood for ghosts and goblins with an evening of horrific and creepy death metal from this fearsome foursome. Losing God, Fail to Reason, and Anomaly will also perform. 8 p.m., $5. (13825 North 32nd Street, 602-992-1007)
The Janks at MADCAP Theaters (Friday)
Zack and Dylan Zmed might be the offspring of greasy-haired '80s heartthrob Adrian Zmed, but try not to hold that fact against them, as the 20something musicians actually have some performance skills (unlike their Dance Fever-hosting papa). The pair form the core of Cali indie/Americana band The Janks, who'll visit Tempe tonight for a gig with locals Isle of Essence and The Dorsets. 7 p.m., $8.
The Limit Club is scheduled to perform on Saturday at Rogue West.
Need something to do tonight? What about Saturday or Sunday? Here's the latest edition of our weekend sampler encompassing everything a slew of cheap and chic thrills available around the Valley.
Friday Night Live at PHX Nightclub (Friday)
While DMX warned the world to "stay the fuck outta Arizona" after his recent stint in Tent City, the embattled rap star appears to have set aside his negative feelings for our state in order to appear at PHX Nightclub's Friday Night Live affair. Well, if the event's online flier is to be believed, that is. Since local club promoters have the occasional tendency to confabulate (shocking), we recommend taking their word that Mr. Earl Simmons will be in the house tonight in downtown Phoenix with a huge grain of salt. 9 p.m., no cover before 10:30 p.m. (122 East Washington Street).
Tribute Band Madness at Joe's Grotto (Friday)
Rob Zombie's headed to the Valley next month, but if you can't wait until around Halloween time (or don't got the scratch to nab a ticket) then check out local Zombie tribute act Astrocreep 2000's version of the horror rocker music. They'll be joined on the Joe's Grotto Stage by fellow mock rockers Grind (Alice in Chains imitators), Aces High (who'll send up Iron Maiden), and AZ/DZ (AC/DC, duh). 8 p.m., $5. (13825 North 32nd Street, 602-992-1007)
The Bay Area's Nobunny will terrorize the Trunk Space on Saturday night.
There are gonna be two kinds of people in the Valley this weekend: Those who can afford to go to Fall Frenzy, and those who can't. Given the $50-$60 price tag for tickets, its to be expected that a few thrifty types might consider looking elsewhere for entertainment over the next 72 hours.
If you're more of the former instead of the latter, check out our usual rundown of dirt-cheap distractions from tonight until Sunday.
The Love Me Nots CD Release Show at Yucca Tap Room (Friday)
Yesterday, the Valley's favorite garage/retro band released its newest disc Upsidedown Inside Out; and tonight they'll be celebrating said album with an evening of music in Tempe, which also features appearances by the Beatnik Bombers and LA's Don Juan y Los Blancos. Drink specials include $2 PBR and $3 tangerines and mango vodka drinks. 9 p.m., free (29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480-967-4447)
Angela Franks Wells at Tilt Gallery "Local photographer Angela Franks Wells isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. No, she's not a hitwoman. And no, she isn't snapping porn. Wells uses an old school, and very messy, photogravure technique involving toxic chemicals that leave her hands stained black and smelling like copper pennies. The untidy process is fitting given her recent subject matter -- the oily, greasy workplaces of mechanics and other skilled laborers." 6 p.m., free. (919 West Fillmore Street, 602-716-5667) -- Wynter Holden
Nobunny at Trunk Space (Saturday) Trashy. Disgusting. Perverse. Disturbing. Noisy. Those are just a few ways to describe the sweat-soaked performances of Nobunny (a.k.a. Justin Champlin), the former Tucson punker who spews forth punky, distortion-laden garage rock wearing nothing but his underwear and a filthy bunny mask. He's taking over the Trunk Space for an evening and it sure to evoke visions of bygone bizarro rock act I Hate You When You're Pregnant. Fellow freakazoids JJCnV, Haunted Cologne, and the Best Friends will also perform. 8 p.m., $8. (1506 Grand Avenue, 602-256-6006)
Sketching In Stereo is scheduled to perform tonight at the Hot Topic at Tempe Marketplace.
Was the four-day workweek too much for y'all to handle? Fear not, fellow cubicle drones, as we've got a decatet of onexpensive options to spend your weekend recovering from the rat race.
There's free rock and punk shows, hip-hop celebrations, bad movies, and good movies in our weekly rundown.
Take a gander for yourself:
The Patriot Show at Rogue Bar (Friday) Despite the moniker that's been affixed to this local artist showcase being put on at Scottsdale's favorite hipster dive bar by Free Sushi Records, we somehow doubt that bands such as The Whisperlights and Beatnik Bombers will make the eighth anniversary of 9/11 with any renditions of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA." Truth be told, Americana-laced pop/rock songs are more likely rather than the American-centric jingoism. Bonecookie, Will and I, and Dearspeak are also scheduled to perform. 9 p.m., $5. 423 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-947-3580)
Sketching in Stereo at Hot Topic/Tempe Marketplace (Friday) As much as we hate promoting anything associated with the loathsome kiddie-punk mall chain (which always brings up visions of the Dead Kennedys song "Anarchy for Sale"), the chance to catch a free show by the radio-friendly rockers of Sketching in Stereo is too good to pass up. But for the love of Chuck D., please resist the urge to buy a Public Enemy hoodie. 6 p.m., free. (2000 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite D2, Tempe, 480-557-9828)
LA's Hyphy Crunk is scheduled to appear at Homme Lounge tonight during Party Foul! Fridays.
Its Labor Day weekend, which means three straight days and nights of fun, fetes, pool parties, and (best of all) no work. Appropriately, this edition of "10 Things Under $10" includes a few cheap thrills that are scheduled to take place on Monday, September 7.
Have fun, y'all, and keep a look out for those DUI checkpoints (or better yet, call a cab to schlep your drunk ass home).
Hyphy Crunk at Homme Lounge (Friday)
The members of the notorious Party Foul! crew have an infamous reputation for throwing an off-the-hook celebration, but their party monster status absolutely pales in comparison to that of Hyphy Crunk, the SoCal fete freak and electro-house DJ who's been described as a "true god in West Coast dance mega events." 9 p.m., $6-$8. (138 West Camelback Road, 602-234-3023)
Reggae Sound Splash at Red Owl (Friday)
Get a taste of Jamaica (without dropping some serious scrilla on airfare) as the musicians and DJs of the Valley's reggae scene present an evening of irie sounds. Bob Marley tee shirts are options The list of performers include JahMek, Tony Culture. J Cut, Monsoon Sound System, Jon Dread, and others. 7 p.m., $5. (2155 East University Drive, Tempe, 480-966-4733)
Safe Haven is scheduled to perform tonight at Club Mardi Gras.
Dear College Students of the Valley,
Welcome back from your summertime hiatus. Your absence was particularly missed by local bar and club owners, as was your supply of disposable income.
A few things are different since you squeaked through final exams in May. The light rail started running until last call, which means you can have an extra drink or not worry about risking a DUI. Some of your favorite hangouts (Mickey's, Sugar Daddy's, SIX Lounge) have also sadly closed up shop thanks to this raging bitch of an economy.
But the more things change, the more they stay the same. There's still plenty of cool parties and distractions to be had every weekend, many of which are $10 or less (hence the purpose of this weekly post). Remember, just because the government (or the 'rents) are handing out some tidy sums, that doesn't mean you gotta blow it all by Labor Day. Check out our list of cheap thrills and try stretching things out a little (unless the thought of subsisting on ramen appeals to you, that is).
Arizona Rock Fight Finals at Club Mardi Gras (Friday) In every battle there inevitably must be a winner and a loser, and this weekend's finals of the Arizona Rock Fight is no exception. Following weeks of furious competition between local outfits to determine who's the best, it's boiled down to just four bands: Slowpoke, A House Divided, Ronin Meyer, and Safe Haven. The winners get a slot on the main stage at Arizona Fall Frenzy, while the three runners-up get to lug their equipment home in shame and console themselves with a non-main stage appearance at the same event. 8:30 p.m., $8. (8040 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, 480-970-5707)
Red Cup Nationals at Jugheads (Friday) The notorious punk bar is trading up hardcore mohawks for douchey faux-hawks as it offers a night of frant boy fun, including beer pong, flip cup competitions, miniature bike relays, quarters games, and possibly a wet tee-shirt contest. Who knows, there might even be some Coldplay or Dave Matthews blasting outta the joint's jukebox instead of the normal punk anthems. 8 p.m., $8. (5110 East McDowell Road, 602-275-1039)
Teenage Bad Girl at The Rogue Bar (Saturday) "Parisian duo Guillaume Manbell and Greg Kazubski traded tracks over the Internet in early 2000, creating the basis for their trademark hard-hitting cuts and beats chopped up in warm, analog buzz. Then, with Scissor Sisters and Felix Da Housecat remixes under their waistbands, they dropped their 2007 album Cocotte (some say Daft Punk meets The Stooges) and positioned themselves for the French nouvelle vague tidal wave, spurring electro-house/trance cliques such as JohnLordFonda, Aphex Twin, and Justice. Like the Small Faces said in 1968, 'Wouldn't it be nice to get on with me neighbors? But they make it clear they've got no room for ravers.'" 7:30 p.m., $8. (423 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-947-3580) -- Leslie Barton
The GS Boyz are scheduled to perform tonight at Afterlife in Scottsdale.
That nutty naturalist Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "All good things are cheap."
Frankly, we couldn't agree with the Walden author more, especially since our weekend roundup if chock full of events and gigs that are both boffo and bargain minded. There's hip-hop shows, industrial rock blowouts, and even some free booze.
Take a look-see for yourself:
House 7340 vs. FauxShow at Axis/Radius (Friday) Who'd win in a fight between Jared Alan and Tranzit? If you're talking fisticuffs, it probably would be pretty evenly matched (although if things got dirty, Alan's flowing locks might become a liability). But when it comes who's the better DJ (or who's got the biggest fanbase), that remains to be seen. We'll find out when the pair of beat-blasters (and their respective crews) come together in Scottsdale for a night of electro vs. house, Phoenix vs. Scottsdale, and douches vs. hipsters. 9 p.m., $8. 7340 East Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, 480-970-1112)
GS Boyz at Afterlife (Friday) Pop quiz: Know how to do the Stanky Leg? It's simple, fool: Just stick your left leg out and kinds rotate it around while waving yo hands in the air (we think). There, now you're prepared to attend the GS Boyz (which is short for "Them G-Spot Boyz") show at this after-hours Scottsdale nightspot, where the Texas hip-hop fivesome is guaranteed to bust out with the song of the same name. Power 98.3's Tio Gio and Bruce will host. 8 p.m., $5 before 10:30 p.m. (4282 North Drinkwater Boulevard).
Calabrese is scheduled to haunt Atomic Comics during Fright Night on Sunday.
Discount-priced distractions are in abundance this weekend, ranging from Faux Punks and real punks to fashionistas and freaks. Looking for some inexpensive adventure? Here's our weekly list of what's going on.
WestFest at First Christian Church (Friday) In case you missed Arty Girl's post from yesterday, it's First Friday time, which means that joints throughout downtown Phoenix and CenPho will be teeming with musicians, artists, and other folks getting their creative juices flowing. This funky house of worship is also getting in on the fun, as it's hosting performances by a dozen different local bands running the gamut from navel-gazing emo to gut-busting power rock. The line-up includes the Constelation Branch, Fireside Galaxy, Coats & Villa, pacKrat, Out of Reverie, Lanterns, and many more. 1:30 p.m., $7. (6750 North Seventh Avenue, 602-246-9206)
Cobra Skulls at Chyro Arts Like the old saying goes, punk rock will never die. Instead, the three-chord genre will be endlessly regenerated by generation after generation of noisy, scowling leather-clad hooligans who blend and mix the influences and attitudes of punk's progenitors to ultimately create their own sound. To wit: This Reno, Nevada trio has taken bits and pieces from Against Me!, Social D., 7 Seconds, Fear, and dozens of their predecessors to concoct a modern-day version of anarchistisc aggro-music that's perfect soundtrack for both slamdancing or reading the latest copy of Maximumrocknroll. The band's all ages gig will also features The Copyrights, Move Forward, Executives, and Japanese Monsters. 7 p.m., $8. (1330 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-258-2329)
Sammy Bananas is scheduled to spin tonight at Bar Smith during DJ Fashen's final, final PHX event.
Truly we are hip-deep in the middle of the "Dog Days of Summer,"
when it seems like anyone with enough common sense has gone on vacay to the
beach or has just plain made tracks outta this place. Despite the impression
that there's nothing doing around these parts, we've dug up 10 bomb-ass events
this weekend with bargain basement admission costs. Take a gander.
Sammy Bananas/DJ Fashen at Bar Smith (Friday)
This is it. Absolutely. Tonight's the night. (And this time he means it). Even though DJ Fashen "officially" held farewell to the PHX party a few weeks ago, the bound-for-LA turntablist wants to take one last curtain call at FUSE Fridays before he blows town. (We really shouldn't crack wise at his expense, considering the dood was nice enough to grant us an interview). Fools Gold star Sammy Bananas will headline. 9 p.m., $7. (130 East Washington Street, 602-229-1265).
The Love Me Nots at Yucca Tap
In case you hadn't heard, the Valley's favorite retro/60s/garage rock band has added analog producer extraordinaire Bob Hoag on the drum kit after former skin-beater Vince Ramirez quit. Check out the new line-up at this free show, which also features LA's Beat Killers and Colorado's The Hollyfelds. 9 p.m., free (29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480-967-4777).
The Crush is scheduled to perform tonight at MADCAP Theatres in Tempe.
Regret, The Informer at Art One (Friday) As our resident "Arty Girl" Lilia Menconi reported a few weeks ago, this Scottsdale gallery has experienced a rather heavy duty cash crunch over much of the past year , much like a many other nearby businesses and art spots. One way in which owner Kraig Foote has attempted to keep his leaky ship afloat (besides hawking most of his private reserve of art and sacrificing his residence to the foreclosure gods) is by booking occasional hardcore and indie shows at the space, the latest of which features San Francisco thrash-core band Ordstro, Missouri-based rockers Canyons, the locals of Parade of Pigs, and Kansas City's Regret, The Informer. 7 p.m., $5. (4120 North Marshall Way, Scottsdale, 480-946-5076)
Chop Shop Fridays at Seis Frias (Friday) The lyrical tricksters of Bomb Legacy know a thing or two about making magic on the microphone and they'll prove it when they hook up with fellow hip-hop artists Rap-N-Pillage, Young G, Jrydah, and other ghetto-fab performers at this East Valley club. DJs B-Side and Rabbit will be one the ones and twos. 7 p.m., $6 after 9. (111 South Dobson Road, Mesa)
Ikonoklast is scheduled to perform on Saturday at Chasers Bar & Nightclub in Scottsdale.
From BBW beauties and bizarre behavior to outdoor punk shows and indoor disco dancefests, our weekly roundup of inexpensive events happening from tonight until Sunday has it all.
Read on for a rundown of all the thrifty throwdowns:
Artists for Dignity at Tonatierra (Friday) Chances are you won't catch Sheriff Joe Arpaio anywhere near this vibrant celebration of Chicano and Latino cultura, which benefits the Macehualli Work Center and will feature a number of artists gathering together to "resist, rebel, and create." Such hip-hop artists as Olmeca and Cihuatl-Ce will perform, food and drinks will be served, and live artwork will take place. 7 p.m., $5 suggested donation. (802 North Seventh Street, 602-314-5870)
High School Football Records Showcase at Jugheads (Friday) Although it doesn't have a six figure funding deal with Sony (like Modern Art Records), Billy Goodman's indie label has built a name for itself in the Valley scene, if for no other reason than its stellar line-up of artists. A good chunk of said roster (which is practically a "who's who" of local standouts) will be featured at this musical extravaganza, including The Tightholes, Skinwalkers, BOLT!, and Goodman's own outfit Necronauts. 9 p.m., $5. (5110 East McDowell Road, 602-225-0307).
Local body-mod beauty Dani Danger will give new definition to the term "hanging out" when she undergoes flesh hook suspension on Saturday.
It's gonna be plenty toasty this weekend. Like, unbearably uncomfortable, or even Hell-worthy hot. The ever-smiling weatherbots of the 10 o'clock news set have been predicting for the past few days that its gonna get up to 115 gawdamned degrees (gulp) by Sunday afternoon.
So it might be wise to stay indoors during the daylight hours until Monday, lest you'd prefer to disintegrate into a pile of ash à la Stephen Dorff in Blade. Be sure to come outside after dusk, however, as much coolness will be afoot around the Valley in the form of myriad nighttime rock shows, DJ events, and even a few under-the-radar events you won't hear about anywhere else. As an added benefit, they're also less than $10 to boot.
Electric Summer Finals at Rogue Bar (Friday) Over the past month or so, more than two dozen local rock and indie outfits have been competing in a knockdown, drag out musical melee at the Scottsdale dive to determine who's got the goods and who shoulda stayed in their garage. Five bands have made it to the final round - including Mobius, Bonecookie, Another Tomorrow, and The Undertone - and they'll square off for the entertainment of PBR-drinking hipsters, as well as the grand prize of some studio time and airplay on KWSS FM. 8 p.m., $5. (423 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480-947-3580).
AC Slater at Homme Lounge (Friday) Sorry Saved by the Bell fans, but we're not referring to the fictional 80s high school heartthrob, but rather the NYC DJ/producer who happens to share the same moniker of said character. Known for his high-energy electrified remixes, the talented turntablist brings some "big Brooklyn bass" to the weekly Party Foul! throwdown. Residents Kevin the Makeout Bandit, Bigie, Epidemic, Craig Citizen, and the rest will (naturally) also be in la casa. Free before 11 p.m., $6 afterwards. (138 West Camelback Road, 602-234-3023)
The ATL's Le Castle Vania will kick out the electro-house beats on Friday at Bar Smith.
There's more to see and do this weekend than just staring at massive explosions of gunpowder in the sky while some Lee Greenwood anthem plays in the background. A lot more. Since you've got three straight days away from the salt mine, we've put together a planner of off-the-hook alternatives to the Constitutionally-mandated standard fireworks fiestas and backyard beef bonanzas, including joints where you can drink and dance on the cheap from Friday until Sunday.
DJ Le Castle Vania at Bar Smith (Friday) Although he shares his nom de guerre with the NES vampire-killing game series that sucked up most of our childhood, the Atlanta-based electro-house mixmaster will be slaying clubgoers with his tricky beats instead of a whip whilst headlining this week's edition of FUSE Fridays. Residents Mara, Sonique des Fleurs, Disco Da, and Sol Martinez are also scheduled to spin. 9 p.m., $9. (130 East Washington Street)
The Love Me Nots are scheduled to perform tonight at the Yucca Tap Room in Tempe.
Need something to do tonight? What about Saturday or Sunday? Here's the latest edition of our weekend sampler encompassing everything a slew of cheap and chic thrills available around the Valley.
1. Third Friday Art Walk (Friday)
It's a well-known fact that tens of thousands of local art lovers usually are in attendance at the monthly First Friday art shindig. While this does much to bolster the city's pride in its vibrant urban core, it oftentimes leads to a lot of standing room only situations at galleries, where patrons often get an eyeful of the backs of people's heads instead of actual artwork. If you're one of those types who'd rather take a gander at actual paintings or photographs, take a trip to either Roosevelt Street or Grand Avenue, where all the major stops will be open for visitors. A number of opening receptions for exhibitions will be taking place, such as William LeGoullon's "Dust" photography series at Modified Arts. 5 p.m., free. (Downtown Phoenix)
2. NU: Native + You at the Heard Museum (Friday)
After you tire of traipsing about galleries and art spaces, head north on Central where an oasis of po-mo cool awaits at the latest edition of the museum's ongoing monthly art and music series. The creative efforts of a variety of Native American artists are featured, ranging from house music pulsating from the speakers of DJ Byron Fienx to the graffiti-like fashion designs of Un3ek Sy5tem. 5:30 p.m., free. (2301 North Central Avenue, 602-252-8848)
The Bollox are scheduled to perform tonight at Club Red in Tempe.
Can't find enough scrilla to take you S.O. go see Star Trek for the 16th time? Don't wanna take out a loan just to go see Les Claypool or Peter Murphy live and in concert?
Then check out our list of ultra-affordable events happening in and around P-Town this weekend from tonight until Sunday.
Harry Potter tribute band The Remus Lupins are scheduled to perform at the Scottsdale Public Library's Mustang Branch on Saturday.
Who says there's nothing to do during the summertime besides planting yourself in front of either the television or the air conditioner? Certainly not us, since we've assembled a list of 10 different shindigs and events that Valley culture vultures can check out.
And if you're running a little short until the next payday, don't fret. Like we mentioned last week, everything that's listed here costs less than $10 to attend, which means you can catch a punk show in Tempe, hang with Harry Potter fanatics in Scottsdale, or bump your badonkadonks in downtown Phoenix without taxing your bank account.
Our weekly rundown of where to find some summertime fun on the cheap follows the break:
Dusty Rhodes and the River Band will perform a free show at Yucca Tap on Saturday.
We're all about shaking things up here at Up on the Sun. Hence, we've decided to give our weekend concert calendar a bit of a face lift by transforming into our newest feature: 10 Things Under $10. As its name implies, we'll be assembling a dectet of dope-ass events (music-related or otherwise) that will be happening from Friday until Sunday, none of which will run you more than a Hamilton.
To wit: This weekend you can get a little irie, dress like Dr. Frankenfurter, or dance until dawn for less than a 1,000 pennies total. Hit the jump for a look at all the cheap thrills.