The local hip-hop underground goes above ground, as the true record playas of the Valley will turn on their turntablism talents during Reign of the Tech on Sunday, July 3, at the Old Brickhouse Grill, 1 East Jackson. Myriad mixmasters from around the PHX will mass for the 21-and-over event, where DJs like Skip Skoolnik and Foundation of Vinyl Rockers, Phat-E and Reflekshin of Fresh Out Da Box, and Tricky T and Element of The Blunt Club work the tracks on wax all night. Collectives like Abstract Workshop, Versatile DJs, and The Unusuals are also in the lineup, as well as an art show by Adam Dumper (a.k.a. Dumperfoo) and live art demonstrations. Doors open at 9 p.m., and the showcase starts at 10 p.m. Admission costs $5. Call 602-258-7880 or check www.brickhouse.tv. --Benjamin Leatherman
Phantom Fandom
Hey, nice chandelier
6/30-7/3
You're not off the hook, man, just because you endured Phantom of the Opera at the local multiplex. Sure, your girl gushed when you took her to see the feature film, but now she wants the real thing -- live and in person -- when Phantom takes the Gammage Auditorium stage at Apache and Mill in Tempe. But don't fret; the Phantom won't be there forever. The touring production is in its final weekend of performances, through Sunday, July 3. And plenty of great seats are still available -- for $19.75 to $75 -- by calling 480-784-4444. See www.asugammage.com for details. -- Joe Watson
Calypso Service
Ruler of island rhythms
SAT 7/2
Despite its proliferation of palm trees, Phoenix is so far removed from the Caribbean mindset that more residents could probably identify oceanographer Jacques Cousteau as captain of the Calypso than The Mighty Sparrow as the "King of the Calypso World." This legendary musical monarch will undoubtedly rectify the situation with his first Arizona performance at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, at the Scottsdale Center for the Arts, 7380 East Second Street. "The Mighty Sparrow" rose to the top of calypso aristocracy by "defeating every other competitor/pretender to the throne," according to his Web site. In a musical genre that frequently involves social commentary laced with satire, The Mighty Sparrow has "unraveled the mysteries of Caribbean life, leaving the professionally trained sociologist and economist befuddled." High talk, indeed, but when you've produced 90 albums and been racking up hits since 1956's "Jean and Dinah," you've earned it. Tickets cost $25 to $35. Call 602-404-8196 or see www.caaaz.org. -- Douglas Towne
Abs Infinitum
Dancer's navel takes a tour
7/1
At age 16, belly dancer Neena Nour discovered her true passion while attending massage school. "It was kind of funny," she recalls. "Belly dance was like an extra credit." Nour's next whirlwind mini-tour is practically guaranteed to visit a cafe near you, Friday, July 1, at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Tempe's Cafe Istanbul, 1310 East Apache Boulevard, 480-731-9499; and at 10 and 11 p.m. the same night at Sultan's Mediterranean Grill, 5625 West Bell Road in Glendale, 602-298-4400. "My mission in life is to inspire others," says Nour. And, apparently, to leave no dinner table unjiggled. E pluribus hummus. -- Julie Peterson
Jammin' at Banana Leaf
'Til the night is through
SAT 7/2
Scottsdale's Banana Leaf Bistro will have its monthly identity crisis on Saturday, July 2, when the spacious Chinese-American restaurant at 7111 East Thomas hosts the hottest beats in dance hall, reggaeton and hip-hop during the Reggae Dance Hall First Saturday's event. Come shake ya' tail feathers while doing the Jerry Springer and help promote Rastaman vibrations from Nigeria to Jamaica. DJs spin more than Bob Marley roots music -- Jamaica's Super Cat and Nairobi's up-and-coming Pazzo are just some of the positive-consciousness sounds to be heard. The rapid-fire toasting from Kenya-born DJ Libra and Sudanese virtuoso DJ Drew lasts until 2 a.m. Yeah, mon. Doors open at 9 p.m. $5 cover charge. Ladies attend free until 10 p.m. Call 480-367-9793. -- Steve Jansen
