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.
1. DUBble Down's Final Show at Club Mardi Gras (Friday)
The reggae musicians of DUBble Down have proven to be quite popular around these parts as of late. We've heard stories about how dozens of their fans have crowded into joints like the Big Fish Pub in Tempe to hear their irie beats, as well as reportedly buying up all the Heineken that the bar had in stock (what, no Red Stripe). So we're kinda scratching out heads as to why the band is leaving AZ to head back to their home state of Hawaii. Word on the street is that they're feeling homesick for their home state (and who could blame them?), but aren't ruling out a return to P-Town sometime in the future. Their final show before bidding "aloha" will be at Club Mardi Gras and is guaranteed to be bonkers. Ska/reggae act The Skacas will provide support. (8040 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, 602-595-2001)
2. AZ Rocky Horror Prom at Chandler Cinemas (Friday)
Correct us if we're wrong, but didn't prom season end a few weeks ago? Even if it did, that's not stopping the kooky cats of the Valley's Rocky Horror Picture Show troupe from throwing their own version of the annual high school right of passage. Costumes, of course, are encouraged -- as long as your outfit is "street-legal," according to the troupe's MySpace -- and there will also be plenty of refreshments, music, and dancing (probably something having to do with the "Time Warp," we're sure). 8 p.m., $5. 2140 North Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480-821-1605).
3. Jay Stay Paid Album Release Party + Beat Showcase at Hidden House (Friday)
Detroit's J Dilla may have shuffled loose the mortal coil back in 2006 (dying tragically young from Lupus at the age of only 32) but the renowned hip-hop producer/rapper's influence continues to live on, as evidenced by the posthumous releasing of a multitude of his material. The latest CD to hit the streets is the soon-to-be released Jay Stay Paid on Nature Sounds. Both J Dilla and his music will be celebrated during an album release party at the Hidden House, which also includes such performers as LOST of The Council Pro, SlopfunkDust, and Taurus Scott showing off their talents. 10 p.m. $5. (607 West Osborn Road, 602-266-1763)
4. Transzylvania at Club Palazz0 (Friday)
It's been four years since this infamous goth/industrial night first launched back in 2005, and - Satan be praised - it's still managing to pack in the pleather-clad vampire types and corset-wearing cutie pies. As always, be sure to check out the light show at midnight, which reveals something decidely interesting to the eyes. 10 p.m.-4 a.m., $7. (710 North Central Avenue, 602-229-1150).
5. Fiesta Fridays at Macayo's on Central (Friday) We've said it before and we'll gladly say it again: Andy Herrera (a.k.a. Big Latin) is one of the hardest-working cats in the P-town DJ and dance scene. He's got gigs going down at some of the biggest Latin nightspots around the Valley. For instance, every Friday afternoon and evening, the dude’s serving up Latin beats and hip-hop treats to patrons of Macayo’s. Over the course of his happy hour set, which starts at 4 p.m., the crowd slowly morphs from the after-work crowd to more of the night on the town types, but all of them seem eager to bump their humps to Big Latin’s beats.
6. Bacardi B-Live Tour at Myst (Saturday)
One-time Fresh Prince BFF Jazzy Jeff will serve as a co-headliner for this liquor-sponsred event along with NYC's Steve Porter and Drop the Lime. An array of hot spins, hip-hop tracks, and bootie-shaking is sure to ensue. Tickets are free, but involve logging onto bacardibliveusa.bacardi.com to get access. 9 p.m. (7340 East Shoeman Lane, Scottsdale, 480-970-5000)
7. Big Pete Pearson's CD release party at Rhythm Room (Saturday)
There are a few certifiable blues legends residing here in the Valley and Pete Pearson is most definitely one of them. The 72-year-old Jamaican-born singer started performing those lowdown blues way back in the late '50s and has a long list of both fans and friends, many of who are certain to come out to this weekend to celebrate the release of his newest album Finger in Your Eye. Pearson will man the microphone while the members of the Rhythm Room All-Stars (including Bob Corritore, Brian Fahey, Patrick Rynn, and Chris James) provide the music. Doors open at 8 p.m. $7. (1019 East Indian School Road, 602-265-4842).
8. Dusty Rhodes and the River Band at Yucca Tap Room (Saturday)
We've made little attempt to hide our fandom for this folksy indie rock sextet from Orange County, as evidenced by our glowing review of the band from last December when they opened up for the Aquabats at the Marquee. We won't have to shell out any cash to see them this time around (and neither will you for that matter) as they're presenting a free gig at the Yucca Tap in support of their latest disc Palace and Stage. A slew of locals will provide support, including the Necronauts, Vine Land, Parkway Wretch, and Emperors of Japan. 9 p.m. (29 West Southern Avenue, Tempe, 480-967-4777)
9. Adult Swim at the Wyndham Hotel (Sunday)
We've been hyping the hell out of Star Swim over the past couple weeks, and now its time to do the same for its DJ-centric sister shindig, Adult Swim. The triumvirate of William Fucking Reed, Jared Alan, and Sean Watson will spin their usual mix of electro-rock/indie music at the Wyndham's fifth floor pool deck and will be backed up by such guests as Noah Wylie, the Boom Kidz, Sesso, Repeat Repeat. It's nine straight hours of music and there's certain to be some wild times afoot, both in the water and elsewhere. But if you end up tiring of playing around in the pool with bikini-clad hotties, you can always bounce around in the Moon Jump (!!!) that's being brought in. 1 to 10 p.m., $5. (50 East Adams Street, 602-333-0000)
10. Hell City Roller Girls Tryouts at USA's Great Skate
Okay, we admit that we're cheating a little bit with this one (since admission will be an even $10) but we figured y'all would give us a pass on the faux-pas considering how this bitchin' event will provide ladies from around the Valley with the chance to live out their dreams of becoming hell on wheels. HCRG is the newest roller derby leagues in the Valley, and is looking for a few brutal beauties to join their ranks. Be sure to bring some band-aids in case things get a little bloody. Admission price includes skate rental. 6 p.m. (10054 North 43rd Avenue, Glendale, 623-842-1182)
